Having to repair your roof can be stressful, especially if you’ve never done it before, or don’t know much about it. While fixing your roof might seem like an intimidating or complicated task, it really doesn’t have to be, thanks to these five easy repair tips that anyone can do. Follow these tips and you’ll be enjoying leak-free living in no time!
1) Check your roof regularly
Your roof is the most important part of your home, yet many homeowners do not give it the attention and care it deserves. You should perform a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior at least once a year to ensure there are no visible signs of damage.
2) Make sure your gutters are clean
You may not think of gutters as being a part of your roof, but they’re actually the first line of defense against water damage. They redirect rainwater from the house and make sure that it doesn’t run down the side of the building, which can cause problems with mold, mildew and other issues. Plus, having clean gutters is just an indication that you care about your home. For those reasons, it’s important to keep them clean by removing any leaves or debris that has collected there over time.
3) Keep trees trimmed
1. Keep trees trimmed. Trees can be a big problem if they grow too close to the roof and their branches rub up against it. 2. Make sure gutters are clean and free of debris. This will help with water runoff and protect your home’s foundation from being eroded away by water seepage. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, clean out rain gutters after every storm so you’re prepared for when disaster strikes. Consider getting rubber flashing: 3. Consider getting rubber flashing instead of asphalt shingles or traditional shingles for roofs in high-risk areas for storms and hurricanes like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and California 4. There is also tar paper available which helps seal the underside of the roof
4) Remove snow and ice promptly
Don’t wait until the snow and ice on your roof have melted. Remove them promptly to prevent excess weight from building up that could damage the integrity of your roof. If you don’t know how to remove the snow, call a professional for help.
1) Use a shovel or ice chipper to remove all of the snow from your roof. 2) Once you’ve removed as much snow as possible with a shovel or chipper, take out any remaining pieces by hand. 3) Be sure to check under gutters and around skylights for any frozen precipitation that may be hiding there. 4) When everything is free of snow and ice it’s time to climb onto your roof with a scraper or spatula in hand if necessary in order to clear away any residual buildup from the bottom-most layer of shingles on your roof.
5) Hire a professional
If you suspect that your roof may need repair, it’s best to hire a professional before the problem gets worse. A trained eye will be able to spot problems with the shingles and flashing that you might not notice. Don’t attempt a DIY fix unless you’re an expert; if things go wrong, then you’ll end up spending more money than if you had just hired somebody in the first place.