A damaged roof is more than inconvenient; it is also dangerous. Failing to address problems with your roofing can lead to property damage and a decrease in property value. For this reason, it is essential to be attentive to the state of your roof so you can nip potential issues in the bud before they worsen. There are some things you can do yourself to mitigate the effects of roof damage before calling in the professionals for help. Keep reading to learn some helpful DIY roof repair tips to help you keep your roof in excellent condition.
The 6 Most Useful DIY Roof Repair Tips
Taking advantage of these DIY roof repair tips will help you keep your home protected. That being said, only execute the tips for which you have the skills and confidence to follow through for the best results. Here are the six most useful DIY roof repair tips:
1. Check The Flashing
One of the simplest DIY roof repair tips you can follow is to check the flashing of your roof. The flashing is the metal part of your roof that prevents leaks. You specifically want to check for any signs of being bent or cracked, as it should be nailed flat against your roof. If there are any signs of damage to your flashing that you don’t feel confident flattening or repairing yourself, call a professional to set your flashing back to normal.
2. Cover The Exposed Nail Head
Another one of the most useful DIY roof repair tips you can follow is to cover any exposed nail heads. To prevent rust, you want your roofing nails to be made of stainless steel or aluminum. You will need to cover exposed nail heads with caulk or roof sealant so that they don’t develop wear and tear from the elements.
3. Find Leaks
Finding leaks is another simple way you can stay on top of keeping your roof in working condition. You don’t even have to use a ladder to check the top of your roof. All you need to do is look for water stains on your ceiling. To confirm that the leak originates from your roof, you can use binoculars to check the state of your roof or have someone with the right equipment and experience take a closer look.
4. Salvage Shingles If Possible
If you have the capacity to repair and salvage shingles, you should do so. This mainly consists of using roofing sealant or cement to keep the shingles flat against your roof if possible and seal any cracks. Only if the shingles are absolutely unsalvageable should you have them replaced by a professional roofing contractor.
5. Clear Gutters
Your gutters are just as much a part of your roof as the flashing and shingles. Failing to keep your gutters clean can lead to blockages and leaks that can damage your roof and other parts of your home. For this reason, you should take time to clear your gutters of debris before it gets overwhelming.
6. Don’t Use Caulk As A Fix-All
When completing DIY roof repairs, you might be tempted to use caulk as your go-to material for fixing and replacing shingles. However, experts recommend against using caulk as a fix-all solution and to use your discretion as to when to utilize it. More specifically, if you’re dealing with a leaky roof, caulk isn’t going to be the best substance to fix it.
Call Quality Roofing Services For Professional Assistance!
We hope that these six useful DIY roof repair tips will help you in your moment of need. Of course, it’s understandable if you’d rather leave repairs in professional hands. The good news is that Quality Roofing Services is here to keep the roof of your Los Angeles property in great shape. Contact us today for the best roofing services in California.