As a homeowner, a leaking roof can be a major source of stress. Not only can it damage your property, but it can also put you and your family at risk. Fortunately, there are several cheap temporary fixes for a leaking roof that you can do before calling in a professional roofing contractor in Pittsburgh, PA.
How to tarp a roof as a temporary fix for leaking
Tarping your roof is an effective temporary fix for a leaking roof. This method involves covering the damaged area of the roof with a waterproof tarp to prevent water from entering your home. Here are the steps you can follow to tarp your roof:
- Measure the damaged area of the roof and cut a tarp that is slightly larger than the damaged area.
- Secure the tarp to the roof using roofing nails or screws.
- Ensure that the tarp is taut and doesn’t sag to prevent water from pooling.
Patching (or Plugging)
Patching (or plugging) is another temporary fix for a leaking roof. This method involves using a patch to cover the damaged area of the roof. Here’s how to patch a leaking roof:
- Clean the damaged area of the roof using a wire brush to remove any debris and dirt.
- Apply roofing cement to the damaged area and spread it evenly using a putty knife.
- Place a patch over the damaged area and apply more roofing cement to the edges of the patch to seal it.
Tar Paper
Tar paper is a cheap and effective temporary fix for a leaking roof. This method involves placing a layer of tar paper over the damaged area of the roof. Here’s how to use tar paper as a temporary fix for a leaking roof:
- Clean the damaged area of the roof using a wire brush to remove any debris and dirt.
- Cut a piece of tar paper that is slightly larger than the damaged area of the roof.
- Apply roofing cement to the edges of the tar paper and press it down firmly on the damaged area of the roof.
Waterproof Tarps
Waterproof tarps are another temporary fix for a leaking roof. These tarps are made of heavy-duty material that is designed to withstand the elements. Here’s how to use a waterproof tarp as a temporary fix for a leaking roof:
- Measure the damaged area of the roof and cut a waterproof tarp that is slightly larger than the damaged area.
- Secure the waterproof tarp to the roof using roofing nails or screws.
- Ensure that the waterproof tarp is taut and doesn’t sag to prevent water from pooling.
Polyethylene Plastic Sheets
Polyethylene plastic sheets are a cheap and effective temporary fix for a leaking roof. These sheets are easy to find and can be used to cover the damaged area of the roof. Here’s how to use polyethylene plastic sheets as a temporary fix for a leaking roof:
- Measure the damaged area of the roof and cut a polyethylene plastic sheet that is slightly larger than the damaged area.
- Secure the polyethylene plastic sheet to the roof using roofing nails or screws.
- Ensure that the polyethylene plastic sheet is taut and doesn’t sag to prevent water from pooling.
Contacting your roofing contractor in Pittsburgh, PA
While temporary fixes for a leaking roof can help to minimize the damage, they are not permanent solutions. To ensure that your roof is properly repaired, it is essential to contact a professional roofing contractor in Pittsburgh, PA. A professional roofing contractor can inspect your roof, identify the cause of the leak, and recommend a permanent solution.
In conclusion, a leaking roof can be a major headache for homeowners. However, with these cheap temporary fixes, you can prevent water from entering your home and minimize the damage. Remember, while temporary fixes can help, it is essential to contact a professional
