Storms can wreak a lot of havoc on a home. Especially to one’s roof. Sometimes so much so, that a significant roof repair is required. But what do you do if something happens to your roof and a repairman can’t work on it in the middle of the storm? You very well can’t let rainwater pour into your exposed house. You should do some emergency patchwork if you can, at least to hold it over until some professional work can be done. Here’s what to do:
The thing to realize about roof repairs in the wake of a storm is that they don’t have to be pretty or permanent. They just have to work long enough to secure your home until a professional repairman can come.
For a small hole – Tuck a piece of aluminum flashing under the nearest intact shingle above the damage. Use one or two nails to keep the aluminum flashing in place. This is a quick fix though so don’t wait too long to repair it with a real shingle. This should only be used to hold your roof over until the storm breaks and you can get it professionally repaired.
For any larger damage – If the storms are bad and you’ve got to cover up a large area quick, drape a tarp over the ridge and fasten every grommet to the roof sheathing with a 2 inch screw and 1.5 inch fender washer. If you have a tile roof that can’t be screwed into, fasten the edges of the tarp to the roof’s rakes and eaves. This should keep rain out temporarily.
For longer-term patching: Although you really need to get a professional roof repairman there immediately after the storm, if you can’t then here’s how to tarp for longer periods of time. First, cover the hole with 5/8 inch exterior grade plywood and fasten to the undamaged areas with 2 inch deck screws. This should prevent water from pooling up on the tarp. Now, pull the tarp so one edge goes over the roof peak and a few feet down the other side. Secure the tarp’s edges with 1x3 strapping and screw to the roof sheathing or fasten to the roof’s rakes and eaves. This should hold intact, until you can get a repairman out.
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