Fix A Leaking Roof In Winter

Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers.

Fix a leaking roof in winter.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. Make use of the flame carefully on the curled shingle edges. You can t fix a leaky roof from the inside so don t even try. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.

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. The shingles can be warmed up with a propane torch. Shingles that aren t stuck to one another are very susceptible to damage in winter winds.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Perhaps placing tube on furnace duct so air heats pre cut tube inside of home then climb up ladder and seal area keeping the sealant warm and easily caulk able. 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 source of the leak by examining the underside of the roof from within your attic or crawl space.

The tar strip needs to be about 60f to activate. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk.

Your best solution may be to just tarp off the problem area until the spring but be sure not to block off any venting pipes that vent out dangerous gasses. Shine a flashlight along the underside of the roof and look for a hole in the roof as well as areas that are wet or have been. Now is a time when you can start planning if you know where to start. The roof shingles should be softened and flattened as the shingles tend to curl up in winter.