How to Temporarily Patch a Leak Dayton, Ohio

It can happen to anybody; you wake up after a brutal storm only to find out you have a leaky roof! This is most common in older homes with damaged shingles. Homeowners in Vandalia, Ohio should be extra wary of this, as most houses and buildings in the area are at least 20 years old. Even the most insignificant of leaks could be a threat, so it’s important to know how to temporarily patch a leak. 

If left unattended, your leak could cause some serious property damage. No roofers in Dayton, Ohio will be able to come down for roof leak repair right away, so you’re left with a serious problem until help arrives. 

Many homeowners make the mistake of using a bucket to catch the water from the leak, but simply stop there. Small leaks can lead to ceiling collapses if ignored. First and foremost, you want to check for a few things before you temporarily patch your leak.

Locating and Patching

Finding the origin of the leak is the first priority. Place a bucket or a pot to catch the incoming water from the leak. Next, check your ceiling for any sort of moisture buildup. On some ceilings you can do this by checking your ceiling boards, or on others, you can simply see the water stains from the leak. 

At this point, you’ll want to make sure water is not pooling above your ceiling. The weight of this water could cause a ceiling collapse, or at the very least some serious water damage. You can alleviate the weight of the water on your ceiling by making a small hole for the water to drain through. Remember, make sure your bucket or pot is large enough to catch all excess water. 

Now that you know the location, the next step is to patch your emergency roof leak until a professional can take a look. Below we’ve listed several different ways to temporarily patch your roof:

Tarp

Once the location of the leak is verified, a common approach taken by many is covering the affected area with a tarp. Tarps can be used in this manner, but remember to secure the tarp to your property. An unsecured tarp will not hold and could fly off the roof. If the leak persists, lay down a second tarp below the first one. Temporarily installing a tarp can be dangerous, use caution when doing so. 

Roofing tape

Roof tape is also a solid choice for a quick, temporary fix. In addition to being cheap, it is also readily available in most general stores. When applying, it should be applied on the inside of your roof. 

Roofing cement

It’s recommended to keep a small amount of roofing cement in storage for situations like this. After all, plastic roofing cement is manufactured to close and seal small holes and openings. Make sure you have a small trough or putty knife to apply the cement, as well as enough of the cement to adequately cover the source of the leak. 

Roof Mastic

Roofing mastic is essentially a higher-grade version of the cement. Mastic should be pushed deep into any cracks and holes to ensure the leak is sealed. It should also be spread around the affected area to prevent further damages. 

Remember, all of these options are temporary solutions. For a permanent solution, you’ll need a responsive, reliable roofing contractor. 

Finding a Permanent Solution

Your leak can be permanently patched and fixed by a solid contractor. There are several roofing companies in Dayton, Ohio, but only we at Van Martin Roofing have the best service, craftsmanship, and experience. Poor roof maintenance could result in expensive storm damage repairs in the future. 

Looking for a contractor for some roof repair in Dayton, Ohio? We offer free roof inspections on all residential or commercial roofs. No matter what home improvement project or roofing repair you’re in need of, we are up to the task and will deliver only the best work. Call us at (937) 742-4555, or schedule a free roof evaluation online today.