How to repair a leaky roof from the inside (short tips)

A leaky roof is obviously a cause for concern and requires immediate action. If you don’t want to deal with the consequences, it is better to act quickly and fix the roof. Even the smallest leaks can lead to much bigger and more significant problems, such as mold, rotting, damaged ceilings and much more.

If it is not treated, rather than repaired immediately, it could lead to significantly higher costs in the long run. Repairing the leaky roof may not be easy, especially if the leak is not easily accessible. Fortunately, we have a good guide for you here. Let’s look at how to fix a leaky roof from the inside.

A leaky roof can be a problem in any weather, but it can be a particularly big problem if you live in an area with strong storms. Leaving a leak untreated can do much more damage than just the small hole in the roof. Therefore, time is crucial when the roof is leaking. There are steps you can take to fix the leak and we’ll go through them here. How to repair a leaky roof from the inside.

Find roof leaks

Try to find it when it’s not raining

It is practically impossible to find a leak in the rain. So it makes sense to find it when it’s dry. The best idea is to start from the higher parts of your house and then gradually move down.

The way the water moves is downward. It could start high up and make the leak down and make its way through the ceiling and down the wall. Maybe the water moves a few feet before we actually see the leak.

So it would be a good idea to start in higher areas like the roof. First, try to look for roof penetrations. This is where most leaks start, and it’s not uncommon for an object to enter your roof. It is quite rare for leaks to develop in open areas with uninterrupted shingles.

If you can’t find a leak in the roof, look elsewhere. This includes the chimney, your roof ventilation openings, dormers or similar devices or rooms that protrude through the roof. Although the roof is most often leaky, the leak is sometimes easy to find, sometimes it is hidden.

What to do if the roof is leaking?

If it rains, you can go to the attic and determine the exact location of the leak. Take a flashlight and a piece of chalk with you so that you can mark the leak.

Look for damp spots on the bottom of the roof and look for a thin jet of water. Then follow the leak to the end until the wood is no longer wet. Look for possible entry points such as roof, ventilation slots and loose nails. When you have found the leak, mark it with the chalk.

Also watch out for water flowing down the chimney or for water flowing over the pipes. Mark any problems with the chalk.

If it stops raining, examine the leak more closely and work on the repair. Examine the exterior of the roof and start repairing the leak.

I can’t find a leak

Sometimes the leak is too difficult to find, but you can still do something to find it. For example, you can ask someone to help you find the leak. Ask them to climb the roof and soak the roof with a hose. Start low and move up as you try to find the leak.

Try to soak the bottom of the chimney and all the vents on your roof. Then one of you two should be in the house looking for the leak. If you can’t find it, move up and try to find it again. Hopefully you will find it that way.

How to repair a leaky roof from the inside

The first step, of course, is to locate the leak and then work towards the solution. First of all, you can provide a temporary solution that will later have to be fixed with a permanent solution. For example, if you don’t have a ladder, you can still make temporary corrections.

Let’s look at how to fix a leaky roof from the inside.

Step 1: locate the leak

As mentioned earlier, it is important to find the leak as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Go to your attic and locate the leak in the manner described above.

You may need to remove the insulation from the drywall to locate the leak. Once you find it, dry the plywood with a sponge or similar object and start checking the leak.

Keep in mind that the leak may be in the higher layers of the roof, even if you find the leak in your attic. Use chalk to determine the exact location of the leak. You can track the leak along the way the water makes along the wall or beam.

Step 2: divert the water

The next step is to collect the escaping water and lick the water into a bucket or similar object. Even if you can’t find a solution right away, you can still collect the water to avoid further leaks.

An easy way to do this is to put a nail in the hole. In this way, the water is deflected from the nail and emerges at a certain point.

Then you need to put a 5 gallon bucket under the leak to collect the water. Let the water collect and make sure the bucket is big enough for the water to collect.

Step 3: repair the leak

Once the area is dry, you can start fixing the leak. If the area of ​​the leak is already dry, ignore step 2 and proceed directly to this step. How to repair a leaky roof from the inside.

If the leak is due to a lack of blinking or if the blinking is in poor condition, the solution may be to use sealants to remedy the blinking. Although this is only a temporary fix, it can protect you for some time. This is especially true for shingles because you will have to fix them once and for all at some point.

A good short-term solution for shingles is to use mast or roof cement and the following steps:
Use a flat bar to raise the shingle. You may need to pry off the nail a bit, but don’t forget to pin it down again.

Then spread the sealant all over the leaky area. Spread the sealant under the shingle with a trowel.

The sealant should cover the broken area and you should spread it carefully so that it is relatively flat.

Alternatively, you can use a sprayed-on silicone to get a quick fix during the storm. It is an emergency solution. Once the storm is over, you should consult a professional who will help you repair the clapboard or leak.

Final thoughts on how to repair a leaky roof from the inside

How to repair a leaky roof from the inside. It is more geared towards temporary solutions, and in the end you will eventually have to make a final, permanent solution. However, it is important that you at least cover the leak for the time being to stop further damage and prevent further leaks from occurring.