Knowing your way around home repairs is a handy skill, and never more so than when you need to get your roof fixed. If you want to make sure your roof is problem-free, here are useful tips and advice to keep you safe and help you flex your DIY chops.
For Your Information…
- Keep an Eye Out for Your Safety. Always. Whenever you need to fix the leak, never rush through the process, says DIY Network. If your roof is full of melting ice and snow, you’ve got more reason to take your time. Don’t panic and try to get up there as quick as you can. Rushing will only make you more prone to mistakes so keep a steady head on your shoulders.
- Clean Your Gutters. Clogged gutters often cause water buildups on your roof during the rainy season. Make sure yours are clean of debris to keep this from happening.
- Be mindful of precautions. If you’re going up the roof, wear rubber soles so you won’t slip that easily. It’s also a good idea to have a harness so accidents can be avoided. If you can, have a work buddy with you. Two is always better than one, and that’s also spot-on for safety when you’re doing roof repairs.
- Protect against dry rot. Have every inch of your roof inspected for dry rot, especially around the middle. If the plywood is in bad shape, it’ll only be a matter of time before your roof sags and your shingles grow brittle. Eventually, they’re crack and you’ll find yourself dealing with leak problems. Putting in a ridge vent in place will save you from this outcome though.
- Faulty installation can also cause a ton of problems. So make sure you install those shingles or roof parts right.
- Check the valleys for leaks. Valleys refer to the spot where two roofs meet. It’s a common spot for leaks since water tends to converge in these areas.
- Hire a pro. There are plenty of problems you can fix, DIY style. However, if you think your roof needs more than short-term solutions or that the problem is bigger than what you can handle, it’s always better to ask help from the experts. Being safe doesn’t just mean wearing the right gear or using the right tools. It also means knowing when to stop and let someone more capable take over.
Conclusion
There’s nothing wrong in learning how to take better care of your roof on your own. The important thing is to keep yourself safe while doing it.
