5 DIY Roof Repair Tips

Roof problems can be bothersome. If left alone or unnoticed, these problems can result in bigger and more costly issues for your home. We highly recommend calling in the pros to step in for major roof problems such as big leaks. However, there are some cases where a little DIY should do the trick.

DIY roof repairs can be daunting if you’re unprepared. If you think your roof problems can be fixed with your hands and a little effort, then here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Inspect The Problem

Before you even think about fixing your roof, first think about the problem itself. Is it something that you can do on your own?

Patching out small leaks or even replacing a few shingles on your roof are basic tasks that you can probably do. However, when it comes to problems like roof painting, rust removal, or roof replacement, it’s much better to have it done by professionals instead.

It’s not just the quality of work that you should be concerned with, it’s also the quality of the materials used for the task as well.

• Safety First

Your top priority when fixing your roof isn’t to fix the problem, it’s to keep yourself safe. One misstep can lead to serious and even fatal injuries. Roof repair experts from Brisbane Roof And Paint are well-trained and well-equipped when it comes to roof servicing. You should keep the same quality of security for yourself as well.

For starters, make sure that you are wearing rubber-soled shoes when working on your roof. These types of shoes give you the best traction when high up so you don’t slip and fall. Make sure to wear some hardware gloves on your hands as well. These give you a good grip on your tools and it prevents cuts from sharp edges as well.

Another important tip to consider when fixing your own roof is that you should avoid doing it when it’s raining. Even if you’re wearing rubber shoes, the chances of an accident happening is high while it’s raining. If it’s an emergency repair and it’s raining, consider reaching out to us for help instead.

• Prepare The Right Tools

Before you head up, make sure that your toolbox is already equipped with the necessary equipment for the job. There are a lot of tools that can make DIY roof repairs easier but here are the essentials:

• Caulk gun – Used to easily apply cement caulk on small leaks. Can also be used to stick new shingles on a roof.
• Nail gun/roofing nail – Hammers can work well on a roof but if you want to work safely and more efficiently, it’s best to use a nail gun instead. Bringing a nail gun all the way to the roof isn’t easy though unless you have a lengthy extension cord.
• Ladder – Probably the most basic equipment you need for the job. A good ladder should be stable and easy to set up.
• Broom/rake – In most cases, you’re going to need to do some light sweeping on your roof before you start fixing it. Use a broom or a rake to remove any dried leaves or debris from your roof.

There’s a lot more that you’ll need to have when doing complex roof repair jobs. If you’re lacking the necessary tools, head to your nearby hardware store and stock up. Make sure to invest in quality tools that last a long time.

• Clean The Surface

If you are looking to repaint your roof or are looking to patch out leaks with cement, it is a must to clean the roof first. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can make these simple tasks more complicated.

Make it a must to clean the area before painting. What happens is that instead of sticking to the roof, the paint will instead cover the dust or the debris that’s on it. This results in a rough and unstable coat on your roof.

• Watch Your Step

Last but not least, make sure to watch your step. Rubber soles are only going to keep you from slipping. Tripping on loose shingles and on other foreign debris are things you should still worry about.

Aside from watching where you are going, make sure to move aside any loose shingles and debris on the roof as you are working. Just make sure to look down below before you throw out anything as you might injure someone.

Understandably, DIY roof repair can be intimidating. There’s a reason why people train for this kind of work and that’s because not everyone has a knack for fixing stuff. If you’re not too confident in your skill, don’t be afraid to drop by and give experts a call.