What Roof Repairs Can You DIY?

Roof leaking? Labor alone can set you back hundreds of dollars. Doing it yourself?—free! But we can’t have costs as the only deciding factor.

There could be deep underlying issues that need to be addressed. So, consider the following factors before going the DIY roof repair route.

Can I DIY Repair Roof Damage?

For very minor leaks, virtually anybody can do a DIY repair. Now, are you confident enough in your skills to do it right? Incorrect repairs can lead to further damage in the future.

If underlying issues are missed, you risk escalating your roofing problems. To avoid such issues, here’s a quick checklist to determine whether or not you can DIY roof repair:

Do You Have Roofing Experience?

If you’ve been in this line of work before, roof repairs, especially minor ones, are a walk in the park. You might be a little rusty if you haven’t done it for some time. A quick refresher could quickly get you back on track.

But, if you don’t have experience, roof repairs can get tricky. A YouTube tutorial can only get you so far. Can it work?—Yes! However, you might want to get a contractor to look at the damage for your family’s safety and your home’s integrity.

Do You Have the Right Equipment and Materials?

Proper roof repair equipment can get costly. If you don’t already have the equipment, you will save more money by hiring the right contractors.

Proper materials are also necessary for specific roofing problems. Can you identify, source, and buy suitable materials for a repair project?

Do You Have the Proper Permits or Permissions?

Before starting roofing repair projects, check if you need a permit from your municipality or HOA. In some cases, your HOA might insist you hire professionals.

Also, consider your insurance policy. If you DIY repair your roof and it gets damaged further, insurance won’t likely cover it or injuries caused by your actions during repairs.

Roof Repairs You Can DIY

After considering all the factors, let’s look at what type of roof damage you can repair yourself. For starters, the most straightforward repairs you can do are replacing roof shingles, fixing the flashing, and repairing minor roof leaks.

Replacing Shingles

Heavy rain, storms, and fallen tree limbs can cause wear and tear. Eventually, some shingles will reach their limit, get cracks, or fall off your roof.

Repairing or replacing shingles is relatively easy as the repair can be isolated from the rest of the roof. Patching it with caulk or roofing cement is an option—but, it’s only a temporary fix.

Here’s a quick guide on how you can replace your broken shingles:

• Using a flat bar, break the damaged shingles free from the glue that holds them down with the other shingles. Carefully work between the shingles but don’t tear into undamaged ones.
• Find the nails that hold them in place; usually, four nails hold them together. Look under the top and bottom shingle and pry them out.
• Remove the old and damaged shingles, replace them with new ones, and nail them in. Don’t nail them in the same hole that’s already been compromised.
• Apply sealant to the old shingles that overlap with the new ones to ensure its glued down. You can also apply sealant to the old holes where you removed the nails.

The cost of shingles varies depending on the type of shingles and their availability in your area.

Fixing Flashing

Homes with chimneys or dormers typically have flashing. The thin metal material steers water away from entries where it might reach the inside of your home.

If you notice any leaks, a caulk gun or roofing cement is the quickest way to reseal the damaged flashing.

Repairing Minor Leaks

The first step to repairing minor leaks is visually checking the entire roof. Find issues like broken or missing shingles, holes due to wear and tear, fallen debris, or even animals.

Minor leaks can be fixed temporarily by applying sealant under the shingles. Without proper inspection from contractors, underlying issues might not get found. If contractors aren’t available yet, your best option is to stop leaks using sealant or roof cement.

Saving Costs on Roof Repairs

If you’re unsure whether or not you can DIY the necessary roof repairs but still want to save on costs, here are some quick tips for you.

Source Materials Yourself

Much research goes into finding suitable materials at the right price. When looking for materials online, look at reviews or testimonials and availability. Don’t let price be your only deciding factor.

Do SOME of the Work Yourself

You can always negotiate with your contractor to cut down on labor. You can help with things like carrying new shingles up the roof, removing old ones, or clean-up. But, most licensed contractors might not be open to this since there could be accidents.

Hire the Right Contractors

In most cases, the best way to save money, and ensure the longevity of your roof repair, and quality of work is by hiring the right licensed contractors.

Contractors can help with everything from calculating materials needed for roof repairs to ensuring your family’s and the roofers’ safety.

To help you find the right contractors, here’s a quick checklist you can refer to.

Key Takeaways

Deciding to repair roof damage yourself takes a lot of consideration. If you don’t have the experience, leaving it to the professionals might be a better option. But, if you’ve decided to go the DIY route, consider the following:

• Be sure to have the right equipment.
• Buy quality materials that are fit for your roof.
• The most straightforward roof repairs you can DIY include replacing shingles, fixing flashing, and minor leak repairs.
• Check your municipality or HOA for any permits needed before starting a repair project.
• If you want to save money and ensure quality repairs, find the right roofing contractors.

When you’re ready to repair your roofs without breaking the bank, look no further than Trenton Roofing & Siding! Request a free estimate today!