Tips for DIY Roof Repairs and Maintenance
Tips for DIY Roof Repairs and Maintenance
Roof issues can be complex. Even experienced family handymen may not possess the expertise required for major roof repairs themselves. Knowing your limits and when it is necessary to call in professional help is vital for completing a successful DIY home repair project.
Simple steps can be all it takes to maintain the condition of your roof. Check out expert tips below!
1. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof serves as the first line of defense against weather damage to your home, and any failure can have devastating repercussions – from costly repair bills and mold growth, to expensive repair bills.
Conducting a visual roof inspection is one of the best ways to identify damage and assess whether professional assistance is required. Begin by walking around your exterior home, paying special attention to areas where it touches. Look out for signs of wear-and-tear, ageing, sagging or plant growth on the roof itself; missing or broken shingles, texture loss on shingles (granule loss) and any signs of buckling as you inspect for wear-and-tear and missing granules (granule loss texture loss on shingles), missing granule loss (textured surface), or buckling as you inspect for signs of wear and tear or wear-and-tear when inspecting for roof damages or needs assessment from professionals.
Check flashing (metal pieces used to encase skylights, dormers, chimneys and roof mounted antennas or satellite dishes) for signs of corrosion or gaps.
2. Check Your Gutters
Gutter systems are essential parts of the structure of any home, helping transport water away from it and away from foundational components like the roof and walls. If they're not functioning as they should be, long-term damage may ensue.
Clogged gutters mean water has nowhere to go, collecting on roof surfaces and seeping into any joints between roof surfaces and siding or downspouts. This can cause significant damage over time and is an immediate indicator that gutters need cleaning out.
After any storm has passed through your area, it's essential that you conduct a visual inspection of your home and inspect for dents in gutters or downspouts and signs of rotting in order to keep yourself and your property safe.
3. Check Your Shingles
After a storm, take note of any loose or missing shingles. If any have blistering (similar to bruises), that indicates moisture penetration and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid roof leaks. Blistering is usually caused by poor attic ventilation that allows warm air to cause asphalt shingles to degrade and leak moisture into your home through poor attic ventilation systems causing them to degrade faster and leak moisture into your home through leaky roof shingles.
Dark spots on roof shingles are another telltale sign of moisture damage, signalling that granules have been scraped off the surface, exposing an asphalt layer beneath and leading to leakage issues.
Checking your attic for water stains and feeling the walls and roof for dampness will provide you with an accurate picture of its condition and allow you to take steps before any damage worsens.
4. Check Your Flashings
Flashings often go unnoticed when it comes to roof maintenance, yet their role cannot be underestimated. These thin pieces of metal seal off joints and seams around features like chimneys, vents, dormers and skylights to keep water out and prevent it from entering your home and causing water damage.
Flashing should always be examined carefully during an annual roof inspection for leaks or other problems, just like other components like shingles and insulation can. Flashing wears down over time, becoming less waterproof. If any holes exist in your flashing, use patch pieces from similar metal to repair the holes before applying roof cement over the patched areas to ensure they won't worsen further.
5. Check Your Roof for Damage
A quality roof should withstand strong winds without suffering much damage, yet even severe storms may still do significant damage. Look out for signs such as shingle pockmarks, missing granules or loose or completely blown-off shingles; as well as rusting gutters or signs of water leakage such as spongy spots on ceiling or walls.
Dented roofs are telltale signs of hail damage – just like on your car! Dents on gutters or downspouts could indicate hail-hit roofs as well, and must be addressed quickly in order to prevent water leaks. Documenting roofing damage when making an insurance claim is paramount – make sure photos and videos of all areas affected are included!
Tips for DIY Roof Repairs and Maintenance Roof issues can be complex. Even experienced family handymen may not possess the expertise required for major roof repairs themselves. Knowing your limits and when it is necessary to call in professional help is vital for completing a successful DIY home repair project. Simple steps can be all…