Whitepaper: A Homeowner’s Guide To DIY Roof Repair

When it comes to doing a full roof replacement or a major repair, the smartest and safest thing to do is call a trusted well recommended roofing company to come out and do the job. However, for smaller repairs and upkeep you may want to take the do it yourself approach. More and more homeowners are recognizing that being able to take care of something on their own not only saves money, but builds confidence and independence. A good trait of a smart homeowner is having an interest in the maintenance and upkeep of their home. When it comes to repairing roofs the team at Roofing Direct has the products and thoughtful customer service to support both the leaders in the industry and the DIYers stepping up to take care of things themselves. Here are some tips and top products to be aware of as you shoulder the responsibility and pride of being a homeowner. 

Inspect Seasonally

The fact there is no water dripping from your ceiling does not mean you don’t have a leak. Many leaks can take months for the right amount of water to collect and create a mess that you can see. Seasonally inspecting your roof can help you spot trouble spots long before they become pools bubbling up in your ceiling or dripping from overhead fixtures. To catch a leak or a potential leak before it can do thousands of dollars in damage the first step is to pull out the ladder and get on the roof to take a look. Remember, not all ladders are created equal, you want a strong sturdy ladder and we always recommend a ladder stabilizer as well. Check out Roofing Direct’s selection of ladders here and ensure you are working safe and smart from the start. 

From your vantage on the ladder you are keeping an eye out for shingles that look streaky, or ones that appear to be cracked or damaged. If there are leaves, twigs or other debris use a broom to sweep them off of your roof. Remember to sweep in the direction of the shingles to avoid damaging them. Always look behind the chimney to clear out any accumulated debris there too. This is also a great time to clear out those gutters. As you clear your gutters keep an eye out for any shingle parts or pieces. It doesn’t rain shingles, any sign of those in your gutters can be a signal for a much larger problem and a sign that you need to take a closer look.  

See Something Do Something

So you spot a trouble area in your inspection, what now? First, pat yourself on the back for finding a small problem before a big problem finds you. Now for the fixing, that depends on what you find. Curled up shingles can be quickly fixed by sealing them back down with an application of roofing cement. Simply apply a generous amount to the underside of the shingle and press firmly down ensuring the edges and corners are well coated and sticking in place. A damaged or missing shingle is a big concern, but a relatively easy fix with the right tools from Roofing Direct. A damaged shingle needs to be removed, you can do this by gently lifting the edges of the surrounding shingles and carefully removing the nails with a pry bar. 

Once the nails are removed the shingle should slide out, clear the area of any debris and get ready to apply the new shingle. Slide the new shingle under and into its position and fasten the top and each corner with some galvanized nails. Apply a coat of roofing cement over the nails and seam for added protection and security. Now that your roof is celan, gutters are celar, all sliding and shifting shingles are dealt with, it is time to look closer at your chimney and the flashing there. 

Flashing is a thin metal material used to direct water away from the chimney. Any separation between the chimney and flashing creates an ideal place for water to pool and eventually find its way into your attic. Rearing this separation is as easy as using a caulk gun. Simply get some roofing cement sealant caulk and apply to the area of separation and tape it tight to the chimney while the sealant dries and cures. Depending on your roof you may have flashing in other places as well, be sure to inspect all of your flashing points. If everything is looking fine on your roof we still recommend that you check your attic for any signs of water or moisture. 

When In Doubt, Go To The Pros

Maintenance is so simple that many people just simply forget to do it or put it off for another season. Stay on top of your roof’s problems by getting up on your roof and inspecting it for yourself. Being a homeowner is practically a part time job in and of itself and that means knowing how to keep it ship shape. Remember, don’t bite off more than you can handle and leave really big jobs for the crews that have the experience to fix a problem without creating another. 
If you are not sure where to turn, give the experienced crew at Roofing Direct a call at (855) 670-7663 (ROOF). They can help troubleshoot, recommend great products, and have everything shipped directly to your house. Above all be sure that you are safe on your roof, Roofing Direct has great safety products to ensure you have many more years of roof fixing ahead of you.