So, you’ve noticed that your roof has a leak or that a shingle is missing. Perhaps a storm has just rolled through, and your roof sustained hail damage.
Is DIY roof repair an option?
You have some minor experience working on a couple of roofs in the past, but you’re unsure if you have the skills needed to fully restore your roof.
Today, we’ll be talking about several repairs that will be easiest for you to do on your own. But first, let’s discuss the pros and cons of.
The Advantages + Disadvantages of DIY Roof Repair
DIY roof repairs are obviously very enticing to homeowners, as it can mean you will save yourself some money because you won’t be paying a contractor. However, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of materials that you’ll be paying for, as well as any equipment that you may need to purchase to pull off the repair successfully.
Also, it may take you longer to repair your roof than a professional. If the safety of the home is put in danger from the roof’s condition, then it may be wise to work with a contractor who can restore the integrity of your roof before another storm.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of doing a repair on your own is running the risk of not doing it correctly. This is not only annoying because it means you may have to try the repair again if it fails later on, but it’s also dangerous. Not fully restoring the full integrity of a roof during a repair can potentially lead to even more damage the next time a big storm comes through. Or, over time, a shoddy job may finally succumb to the poor craftsmanship.
For this reason, only those familiar with repairing roofs should attempt it. But, which repairs are DIY possible? These three are a good place to start.
3 DIY Roof Repair Tips For First-Timers
Don’t get us wrong this is good advice for anyone looking to repair their own roof. If this is your first roof repair, or your hundredth, these fundamental tips will still be useful.
1. How To Replace Roof Shingles
There are a variety of reasons why shingle replacement might be necessary for your roof. Both hail and excessive winds can cause roof shingles to become severely damaged or torn off of your roof entirely. This can harm your curb appeal as well as the safety of your home. A capable roofer should have no trouble replacing shingles. But, it can be tough to find new shingles that match both in style and in color with the rest of your roof. If you can locate them, you’re well on your way to a successful shingle replacement.
A shingle replacement is a simple four-step process.
- Break the seal on the shingle if it is still attached
- Remove the nails and take off the shingle
- Put the new shingle in place
- Hammer and seal in the shingle
There are some great resources out there for how to correctly replace a shingle, including some fantastic videos.
2. Replace Your Roof’s Flashing
The flashing is an unsung hero of every roof. Without it, snow and rain would constantly be getting into your home. Flashing is located around chimneys, skylights, and any other parts of the roof where there is a gap between shingles. In addition, flashing is often present in roof edges and valleys.
Flashing replacements can get pretty technical, and this is definitely a repair that should be done by professional roofers or someone with a lot of experience with roofs. While a poor shingle replacement may still be able to function fairly well, not replacing your flashing correctly can have huge consequences.
Replacing the flashing will involve removing several rows of shingles in addition to the old flashing. You’ll also need to chip out old mortar and caulking along the edges of the flashing. Eventually, you’ll seal the seam between the cap and step flashing with urethane roofing cement or a silicone caulking compound.
For a more comprehensive look at the process of replacing your flashing, take a look at this blog here.
Once again, flashing repairs are best left to an actual roofing company, as the ramifications for improper flashing installation can lead to extensive water damage.
3. Finding & Fixing A Roof Leak
Ah yes, the infamous roof leak. There are various types of roof leaks your home may encounter, some of which are more difficult to repair than others. For this reason, it’s hard to say whether you can handle patching a leak on your own, or whether it’s best left to the pros. It’s a case by case basis.
This article from Family Handyman has a solid breakdown of how to inspect for leaks, the different types of leaks, and how to repair them. Truthfully, however, if you do experience a roof leak, the best move is to call a local roofing contractor quickly and have them investigate it.
DIY Roofing Not For You? We’re Here To Help
Have a leaking roof or another problem with your roof that needs repairs? If you’re in the Houston area, reach out to Eagle Eye Roofing for all your roofing needs. Whether it’s gutters, a completely new roof, or storm damage repair, we’ll get the job done.
To get in touch with us, head over to our contact page. Or, call us at 281-706-4013!
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
