How to Handle an Emergency Roof Repair

Need to do an emergency roof repair? Whether you’ve got a big problem or a small drip, a roof leak needs to be attended to – and fast.

One thing is really important – If you have a major leak with visible damage creating an unsafe environment, then the only thing you can do is to call out a professional roofer and get to safety. Don’t attempt to carry out a repair on the roofing if you feel it isn’t safe to do so. Let the professionals handle it and stay clear of the area.

However, if you’ve just noticed the first signs of a roof leak, there’s every chance you can handle it yourself, at least in the short term and carry out an emergency roof repair. Here’s what you can do.

Protect the area and minimise damage

From inside the building, catch any drips in a container and move everything away – furniture, valuables or perishables, clothing and anything else that could be damaged. Cover flooring and protect carpets by laying down plastic sheets or a tarp.

Find the source of the leak

Small leaks can be tricky to trace, as water can sometimes track a decent way down roof timbers before it starts to drip through the ceiling. If you have a leak in a flat roof, look at the deck from above if you can, through an upstairs window, to see if there is any obvious sign of damage:

• Debris on the roof deck
• Bubbles, tears or cracks in the waterproofing
• Lifted seams or flashing

If you can see any damage to the waterproofing and it is safe to do so, get up onto the roof deck for a closer inspection. Remove any loose debris and assess the area to determine the extent of the damage – whether the leak can be repaired or whether there is already damage to the roof deck itself.

If more rain is expected, cover the area temporarily with a waterproof sheet or tarp to mitigate any more damage and plan your approach to the emergency roof repair. A good tip is to document any damage before you start any repairs – make notes and take photographs – as you may need this later for professional advice or for insurance purposes.

Doing an emergency roof repair yourself

How you handle the emergency roof repair will depend on a few factors, not least the extent of the damage. Also, the type of substrate will influence the materials you use.

Minor damage, such as holes or small tears in membrane, for instance, can often be repaired quickly using a patch, which is usually applied with primer and sealant. EPDM roofing systems are repaired using the patching method, with tape or even with another piece of EPDM. If you have a piece of leftover EPDM, apply it using the manufacturer guidelines and it can be an effective, long-term method.

For other types of substrate, a liquid repair product can be a faster, straightforward solution. Liquid emergency roof repair can be painted directly onto the damaged area, sealing it and protecting it from further damage. This type of repair is ideal for small holes in bitumen, felt or membrane, cracks in concrete roofs and more. Roof repair liquid can also seal and provide a temporary repair while you wait for a professional to attend and assess the leak.

Can we help?

At PermaRoof UK, we understand that for many, the need for an emergency roof repair can be stressful and we’re here to help guide you through. We stock a range of roof repair products and developed our fast-curing Emergency Roof Repair liquid solution to make light work of sealing and protecting damaged roofing. Find out more about flat roof repairs here, buy Emergency Roof Repair now in our online store or browse our other repair products, introduced with DIY in mind.

PermaGroup has established links with some of the biggest names in our industry thanks to our reputation of excellence. Read more about becoming a supplier or stockist here.