Can I DIY Roof Repair?

Can I DIY Roof Repair_

With spring here and most of the snow melted, you may have noticed wear and tear and even roof damage. Now, is the perfect time to get up there and inspect your roof for any damage from the winter. If you have the skills, you might be able to do some roof repairs. Learn to see what types of repairs you can DIY.

 

DIY Roof Tips

Depending on the type and condition of your roof, you may need to do a simple patch job or more involved repairs, such as replacing shingles. The first thing to do is get your roof professionally inspected if you’re not sure about the damage. Here are some DIY roof tips for some simple repairs.

 

Leaky Roof

Go up to the attic and look around. When you have water damaging ceiling tiles, it has progressed. Remove the damaged materials and follow the leak from an uphill view. The leak may protrude from some nailed-on structure. Take a hose and soak the roof, emulating rain, until the leak shows itself. Once you’ve identified the leak, get up on the ladder and climb to the roof. Check out any missing, curled, or cracked shingles. The caulking and shingles could be damaged in areas where shingles intersect, so applying roof sealant can help stop the leak and prevent future ones.

 

Damaged Shingles

Roof shingles can get damaged or begin rotting over time. If you noticed your shingles are in bad shape, carefully raise the edges of the neighboring shingles. Now, remove the nails of the damaged shingles via a hammer or pry bar. The shingle should slide out, which allows you to slide in a new shingle and align it correctly with the rest to install it. Last, use galvanized roofing nails on all the corners to fasten the shingle.

 

Curled Shingles

There are various reasons why shingles curl. Harsh weather can cause the shingles to bend, such as with wind or torrential rains or snows. You can easily uncurl shingles by brushing them using an adhesive compound like asphalt roofing cement. Note to straighten down the corners and edges of the curled shingles, which helps to prevent curling again.

 

Chimney Leaks

If your chimney leaks, most likely, it’s the flashing (steel) that’s rusted and needs repair. You can repair it merely by installing a new flashing underneath the old. This is a temporary fix that will last a while, but if you want a more permanent repair, remove the old flashing and replace any rusted material.

 

Small Holes

Small holes can cause leaks, but they are so minute, you may not be aware of them. Small holes can be the result of nails or some area on the roof, and if given a chance, can do severe damage if not repaired. You may think it best to fill the holes, but that’s just a bandaid. You will want to inspect the roof and place flashing over the holes.

 

Need More Complex Repairs? Contact The Roof Doctor

Even though you can do various DIY roof repairs, it’s best to allow a professional roofing expert to inspect your roof and take care of the more extensive repairs and replacements. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.

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