Fix A Leaking Roof In Winter

Shingles that aren t stuck to one another are very susceptible to damage in winter winds.

Fix a leaking roof in winter.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. Now is a time when you can start planning if you know where to start. How to repair a leaky roof from inside the house. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides.

Locate the source of the leak by examining the underside of the roof from within your attic or crawl space. The secret to caulking in winter time is to heat the sealant in the tube. The tar strip needs to be about 60f to activate. You can t fix a leaky roof from the inside so don t even try.

Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk. In the winter a dab of roofing cement or tar should be added to each shingle to bond them together until the tar strip is activated in warmer weather. Locate the leaking source and search for the damaged or missing shingles and make a list of the areas to be repaired.

Identify the potential source of the leak. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. The roof shingles should be softened and flattened as the shingles tend to curl up in winter. The shingles can be warmed up with a propane torch.

Make use of the flame carefully on the curled shingle edges. Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Sealing the shingle to the object can be accomlished with a roofing sealant available at menards lowes etc.