Is a Leaky Roof Threatening Your Stored Preps?

This post was written to protect your investment in preps under the current scenario of heavy rain and a leaky roof.

Back in the day, I had a small pantry filled with buckets of dry food (rice and pasta) and a modest stash: 4-5 storage bins containing cans of all types of food, including tuna, sardines, corn, and vegetables. I also had boxes of oil bottles (though I’ve since switched to using more animal fats), and several 5-kilogram packages of white sugar and flour (mostly cornmeal and white wheat). I’ve partially replaced the white refined sugar (which is essentially empty calories stored as fat) with traditional blocks of unrefined, cooked, and solid sugarcane brown juice (known as chancaca in Peru, piloncillo in Central America and Mexico, and papelon here in the Caribbean). While this substitution slightly alters the taste, I don’t mind as I’m accustomed to it. It’s a great source of minerals and nutrients, unlike the empty calories of white refined sugar, which may be adulterated with sulfuric acid and other substances to increase weight. Plus, these sugar blocks last indefinitely, which is another significant advantage.

The place where I had my pantry (now housing some items awaiting shipment to the owner) has experienced a couple of random leaks that I’m currently addressing. The entire roof was poorly constructed, and a specific portion, which was repaired a few years ago with new fabric, has almost no slope. Rainwater pools in areas where the protective fabric has cracked due to our year-round scorching sun. I’ve elaborated on this in previous posts.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the most realistic threats our supplies could face. A roof leak, as we should already know, can originate from a location far removed from where it manifests. Youngsters who never owned a home, should take note of this.

Perhaps our dwelling is flood-safe, but excessive rainfall can lead to leaks or inadequate drainage in small backyard drains, as I’ve observed in other local houses. This is particularly true when roof maintenance is delayed, which can occur during unemployment or difficult times.

These insidious leaks can cause significant damage, especially to our valuable survival supplies. They can not only ruin food, medications, tools, and equipment but also create damp conditions that promote mold and bacterial growth, jeopardizing our health. When I reopened my bedroom after three years, I discovered damaged monitors and a TV. The mess was total, and I’m still recovering from that setback, as those items were essential for my CNC business.

Why Are Leaks a Problem?

• Damage to Supplies: Rainwater seeping through a damaged roof will damage non-canned food, medications, and other essential supplies. It will also promote rust in metal cans and canning supplies, as it carries more bacteria and microscopic debris.
• Equipment Deterioration: Moisture oxidizes tools, corrodes metals, and damages electronic equipment. If you rely heavily on such equipment, ensure you have backups and take steps to replace or repair it.
• Mold and Bacteria Growth: Damp conditions create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to respiratory problems and allergies. While silicone or high-temperature rubber with mold can be cleaned, the mold itself can be a health hazard if inhaled.
• Structural Damage: Prolonged leaks can (and will) weaken the structure of your home, leading to costly repairs. This is the most obvious and severe consequence. If you live in the same place as your storage, that’s great. However, if it’s 500 kilometers (or miles) away, and you visit only twice a year, consider installing an early warning system to detect changes in humidity levels. The goal of this article is to provide guidance based on personal experiences. Roofing professionals charge significant fees, and my limited income prevents me from affording their services, except for purchasing materials.

Roof Repair: Safety First

Before starting any repairs, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Working at heights can be dangerous, so take the following precautions:

• Thorough Inspection: Before beginning, inspect the entire roof to identify all damaged areas. Consider marking them with spray paint to avoid missing any.
• Safety Equipment: Always wear a safety harness, especially when working alone. Ensure a secure anchoring point.
• Scaffolding: A scaffold is significantly safer than a ladder, particularly for extensive work. It provides a stable and secure platform for climbing and transitioning to the roof. Double-check that all screws and fittings are tightly secured. Consider anchoring the scaffold to a solid structure with tie ropes to prevent unwanted movement. As we mature, we need solid footing. Fortunately, we possess the experience to compensate for any loss of agility or strength.
• Proper Footwear: Wear heavy-duty boots or shoes with non-slip soles to prevent slips and falls. This is of utmost importance!.
• Quality Tools: Ensure you have the appropriate tools in good condition, such as hammers, nails, and screwdrivers. Additionally, verify that consumables like caulk or putty are within their expiration dates before ascending. Descending a ladder or scaffold with an injured hand is no easy task. I learned this the hard way during the chaos of May, struggling with a wounded hand. It’s better to err on the side of caution.
• A Communication Device: This could be a cellphone, a radio, or any device that can be used in case of an emergency. I highly recommend using an armband holder. This keeps the device accessible in a hurry, unlike a belt holder, which can be easily damaged. I found these holders invaluable during my oil and gas field work.

