The Pros & Cons 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.

Only those familiar with repairing roofs should attempt it. But, which repairs are DIY possible? These three are a good place to start:

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

Check out these 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 complicated 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.

3. Finding & Fixing A 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 and will vary.

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. Being completely honest though, if you do experience a roof leak, the best move is to call a local roofing contractor quickly and have them investigate it.

Looking For A Roofer in Fort Wayne? Contact Red Wolf Roofing

Have a leaking roof or another problem with your roof that needs repairs? If you’re in the Fort Wayne area, reach out to Red Wolf Roofing in Fort Wayne for all your roofing needs. Whether it’s gutters, a completely new roof, or storm damage repair, we’ll get the job done.