Precipitation, ultraviolet radiation, strong wind, mechanical damage are the main factors affecting the condition of any roof. Over time, its integrity may be compromised, resulting in breakdowns of fasteners and roofing structure elements.
Other reasons why the roof leaks include poor quality of the materials used, failure of the tightness of the joints, as well as direct problems with the roof structure. As a result, wet spots appear on the ceilings in the house, an unpleasant smell of dampness is felt in the room, the surface of the facade quickly wears out, and the walls and foundations of the building begin to collapse. That is why the issue of eliminating the problem is extremely relevant.
How to understand where the roof is leaking
Initially, you need to figure out where exactly the leak is located. The diagnostic method depends on the structure of the roof:
- Flat roof. Finding the source of a leak on such a roof is quite difficult, since the small angle of inclination makes the movement of water flow unpredictable. Starting its “stroke” in one direction, water can flow at a completely different point. The location of the problem is often determined visually in the summer heat by characteristic salt traces. With soft flooring, you can feel the surface for the presence of voids with air or water.
- Solid roof. If the house is covered with slate, ondulin, tiles, corrugated sheets, then the problem can only be found by dismantling the roofing material and carefully inspecting it.
- Pitched roof. Finding a leak on such structures is much easier than on a flat roof. The water on them actually moves along the same line as the hole. Dismantling of roofing material is carried out along this line - if such a technological possibility exists.
If water flows along the walls, then the problem may lie in improper insulation or mistakes made by the craftsmen in waterproofing work.
What to do if the roof is leaking: some practical tips
Roof repair depends on what building material was used to form the structure. With proper care and annual inspection, it is quite possible to deal with roof leaks on your own.
- Slate covering. For minor damage, you can use a special mixture of PVA and water in a ratio of 1:3. Damaged areas must be thoroughly cleaned and dried, then all cracks must be covered with the mixture in several layers. Repairs are carried out only in cloudy weather. For more serious damage, it is recommended to replace individual sheets of slate.
- Metal tiles. This type of material often cannot be repaired - it only needs to be replaced. This is done by removing the screws, dismantling the old sheets and installing new ones. Short-term repair of such a roof consists of painting the damaged sheet with paint. However, the result will not be effective for very long - it is used if you need to delay time before purchasing new materials.
- Soft roof. For small flaws, it can be glued from the inside with special roofing glue. If there are a large number of cracks, the coating is replaced. First, all fasteners are removed, the damaged segment is cut out, and a new one, cut in the required shape, is installed in its place. After aligning the joints, everything is glued. The recommended temperature range at which this type of repair is indicated is in the range from +5 to +25 degrees. Sheets with uneven granular surface coating also need to be replaced, even if there are no cracks on them.
- Natural tiles. In this case, the damaged elements are replaced. Moreover, it is necessary to remove not only the broken tiles, but also those that are nearby, in order to avoid violating the laying technology. You need to start from the top, and then from the sides.
- Steel sheet. When repairing this roof, paint is used to paint over cracks and gaps. Before that, you need to clean and degrease the old enamel. Special construction sealants are used to seal gaps. Such methods are used only for minor damage. If the defects are more significant, they are eliminated by patching the roof with steel patches.
It often happens that a problem needs to be solved as a whole. If there are serious problems, it is advisable to pay attention to the condition of the rafters, thermal and waterproofing, and drainage.
