Knowing how to maintain your roof will help you protect your family from the weather. What if your roof needs to be repaired? It’s not always a good idea for you to DIY roof repairs in dunedin, but some minor ones can be done by yourself if your construction skills are up to par and you follow these tips.
Roof Repair Tips
1. Dress appropriately.
It is important to remember this tip when you are attempting a roofing repair. It is not a joke to be on your roof. You are very high up and can suffer serious injuries if you fall. Wear rubber-soled shoes and dress in a way that will protect you from any dangers up there. Rubber soled footwear will provide stability and grip on the roof. Poor traction can cause you to slip and fall.
2. Do your best to match shingles.
You may need to replace some shingles when repairing your roof. It’s important to use shingles that are similar to your existing ones. This is not always an easy task. It’s more difficult to match shingles if your roof is older (shingles fade in the sunlight), but choosing shingles of the same brand, color and style will help your repair blend in. Don’t ignore your roof, as it accounts for 40% of the curb appeal of your house.
3. Check for flashing and vents.
Flashing is a thin metal sheeting used to seal off areas of the roof that are prone to leakage. Make sure that it is nailed to the roof and is laying flat. It’s vital to re-nail it down if it is cracked, loose or has gaps. Seal it with roof cement if it is. Check the caulk on any vents to ensure it is intact. You don’t want a roof that is leaking because of cracks.
4. Cover up nail heads.
It is important to not leave exposed nail heads. If you are doing a roof fix, use galvanized or aluminum nails to prevent them from rusting. You should place the nails under the shingle just above where they are. If you can’t cover nails with shingles, use caulk to seal them.
5. Caulk is not for everything.
Caulk may seem like a quick fix to a small roof leak or to reseal leaking vents, but we assure you that it will not be the answer to all your roofing problems. Avoid temporary fixes, which can lead to more damage if not caught in time. You should know what the problem is, and you need to be familiar with the materials that will fix it.
6. Repair vs replace: When to repair or replace?
In a previous blog, we discussed how to determine whether you should opt for a repair or a alternative. Do not try to tackle more than you can handle, especially when it comes to DIY roof repairs. It’s for this reason that professionals are employed in the roofing industry. A botched roof repair or trying to fix something which should be replaced will cause you more headaches in the future.
7. Do not hire just any contractor.
If you don’t feel confident in your ability to repair your roof, it may be tempting for you to hire a handyman. We get it, roofers get a bad rap. Hiring someone who lacks the experience and qualifications in roofing could lead to disaster. With a little bit of research, you can find trusted and great roofers in your locality. Look at reviews and ratings and ensure your roofer has a license and insurance.
8. When to call the pros.
You’re not sure how to solve the problem? You don’t feel safe on your roof. You don’t have time or skills to do it yourself? It’s not a sin to call in a pro. In most cases, DIY solutions are not worth the risk involved in climbing up to the roof and fixing the problem incorrectly or incompletely.
