Controlling a Roof Leak

Controlling a roof leak involves much more than just obtaining a bucket to catch the water. Depending on the actual size of the leak and the age of the building, a simple drip from the ceiling could in fact cause extensive damage if steps are not taken to control the problem right away. Even though it looks like a slow drip from the bottom, there could be a much larger pool of water forming above the trickle, water-logging and stretching the ceiling in that area, which can eventually lead to rot, mold, and mildew. It can also cause damage to wiring or spread to the walls.

Place a large bucket underneath where the water is dripping. In order to keep the water from collecting on the ceiling, get a hammer and nail and drive the nail into the ceiling just at the drip. Drive the nail until there is no more resistance, then remove it. Water should now come directly through the hole, rather than pooling up and having to make its way through the ceiling material. If the water is forming a spray rather than a stream, affix a piece of string with a thumb tack, just next to the nail hole. The water should run straight down the string now. Once the ceiling is dry again and the leak is fixed, this can be repaired with a small amount of spackle and paint.

Once the inside area has been controlled, it is time to look for the outside leak. If it is still raining, climbing up on the roof is not advisable. Instead, measure where the leak is inside in relation to the closest corner of the house. Outside, these measurements will show the lowest possible point for the leak. It is possible the reason for the leak will be as obvious as a missing shingle in this area, but the cause may not be apparent at all. Either way, the measurement will narrow down the search area and determine what portion of the roof needs to be covered.

Securely tie four small rocks to all four corners of a tarpaulin with twine. The lengths of twine on the top two corners should be about three feet long. This will allow the tarp to be gently thrown up onto the roof, over the area where the leak is suspected, without the need to climb in the rain. The rocks should serve to carry the tarp up, as well as spread it out and secure it in place once it lands.

If it is no longer raining and is dry enough for climbing before the tarp is in place, use the indoor measurements to determine the approximate area of the damage. Take a piece of bright cloth and a thumb tack and use a sturdy ladder to climb up and do a survey of the area until the damaged portion is located. Mark the damage with the cloth and tack so that it can be easily found when it is time to do the repair. If more rain is expected, the area should be covered with tarpaulin, or a large piece of plastic should be secured over the area with tacks, taking care to place the top edge of the plastic underneath the row of shingles above the damage.