Should I repair my own roof?
Once again its Fall in Citrus County, FL and another storm blows through. In the immediate aftermath of a storm, it is important for homeowners to examine their roof to make sure that the shingles are still intact and undamaged. In the event that blown-off roof shingles are discovered in the future, homeowners should be familiar with the process for regaining them. In this case, there aren't a lot of steps. Replace storm-damaged shingles as soon as possible. Water damage and leaks might occur if the roof's supporting structure is not renovated or protected.
Shingles That Have Blown Off Your Roof
Replacing blown-off roof tiles one at a time or in sequence is the quickest and easiest way to fix them.
You can replace the old shingles with new ones if you want to. Older tiles may lose their color over time due to exposure to the elements, making stains like this much more noticeable.
How to Replace a Shingle the Right Way
Dispose of any old nails or broken shingles from the roof that were removed with the use of a pry bar and a trash can. Clean away any debris or nails that may be left behind if the shingle is totally gone. Two nails are used to fix the shingles above the gaping hole, and two are used to penetrate the shingles just below the gaping hole, on average. Remove the old shingles while you're waiting for the new ones to be installed. This raises the risk of the new shingle being punctured by an old one.
Take care not to damage or remove any of the existing shingles when replacing them. To ensure a strong bond, you may have to remove the shingle nails from the shingles above. In order to complete this task, remove the old shingle and nails, and then nail down the new shingle and the nails from above.
Sections of asphalt roofing shingles that are three feet broad by one foot long can be changed. You may also divide the shingle into sections and replace only one tab at a time to make things easier on yourself. If there are any remaining damaged tiles following the repair, a putty knife can be used to break the seal surrounding them. Using a flat bar and a nail remover, remove any nails that are still attached to the shingles.
A tool knife can be used to cut off the broken tab if it is the only one that has to be removed. A new strip or tab of shingle should be installed on the roof once the old one has been removed. Until the remainder of the roof is built, use roofing nails to secure the new shingle in place. Determine whether or not the new shingle is in place before removing the tab and applying roofing cement to it. It is important to have a professional evaluate your roof when the repair is complete to ensure it is in good shape. Tar should be applied to any shingles that are about to come off.
Do-It-Yourself A Risky Profession: Roofing Repair
This can save money for those who are skilled at DIY projects, but it is not suggested for the average homeowner because of the risks. The dangers of doing your own roof repair don't end with improper fixes. Installing new shingles by untrained roofing contractors might lead to greater problems in the long run. If they are not securely fastened or are put in the wrong area, roof shingles might lift, leak, or even fall off during the next windstorm. Because of your blunder, you may find yourself on the hook for additional fees down the road.
There are a few things to bear in mind while doing roof repairs on your own. Trespassing on your property's rooftop comes with the risk of serious injury or death. When it's windy or wet, and if there's debris on the roof like leaves, the chance of a roof repair goes up dramatically. On the other hand, climbing a ladder while carrying heavy shingles and nails might be hazardous. Material and equipment that are unfamiliar to the user might also pose a danger. As a result, the manufacturer's warranty will not cover any repairs you do yourself.
Your time and effort might be at danger if you attempt to repair your roof on your own. The time it takes to replace your roof's shingles might range from a few hours to a few days, depending on the damage. Roof shingle replacement is physically tiring because of their size, weight, and difficulty in handling. An injury to your back or another body part might occur if you don't lift properly and aren't aware of the hazards.
If you ever have any roofing questions please call our team at New Roots Construction. We will be happy to help!