How to Fix a Leaking Roof from the Inside
When you discover that your roof is leaking inside the house, it may not be necessary to hire a roofing contractor to fix it.
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A roof leak can catch you off guard, especially during a storm. Whether caused by wind, rain, or snow, even a small leak can lead to water damage, mold growth, and costly structural issues if left untreated. If you’re wondering how to fix a roof leak, there are steps you can take to reduce damage from the inside before professional help arrives.
Knowing how to fix a roof leak, especially in an emergency, quickly, can help protect your home until a long-term roof repair or full roof replacement is scheduled.
At Allied Roofing Solutions, we help New Jersey homeowners manage both storm damage and routine roof repair needs. If you're facing an active leak, the guide below walks you through how to fix a leaking roof from the inside, preventing further damage and gaining some peace of mind.
Table of Contents
What to Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking
When water starts dripping inside your home, a quick response can help limit storm damage and buy you time until a professional roofer can assess the situation. While a permanent roof repair should always be your ultimate goal, there are short-term solutions you can apply from indoors, especially during heavy rain or when it’s unsafe to access the roof.
Below, we’ll walk you through practical steps to manage a roof leak from the inside, using tools such as roofing cement, plastic sheeting, and flashing. These methods aren’t permanent fixes, but they can help protect your home and prevent the long-term effects of roof water damage until repairs or replacement can be scheduled.
Step 1: Identify the Source of the Roof Leak
First, identify the location of the roof leak. You may notice signs of a leak, such as visible water stains on the ceilings or walls. You may hear dripping or see wet insulation in the attic. To find the leak, look for obvious signs, such as a hole in the roof. If you aren’t able to locate the source of the leak from inside the house, you will need to inspect the roof from the outside, if possible.
Important: Only attempt to access the attic or damaged area if it’s safe to do so. Avoid contact with wet insulation near electrical fixtures, and never stand on a visibly sagging ceiling.
Determining Where the Leak Is From Inside the House
When You CAN Locate the Leak
If you can locate the leak visually from wet spots or water stains on the ceiling or walls, trace the water stain to its highest point. This is usually directly above the source of the leak. When you have identified the general area where the leak is, use a flashlight to inspect the underside of the roof decking or the insulation in the attic. Signs of water damage like wet insulation or dark spots on the decking are indications of a leak
If You CAN NOT Locate the Leak
If you can’t locate the source of the leak, you may need to conduct a water test. This involves having a person on the roof with a hose spraying water in different areas while someone inside the house looks for water entering the house. This method can help you pinpoint the source of the leak, but it should only be done when the weather is dry and it’s safe to access the roof.
Step 2: Temporary Roof Leak Repairs from the Inside
You may be able to fix a roof leak from the inside with a temporary patch. This will help prevent the leak from worsening or causing further damage from water entering the house.
Keep in mind that interior roof leak repairs are always temporary. They don’t address the underlying issue, whether it's damaged shingles, flashing, or storm-related impact on the roof’s surface.
We recommend contacting a professional roofer to assess the situation and make permanent repairs. If the leak is large, go ahead and call a professional roofer as soon as possible.
However, if the situation allows for a fix to be made from within the house, follow these instructions:
If you have an active leak, try to divert the water and seal any gaps to prevent further damage. Draw a circle around the area to mark the original leak location and size. You need a roofing patch (cement) and a putty knife to make a temporary patch.
Step 1:
Locate the source of the leak.
Step 2:
Remove insulation or debris from the area.
Step 3:
Clean the area thoroughly using a putty knife to remove any loose or damaged material.
Step 4:
Apply a liberal amount of roofing cement to the damaged area, using a putty knife (scraper) to spread it evenly.
Step 5:
Allow the cement to dry and apply caulking around the edges and any holes.
Step 6:
If you have any extra shingles, you can apply roof patch tar to a shingle or a piece of timber to create a barrier against water infiltration.
Step 7:
A more permanent fix would be to cover the damaged area with a piece of aluminum flashing, firmly pressing it into place to create a seal, and then securing the flashing with roofing nails or screws. Ensure that the edges of the flashing are covered with roofing cement to prevent water from seeping through.
Step 3: Emergency Leak Repair During a Storm
If your roof starts to leak during a heavy downpour, you may need to make emergency repairs to prevent more damage to your home. You will need roofing tar, a putty knife, and a piece of plywood or plastic roof covering.
This method is most effective when the damage is confined to a small section of the roof. Keep in mind that tar patches often degrade quickly if exposed to ongoing rain, so schedule a professional roof repair as soon as possible.
Follow these instructions for making a temporary patch to stop the leak.
Step 1:
Use a bucket to collect water.
Step 2:
Locate the source of the leak.
Step 3:
Remove any debris or loose shingles from the area.
Step 4:
Use a putty knife to spread roofing tar over the leaking area to cover it completely.
Step 5:
Cover the tar with a piece of plywood or plastic roof covering. Firmly press down on the covering to create a seal.
Areas We Serve in the Northeast
Allied Roofing Solutions provides trusted roof repair and leak response services throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. If you're experiencing a roof leak, we're here to help, wherever you’re located in our service area.
Contact Allied Roofing Solutions for Solutions to Your Leaking Roof
If you’re unsure how to fix a roof leak or need professional roof repair, contact our knowledgeable team at Allied Roofing Solutions. With over 16 years of experience, we know how to pinpoint the problem area accurately. We will inspect the roof and determine whether it should be repaired or replaced.
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for a roof inspection by calling us at (201) 773-0633 or filling out our easy-to-use contact form.