5 Do-It-Yourself Roofing Repair Tips
Roofing repairs can be expensive, especially as material costs continue to rise. Fortunately, there are some repairs that can be done on your own with just a little effort.
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Of course, for professional assistance in roofing Burlington residents can always find help, but if you can repair at least some of the issues yourself, you can save a lot of money. Here are five tips to help you with your own roofing repairs.
Replacing Shingles
If you’re just missing a few shingles on your roof, or the damage to some shingles is localized to one part of the roof, you can probably replace them yourself. The most difficult part of replacing individual shingles is finding shingles that match what you currently have, both in color and style.
Otherwise, patches and repairs can be very noticeable. Once you find shingles that match perfectly, it’s just a matter of removing the old shingles, and possibly the ones around them, and installing the new ones with adhesives recommended for your climate and roof type.
Replacing Part of a Roof
You can probably replace a portion of your roof yourself as long as you are able to find shingles that match your current roof and are able to just layer new shingles over the old ones.
This is significantly easier than laying a brand new roof because the old shingles can hide some of your imperfections and can help you blend colors if you’re not able to find an exact match. However, if your roof already has two layers, you’ll need to remove both layers and start fresh, at least in the area you’re replacing.
Replacing the Entire Roof
Usually, entire roof replacements are left to the professionals, especially if you see streaking stains on the shingles, curled shingles, or water stains in your attic. These issues can mean that you need extensive repairs to your home’s structure.
If you notice any of these signs, at least have your roof inspected by a professional to determine the extent of damage. Otherwise, if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can replace your entire roof yourself.
Flashing Repair
If you have a leak in your roof, it’s possible that all you need to repair is the flashing, which is located around chimneys, skylights, vents, and other gaps on the roof. Always inspect the flashing first before you commit to replacing part or all of your roof because flashing repair is significantly cheaper and less labor intensive than other types of roofing repairs.
If the flashing is loose or damaged, and the leak is occurring in the same area, it’s likely that you only need to worry about replacing the flashing. Of course, if the leak continues after you’ve replaced the flashing, you will need to consider other repairs.
Safety First
Roofing is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States, especially if you aren’t experienced in working on roofs. Make sure you wear rubber-soled shoes to grip the roof while you’re working on it, and consider using a harness that will catch you if you fall.
If you’re repairing your roof during the summer, be sure to take frequent breaks and drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration and heat-related medical issues.
Conclusion
Fixing a roof is not a simple project, but it can be done yourself if you take the time to educate yourself first. However, if your repairs are not straightforward, at least seek the advice of a professional before tackling this project. Understanding the scope of the repair before you start can save you a lot of time and expense.