A leaking roof is a serious problem for a house because it can cause long lasting damage very quickly. Dampness follows rain, rot follows dampness and mould follows rot. Not only can the structural integrity of your house become compromised but it can even become uninhabitable if afflicted by certain types of mould.
So, getting quick on a repair can really help you. A stitch in time saves nine, especially when you’re using a top level waterproof resin paint like Cromapol. If you are uncomfortable either working on a ladder or working on a roof, it’s probably worth getting in contact with professionals to handle this leak rather than doing it yourself.
You Will Need
- Safety Gear
- Cromapol
- Cleaning Cloth
- A disposable brush
- A Ladder
- An assistant
- A hose (if it isn’t raining)
Finding the Leak
The process is actually fairly simple. The hardest part is identifying where the leak is. When it rains you can go up to your loft and see for any places where water is coming through the roof. Because of the structure of a roof the leak through the roof may not align directly with where the leak in the ceiling is.
If it isn’t raining, you can take up a hose and spray some water over the roof, while your friend goes up to the loft and watches to see where water is coming through. Just be careful not to go overboard, since the whole point of this fix is to prevent water from entering the leak.
Once you have found the general area, look for any damaged tiles. Also make sure to investigate any abutments, valleys, or chimneys. Damage around here such as cracks in the lead flashing may lead to leaks.
Applying the Cromapol
Now you should apply the Cromapol. First you should wipe the area clean of dirt, grime, moss and any pooled water. Then the Cromapol itself is applied just like paint. Always remember to use a disposable paintbrush though, since the Cromapol will render the brush unusable afterwards.
You should never go up a ladder if it’s raining, but Cromapol can be slapped on even in damp conditions. It can take from 24 hours to a week to cure entirely, but it will protect your leak even before fully curing.
It’s just that simple. It isn’t a seal that will last forever, though in optimum conditions it can last up to ten years. However, it will buy you time to investigate a long term solution. In the meanwhile your roof will be protected from the ingress of water and rain.
