Fixing roofing problems like small leaks and loose shingles can fall into the category of a do it yourself type job. More comprehensive work should be done by professionals only for safety and quality purposes. Remember, even if the job doesn’t seem dangerous think safety first at all times. Falling from 10 feet or 50 can create life-threatening injuries or at best a trip to the hospital to fix a broken bone or address bruising.
Using your creativity along with a few common items often seen around the household can provide you with a neat workaround and a solution to your roofing issue. Amazingly enough, there are easy ways and means of fixing a seemingly collapsing roof if you follow a few basic tips to address the problem.
Before You Know What You’re Doing
It may help to consult a roofing professional if you’ve no idea what you’re doing. Minor leak issues caused by a broken single shingle are definitely do it yourself type jobs but larger, more critical issues need to be addressed by a licensed, skilled roofing professional. Since water damage can compromise your roof quickly call a specialist immediately if you can’t fix the problem swiftly and easily on your own.
If your repairs are not holding, or you’re experiencing multiple leaks get in touch with professional roofers. You may also be dealing with a difficult to trace problem if the leak is wicking along walls. Experiencing heavy roof damage or dealing with difficult to repair roof surfaces like ceramic require the help of pros. Call a specialist to get the job done.
Tips for Repairing a Shingle
If you’ve experienced a heavy storm with strong gusty winds you may need to replace a damaged shingle. Cut a piece of aluminum flashing about an inch smaller than the torn tab and roughly 4 inches longer than the tab. Loosen the tabs to the left and right, as well as the damaged tab. Apply roofing cement to the spot beneath the shingle, slip the flashing beneath and cover the top of the flashing with another coating of cement. Press down the tab.
Guard Against Falls
Following a few key tips can help you minimize the likelihood of slipping and falling from your roof. Spend little time stepping on the roof. Do most of your work from a latter to stay safe and secure. Use a roofer’s ladder if you’ll be spending more time on the roof. These types of ladders have brackets which bridge the roof’s ridge, making them more secure and stable.
Use a belt or safety harness attached to a stable base such as your chimney. Absolutely avoid working on the roof during icy conditions as black colored shingles can hide icy build up.
Chimney Damage
Seep from your chimney can damage the paint. Install a copper rain cap to help prevent chimney seep. This will prevent water from flowing into the flue. As with any roof work be extremely careful when installing a rain cap to protect life and limb while protecting your paint job.