Disclaimer:

Please use common sense. If you are not sure about repairing something, don´t try to save money. Hire a pro. If the real SHTF someday arrives, though, you could use this advice.

Materials for Repair

The materials you’ll need will depend on the damage to your roof. I included some extra materials back in the day of the good-paid job, and never regret it because I’m using some of them now. Some common materials include:

• Shingles or tiles: To replace damaged shingles.
• Patches
• Waterproof membrane: To seal cracks and joints.
• Caulk: To fill small holes and cracks.
• Nails and screws: To secure repair materials.

Steps to Repair a Leak

Steps to Repair a Leak

1. Locate the Source of the Leak: The stain on the ceiling may not be directly above the leak. Look thoroughly.
2. Remove Damaged Materials: Carefully remove any shingles or other materials obstructing the repair area.
3. Clean and Dry the Surface: Sweep away dirt, moss, and debris with an old broom. Then, wipe the area clean with a cloth before applying sealant. The cleaner the surface, the better the bond.
4. Apply Sealant: Use a heavy-duty, waterproof membrane or caulk to seal cracks and holes.
5. Replace Damaged Shingles: If necessary, replace damaged shingles with new ones.
6. Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your roof for signs of wear and tear. Addressing minor repairs promptly can prevent major problems. This cannot be overstated. I’m learning this firsthand after neglecting my home for three and a half years.

Always walk very carefully on a roof!

Additional Tips

• Keep Your Roof Clean: Regularly remove leaves, branches, and other debris to prevent water from pooling and causing damage. (I would love to use a drone with an arm for this)
• Perform Regular Maintenance: Schedule the inspection of your roof at least twice a year to detect any signs of wear and tear. Make it an internal inspection too.
• Watch out for your sliding glass patio doors: I know some houses have a severe flooding problem in their backyards. In my case, this is particularly important, and I can see the need for a few sandbags just in case. On the other hand, these doors provide my house with an added level of security, and comfort. This is what is going to be my main work area. (Once I fix the (insert your favorite adjective here) leaks on the roof!)

By taking the necessary measures to prevent and repair leaks, you can protect your supplies and your home from costly damage. Remember to always prioritize safety and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

For additional information, the repairs I made using geomembrane patching and homemade glue, documented on my Patreon site, were effective. It seems that the size of the patch and its orientation relative to the water flow are factors in its efficiency. I plan to apply this method to new leaks before the heavy rain season begins again in May or April. Although it rains year-round in this area, May is typically the wettest month.

Thanks for your reading, and your much-needed donations to keep writing and sharing this journey with such a fabulous community.

I want to give a special greeting to the new subscribers on my YouTube channel. For personal security, I had to take some measures and avoid showing myself, but this will not last beyond January 2025.

Do you have any comments about repairing a leak or keeping your preps safe? Leave a comment below!

About Jose

Jose is an upper middle class professional. He is a former worker of the oil state company with a Bachelor’s degree from one of the best national Universities. He has an old but in good shape SUV, a good 150 square meters house in a nice neighborhood, in a small but (formerly) prosperous city with two middle size malls. Jose is a prepper and shares his eyewitness accounts and survival stories from the collapse of his beloved Venezuela. Jose and his younger kid are currently back in Venezuela, after the intention of setting up a new life in another country didn’t  go well. The SARSCOV2 re-shaped the labor market and South American economy so he decided to give it a try to homestead in the mountains, and make a living as best as possible. But this time in his own land, and surrounded by family, friends and acquaintances, with all the gear and equipment collected, as the initial plan was.

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