Find yourself needing roof repair tips?
If you’re a new homeowner and you have a handy bone in your body, there’ll come a time when you tackle new projects around the house, both inside and out.
One of the primary parts of your home that requires special attention and care is the roof. After all, the roof doesn’t get any protection from extreme weather, from the sun, and from age.
There are different types of repairs that you can do, and we have some roof repair tips that can guide your judgment and help you make an informed decision on how to go about repairing your roof.
Roof Repairs
Multiple components factor into repairing a roof. Before starting a roof replacement or repair project, be mindful that the severity of the situation varies and may not always be as direct as it appears. That being said, here are some examples of the types of problems you may encounter:
Replacing Shingles
You might be able to replace a few shingles on one specific area of the roof if they are damaged or missing. You simply find matching shingles, make sure to remove the old, damaged shingles and install the new ones correctly with nails and adhesive.
Reroofing (Partially)
This type of job is required when you have to remove a medium-sized section of your roof. You’ll replace them with new shingles, but be sure you don’t layer them over the damaged shingles. That just causes more problems down the line about underlying damage.
Reroofing (Total)
If there is a lot of damage to your roof or the lifespan is quickly coming to an end, it’s probably time to strip everything off and install new shingles altogether.
Check the Flashing
There are times when you need to fix the flashing instead of the shingles. The flashing is located near the skylights, chimneys, and any other areas that have a gap on the roof. The cause of your roofing problems may be damaged, missing, or loose flashing.
12 Roof Repair Tips
These tips will help new DIY roofers know important tips that they may not be aware of as they learn more about roofing and repairs.
- Make sure you have on shoes with rubber soles so that you have good traction while up on the roof (avoid slipping).
- Always throw away and replace all shingles that are loose or that have completely detached from the roof.
- If you see any shingles that are curled, you should flatten them by using an adhesive to attach the edges to the roof again.
- If your shingles are brittle, try using a heat gun to make them softer and avoid breakage.
- To get a solid roof that stays intact, ensure that the front edge of your shingles is properly aligned with the shingles on the sides of it. Also, the back edge slides under the shingles in the row behind.
- Use 6D galvanized roofing nails to secure the top of every new shingle. Use roof cement to cover the nail heads and even under the shingles if it doesn’t seem like it’s staying in place.
- Check your flashing and also use roof cement to fill joints surrounding the flashing. This guarantees that they will get sealed correctly.
- Use an adhesive such as tar or roof cement for cracks, small holes, and other worn areas.
- Know when you should call a professional because this situation is getting out of hand. Some damages will require an expert so that the problem doesn’t get worse and ruin your home.
- Any roof leak that you encounter is serious. It is oftentimes hard to find a leak in the first place because it can change direction by the time it reaches your wall, ceiling, etc. Never underestimate a leak; the water can cause mold and mildew, and it can get into electrical systems.
- Any exposed nail heads are dangerous, and they will make your shingles looser over time. Caulk and cover them, and make sure you don’t miss any.
- Roof layovers are a bad idea. They make your roof heavier, making it prone to sagging, it allows for little ventilation, and it costs you more money in the end when it comes to e to fully replace your roof. You’ll have to pay double the costs for removal and disposal.
As always, you should contact a professional if the damage is too extensive or it seems that you’re out of your range of expertise with any particular problem. Red Canyon is here to help in any way that we can. Make sure to reach out to get your free estimate if you find that the repairs you need are beyond your control.