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How to Stop a Leaking Roof During a Storm

A leaky roof poses a problem for homeowners regardless of weather conditions, but a leaking roof during a thunderstorm can quickly escalate to an outright emergency. By the time the water becomes noticeable in the interior of the house, the drywall has likely already saturated and could be at risk of crumbling if not addressed swiftly.

Luckily, there are a few easy measures you can take right now to prevent further damage and more costly repairs until one of our roofing experts is able to assess the problem:

First, you’ll want to prevent any further damage to the interior of the home by consolidating furniture and fabrics away from any affected areas. If the leak is causing a bulging spot in the ceiling, use a screwdriver or awl to poke a small hole near the center of the bulge, allowing the water to drain.

Next, you’ll need to identify the source of the leak:

(Note: If the water spots dry between storms, you are very likely facing a leaking roof whereas the presence of water regardless of weather conditions could be caused by a plumbing leak).

Equipped with a flashlight, bucket and any necessary protective gear, carefully enter the attic. You’ll now need to locate the spot where the ceiling is saturated by observing visible wet spots or areas of water-compacted insulation between roof joists.

Now you’ll need to trace the path back to the source of the leak — Remember that water will follow the easiest path, typically following rafters or structural beams.

Once you’ve identified the entry point of the water, use a small piece of plywood or scrap wood laid across multiple ceiling joists to place a bucket or small garbage can to catch the incoming water. Do not place the bucket directly on ceiling tiles or drywall as the added weight of the bucket as it fills could cause it to break through the already-saturated ceiling.

Additionally, look for any spots in the roof where daylight is shining through and insert a small dowel or straw in the hole to help easily spot the source of the leak from the exterior.

Once the bucket is placed, you can choose to temporarily patch the hole with a bit of roofing tar and some scrap materials. To do this, use a putty knife to fill the hole or crack thoroughly with roofing tar. Next, press a spare shingle or small piece of plywood firmly against the tar-filled hole to create a seal, applying more roofing tar around the outsides of the shingle or plywood to further seal the patch from incoming water.

When the storm subsides and the roof is dry, you can also apply additional roofing tar underneath the exterior shingles in the affected spot using the dowels or straws you placed earlier to easily locate the affected spots.

If you aren’t able to find any visible holes or cracks in the roof, the water could be getting thru the roof’s flushing and can be addressed by covering a section of the roof with a tarp.

To properly cover damaged spots with a tarp, measure the distance between the source of the leak (using the previously placed dowels) from the roof’s ridge. Now cut the tarp using a utility knife to the measured size, adding a couple extra feet on each end to ensure adequate coverage. In order to keep the tarp secured in place on the roof, use sandbags atop or attach 2x4s to opposite ends of the tarp using small nails or staples. (Note: Make sure the tarp is covering the ridge of the roof or water will continue to enter the roof).

As always, you can contact us or give us a call at (941) 567-6039 to receive a free consultation or discuss preventative maintenance with one of our roofing experts.

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Keep in Mind

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Schedule repairs on your terms instead of waiting until a crisis forces them upon you. In many cases, crises are fostered by a failure to do proper maintenance and keep up with minor repairs. Check our schedule to book an appointment. Request for a free estimate today!

Why Choose Us?

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When u choose Chappelle Roofing, your ensuring the highest quality materials and craftsmanship for your individual project. Our roofing professionals are highly trained to meet products manufacturer high standards. What sets us apart from other Florida roofing companies is that we hold numerous manufacturer certifications. These certifications mean that we are part of a chosen network of roofing professionals selected specifically for their commitment to service, reliability, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

WE ALSO OFFER WRAPROOF

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If you are a homeowner and your roof is leaking, WrapRoof is the ideal solution for your temporary roofing needs.

Special Offers Roofs For Troops

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Attention Active Military, Veterans, and Retirees! Get up to a $250 rebate when Chappelle Roofing installs a New roof on your home. 90 days same as cash - Standard APR Rates up to 180 months. Get your Roof Right for 2021! Up to $250 off roof repair and up to $500 off re-roof.

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We are a forward thinking team that follows both traditional and family business values. We pride ourselves with quality craftsmanship and integrity on every job site, and welcome the opportunity to assist in your upcoming project.

Contact Information

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Email:office@chappelleroofing.com

Manatee office:(941) 567-6039

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Hillborough office:(813) 576-2049

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