DIY projects can help you save a lot of money. But when it comes to roofs, many homeowners are hesitant to troubleshoot them on a DIY basis. If you are a newbie in the world of DIY roof repairs, one of the main questions that you may be asking yourself is: What should I know about repairing my roof?
Well, DIY roof repairs are pretty straightforward for minor damage. A few damaged shingles, small leaks and damaged vents are easy to handle. Here are some of the top tips that you as a homeowner need to know to repair your roof easily;
What Are Some Troubleshooting Tips for My Roof?
Deal With Leaks
Even the tiniest roof leak is a big deal. Even in the short term, leaks can be disastrous since they result in the growth of mold and mildew. Leaks may also cause structural weakness as the water gets into joists, attic supports, framing, sheathing and the foundation. Therefore, if you have noticed water stains running across the ceiling or walls, you need to start tracking the leaks.
To quickly identify leaks, try looking at the roof uphill from the stain. Also, check the roof penetrations such as chimneys, roof vents, dormers, etc., since they tend to be the most prevalent cause of leaks. You may also climb up into the attic if it is accessible. Use a flashlight to check mold, water stains, or black marks. After identifying the leak, use stop-gap measures to cover the leak. However, you might need to replace the entire roof if it is thoroughly damaged.
Replace the Shingles
Missing shingles is also a common issue on roofs. The shingles help maintain a roof’s integrity. If a single shingle is missing, it may affect the water-tightness of your roof. Thus, if even a single shingle is missing, you must take immediate action. But your ability to replace them is restricted to only a few shingles. Otherwise, you will have to contact a professional. To do a DIY repair, ensure that the color and style of the new shingles match the existing ones. People can easily see mismatched shingles from the ground, which can be an eyesore.
Fixing Vents
One of the leading causes of leaks is damaged vents. Always check for broken seams on metal vents and cracked housing on the plastic ones. There is not a quick fix for damaged ducts other than replacing them. Also, check for missing or loose nails at the base and on top of the roof vent and replace them before securing them tightly with rubber-washered screws.
Conduct Preventative Maintenance
Do not wait until you have roof issues to start addressing them. Also, do not ignore damage, no matter how minor it might seem. Ignoring small issues may result in extensive damage that can be expensive to repair.
We hope that you have a better understanding of how to troubleshoot minor issues on your roof by now. We have listed some of the fast fixes that you can easily apply if you notice damage on your roof. However, if the damage is extensive, you will need to call a professional.