3 Common Roof Problems and DIY Ways to Fix Them

Keeping your roof in excellent shape is important in avoiding costly repairs in the future. However, your roof may eventually have a few problems, so it is a good idea to understand how to fix these problems yourself before they turn into more significant issues. Here are a few tips for how to repair common roof problems yourself.

 

1. Leaky Roof Problems

 

A leaky roof is an all-too-common problem for many homeowners and businesses. Getting the leak fixed as soon as possible is essential in limiting damage inside your home or building. A roof can be leaking due to a variety of reasons, whether it is due to damaged shingles, flashing issues, or curled shingles. You can re-secure a curled back shingle by coating it with asphalt roofing cement, and you can replace a damaged shingle. You can easily repair the metal flashing around your chimney by using a caulk gun to reseal the joints to prevent additional leaks.

 

2. Missing Shingles

 

Severe weather conditions can cause your shingle to blow off your roof. These missing shingles can cause significant damage to the structure of your roof if you do not replace it in a timely manner. All you need to do to replace a shingle is to purchase a new one and put it in the place of the missing shingle by using roofing nails. Applying a small amount of roof cement is also important to help you seal the shingle to the roof.

 

3. Roof Punctures

Fallen tree limbs during a storm can create significant punctures in your roof. Getting a tarp to cover these holes is critical in limiting further damages to your home. You can nail several pieces of lumber to secure the tarp on the roof to keep your home temporarily protected. Typically, it is a good idea to reach out to a professional roofing contractor to handle significant damages to your roof unless you have experience working in the roofing industry.

 

Understanding how to handle these common roofing problems is important for extending the lifespan of your roof and avoiding costly repairs. The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is around 20 years, a wood roof can last up to 30 years, and a metal roof can last nearly five decades. While it is a cost-effective investment to fix minor roofing issues yourself, it is always a good idea to reach out to a professional roofing contractor for more complex repair work. Contact Steele Restoration for more information.

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