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Fixing Roof Leaks on Your Own

When It’s Safe to Do It Yourself

Though not all leaks necessitate prompt expert assistance, roof leaks can cause major

issues. Until skilled Florida roofers come, homeowners can limit damage using safe,

short-term solutions. While we at New Standard Roofing Orlando always advise being

cautious, we also think that community education is important.

Here’s how to tell when it’s safe to fix a roof leak on your own and when to call in local

Orlando roofing experts.

Start Here:

Safety First! Prior to lifting a shingle or scaling any ladder:

Avoid going on the roof in the rain or wind.

Wear the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, gloves, a harness, and non-slip shoes.

Only work in low-slope, dry, and accessible places.

When in doubt, remain on the ground and check from the attic or below.

Advice: Don’t take a chance if you’re not entirely at ease. For assistance, contact us!

Step 1:

Locate the Source (If Possible)

Leaks can be challenging. The actual roof breach may be many feet away from the visible

trickle inside your house.

Seek out:

Water-stains on the walls or ceiling

Wet insulation in the attic or moldy odors

Curled shingles or dark patches on the roof’s surface

Debris or clogged gutters near roof slopes

Step 2:

Safe Do-It-Yourself Repairs

  1. Apply sealant or roofing tape to the area.

Apply roof repair tape or roofing sealant directly over the leak point if you can reach a small

crack or gap.

Pay attention to:

flashing near chimneys and vents

holes in the nails

Tiny shingles cracks

  1. Fix a Loose Shingle

You can carefully remove any shingles that are lifting and replace them with new ones,

cementing them in place with roof cement. If matching shingles are available, use them.

3. Clear clogged downspouts or gutters

Gutter overflow can occasionally be mistaken for a roof leak. To restore flow, you can safely

remove leaves or debris with a ladder and gloves; just don’t work alone or lean on the gutter.

  1. Provide Temporary Coverage with a Tarp

Tarp the affected area if there is significant damage and rain is predicted. Use cap nails or

2x4s to firmly secure it. Avoid doing the work directly on the roof; instead, do it from a ladder

or other sturdy location.

When to Call the Experts Instead of Doing It Yourself

Avoid making repairs if:

The roof is multi-story, steep, or damp.

The source of the leak is unknown or expanding.

Shingles are absent in certain places.

Water is accumulating in the attic.

You think there may be rot or structural damage.

Patching has been attempted; however, the leak keeps coming back.

Roofers in Florida are skilled in securely navigating roofs that are weak or damaged by

storms, and they can offer long-term fixes to prevent future issues.

Preventative Roof Upkeep You’re Able to Do It Yourself

You can assist even if you’re not going up there by:

Removing tree branches that hang over

observing for indications of sagging, discolouration, or algae

Looking for moisture or light patches in your attic

Seasonally cleaning gutters

Roof Leak? Have Faith in Local Orlando Roofers

When do-it-yourself projects no longer make sense, we at New Standard Roofing Orlando

are here to help. Our skilled staff treats roof inspections, leak fixes, and complete

replacements with consideration for your house, promptness, and care.