Roofs made of certain materials, such as metal, are easier to install and repair than others, so if you have the necessary tools and consider yourself skilled enough, you can attempt to make DIY roof repairs. Installation manuals provided by manufacturers, or instructions provided by specialists can prove to be very helpful.
There are some roofing materials designed precisely to facilitate the installation as much as possible, even by people who do not have the necessary qualification. However, in the case of more complicated roof shapes and if you have any safety concerns, we do not recommend taking any risks and use the services of a Highlands Ranch roof repair specialist.
Under what conditions can you repair the roof yourself?
Working at height is one of the most dangerous activities because every movement must be monitored and every mistake can have terrible consequences. Equipment and experience are essential when working on any roof but especially on a residential pitched roof, so make sure you have non-slippery shoes, comfortable clothes (depending on the weather outside) and equipment to prevent falls. The risks are very high when working on the roof, so you should never rely on the unfounded belief that an accident will not happen to you.
Investigate the roof, inside and out
To identify the complete damage, you must check the roof. If you have a water leak and you are not sure where exactly it is infiltrating, first make sure that gutters and downspouts are cleaned of debris and allow complete drainage of the water from the roof. Carefully inspect the shingles too. Make sure that all the parts of the roof are covered with shingles and that the vapor barrier is not exposed in any way. Keep in mind that the point of entry of the water may not be exactly above the infiltration inside the living space, because water can travel along pipes and rafters, so check the roof very carefully.
Cleaning gutters and downspouts
Cleaning gutters and downspouts is an operation that almost any homeowner can do. It is performed using a cleaning brush and a garden hose. If the downspout is clogged and debris cannot be removed with pressurized water from the hose, you will need to disconnect it from the gutters and clean it using a long stick. Once cleaned, re-attach it to the gutters.
Replacement of damaged roofing materials
Some roof leaks are unfortunately not the result of clogged gutters or downspouts. Instead, leaks can occur where the roofing material is worn out or damaged. Check the shingles or tiles on your roof and make sure they are not curled, cracked or missing. If you encounter such problems, the respective materials must be replaced as soon as possible. Also, look for flashing, and if it has signs of corrosion, replace it too.
Look for hidden roof damage
Roof leaks often develop over time, so water can seep undetected for a while, before entering in your living space. That is why it is good to also keep an eye on your attic. When inspecting the attic, check for any hidden damage that the leak may have caused. Look for damp stains on the roof panels, wood discoloration and strange odors. On the interior of your house, look for bumps in the walls and ceilings, peeling paint and cracked plaster. All these can be signs that