How to Quick Patch a Leaky Roof

During Hurricanes and big storms, roofs often get busted up and start to leak. Calling a repair man has to wait so what to do in the meantime...

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Caulk or Wood Filler - or -
• Plastic Sheeting - or -
• Small Board & Nails

1. Caulking Applicator If your home has an open, unfinished attic, you can often temporarily patch the leak from the inside by applying caulk or wood filler. Make sure to coat the entire area around the leak as well.
2. If you do not have caulking or filler, then locate a small board or cut one to size and position it over the leak and drive nails in hard enough that the board lays flush.
3. ACE Tarping Hurricane Roofs Cover a large, damaged roof area with plastic sheeting. Double up the edges and staple to sheeting to the roof. Caulk around the edges for a tight seal. you may have to tack wood strips around the edges of the plastic and at intervals in between if high winds return or continue to occur.

Tips & Warnings

• Stock up on these items prior to Hurricane and Storm season.
• When using nails, use the longest ones you can find to secure the patch during really high winds
• For plastic sheeting, stapling is recommended. Get a staple gun and keep it on hand.
• Caulking or filler may have trouble drying if the rains are ongoing. If they do not dry, they will fall out and be useless. Use only between rain events and thoroughly dry the area before applying.
• Do not attempt to tie down plastic sheeting during the height of the storm. Wait until after the winds die down to leave your home or get on the roof.
• Under long term hard rain and wind conditions, the board and nails method should be used ONLY and later, after conditions have improved, the sheeting or caulking can be added.