5 Tips to fix your leaky roof with no fuss

Melbourne witnesses some of the most extreme weather patterns. It comes as no surprise then that homeowners in the city often have to deal with several issues in their house, including a leaky roof. While these issues can be resolved with just one call to an expert in leaking roof repair in Melbourne, it is always handy to know where to look and fix the problem by yourself. In this article, we will look at five common causes of a leaky roof and their fixes. 

Fixing the small leaks

If the leak is small enough, the first place to look into is the plastic vapour barrier between the drywall and attic insulation. If there aren’t any signs of water flow here, look for shiners on the underside of the roof. Shiners are nails that are frosted by the condensation of cold attic air. To fix shiners, simply clip the nails. 

Checking the plumbing vent boots

Plumbing vent boots are yet another area of the roof that you need to check when you find leaks. The issue may be at the base of the boot, which could have a broken seam or cracks. You may also have a missing nail in the base. You can fix this by using rubber-washered screws.

Replacing roof vents

Roof vents can also be a pain point that leads to a leaky roof. There could be cracks in the housing or broken seams. While caulk can temporarily fix the issue, a long-term and better option is to replace the vent rubber-washered screws. You may need to remove the shingles to do this; make sure to caulk underneath the shingles for convenience when fixing the shingle back in its place.

Fixing caulks and siding

Caulks usually protect the house from the outside elements; sidings help with as well. However, when either of them is damaged, you may have a leaky roof on your hands. You can fix this by removing old caulks and siding and replacing them with new applications. 

Preventing ice dams

One of the complex roof leak problems that Melbourne residents often face is the ice dam. Ice dams are created when the snow melts and then solidifies when the temperature drops. This then leads to water pooling behind the dam. You can prevent this by keeping an ice-and-water barrier between the flashing and shingles. Alternatively, you can install roof edge heating cables.

Conclusion

A leaky roof can easily be fixed once you know the cause. If you know what’s causing the leak, you can even prevent it from happening. Among the places to check out in case of a leak include shingles, flashing, caulks, and siding. Once you have identified the source, it’s just a matter of calling in a roofing expert.