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What is the best way to fix a leaking roof? Causes, Precautions and Solutions.

Lee Anderson

by W Malik

2022-10-11 11:44 AM

Roof leaks are a very common problem all over the UK. With regular rains, it is highly important to have your roof in perfect order to avoid troubles. That includes several things, you need to take precautions to avoid issues, have some tools like a roof repair sealant ready and also know how about some roof leak repair services nearby to deal with it. In this piece, we will take a look at common causes, fixes and repairs to counter roof leaks in heavy rain UK. We start by looking at the causes. 

What is the most common cause of roof leaks? Roof leaks can happen due to many reasons, which include age, maintenance issues and wear and tear. So, the first step in handling your roofing issues and saving emergency roof leak repair costs, you need to learn about the common causes of leaks to then prevent them. Without any ado, let's look at the most common causes of roof leaks in heavy rain: 

1. Roof’s Age 
2. Broken or Misplaced Shingles 
3. Damaged Chimneys 
4. Damaged Roof Vents 
5. Clogged Gutters 
6. Holes from Water Damage 
7. Condensation in Attic 
8. Incorrectly Installed Skylights 

These are definitely not all the causes of roof leaks, but the most common ones. For starters, you can check your roofs for these problems and find timely solutions before things get out of hand and you have to go for more costly and time-taking solutions. You can work on these issues yourself and can also look for affordable roof leak repair services in your area to help. Handling the problem early can also help save a substantial amount in roof leak repair costs.

Why does my roof leak in heavy rain? 

The reasons for potential roof leaks are the same as mentioned earlier, which include issues related to plumbing, skylights, chimneys, shingles, metal corrosion and condensation. But there is a greater chance of roof leaks when there is heavy rain. Roof leaks in heavy rain can be prevented with regular maintenance, for which you can carry out some tasks yourself and can also call for an emergency roof leak repair service. 

How do I stop my roof leaking in heavy rain? Although, it is better to act early to prevent roof leaks in heavy rain UK. But even when you have an emergency rain situation, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue without incurring a roof leak repair cost. Here is what you need to do:

Find the source The first step, naturally, is to find the source of the leak. This will help you find what kind of problem you are having and what fixes need to be applied. Although the ideal way would be to seek professional help by calling roof leak repair services, you can also choose to do it yourself. 

Clearing the area Once the place of the leak is found, you need to clear it from all the water. This will reduce the chances of damage, and further leaks and will allow you to apply a fix to stop the flow. 

Apply a roof sealant After you have identified and cleared the area, now is the time to seal the place of the leak. You can choose a roof leak repair sealant like silicon or tar, which will instantly solve the issue. Silicon is considered a better sealant, but tar can also bring good results. If the source is harder to find, it can still be safely sealed by applying polyethene (PE) plastic to a wider area. You can do this task yourself, but for quick and perfect results, it is always advisable to go for an emergency leak repair service. 

Fix new shingles If you are expecting heavy rain or storm, it is better to prepare in advance especially when it comes to shingles. Find out broken or missing shingles and instantly install new ones in their place. This will protect you from roof leaks in heavy rain and will also help in avoiding any roof leak repair costs. 

Seal the joints Another thing you can do before it rains is seal the joints. The rainwater can find its way through gaps and weak links in your roof, especially where the surfaces are joined together. It will take little time of yours to find such joints and fix them with a roof leak repair sealant. 

Use tarpaulin sheets Tarpaulin sheets are an ideal way of preventing roof leaks in heavy rain. Ideally, after applying the relevant fixes mentioned above, you can also use tarpaulin sheets to cover the whole area to be more secure. Tarpaulin is known to be very effective, so it can also be used as the only solution. It is easy to use when expecting heavy rain, while for a permanent fix, you can always utilise roof repair services later. 

Can you fix a leaky roof from the inside? A leaky roof can easily be fixed from the inside. The process is simple, you need to identify and clear the area of the leak, so you can have a better look and also proceed towards the solution. After that, all you need to do is apply a roof leak repair sealant. You can use tar, bitumen paint and silicon to fix the issue at least temporarily. For a permanent solution, you will need a more detailed approach which will require fixes from the inside and outside, following all the steps mentioned above. 

What is the best way to fix a leaking roof? The best way to fix a leaking roof depends on the source and reason for the leak. The best way is to find the source and apply the required fixes to the problematic shingles, chimneys, joints, or whatever is causing the leak. The most convenient way is to call for emergency roof leak repair so professionals can handle it in the best way. To always avoid roof leaks in heavy rain, you need to make sure your roof is well-maintained and doesn’t require any fixes. The key is to be proactive and seek professional help where required in order to avoid the hassle and roof leak repair costs that can come with it.