Want To Work On Your Own Roof? 4 Tips To Know
by William Gerard
If you want to repair your own roof, before you climb up on your roof and start working, you will want to gain a little knowledge on how to work on your roof properly and safely. Your roof protects your home and is not something that you want to mess up.
Tip #1: Wear the Right Clothing
If you want to repair your roof, you need to make sure you have the right clothing for the job. You need to wear rubber-soled shoes when you are on the roof; this will provide you with the right grip and traction you need to avoid dangerously slipping and getting injured when you are on your roof.
It is also a good idea to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your body. You don't want to worry about injuries when you are working on your roof.
Tip #2: Salvage Shingles When Possible
When it comes to repairing your roof, when possible, try to salvage the shingles that you already have. This will allow you to save money and will ensure your shingles match and look good on your roof.
You can salvage shingles by using roofing cement and roofing nails to secure shingles in place. If the shingle is on the brittle side, be sure to use a heat gun to soften it up before you cement or nail it into place.
Tip #3: Know When to Replace a Shingle
Although it is excellent to salvage shingles when possible, it is also essential to know when to replace a shingle. If all the granules are completely worn off a shingle, you will want to replace that shingle, as the shingle doesn't have the level of protection necessary to warrant keeping around. If the shingle is curled up, and will not bend back down, even when you need a heat gun, the shingle needs to be replaced, as it will not protect your roof from water. If the shingle is breaking and cracking, it needs to go as well. You don't want to keep a shingle in place that is not protecting your roof.
Tip #4: Cover Up Nail Heads
When working on your roof, you want to use roofing nails. Roofing nails are made from galvanized steel or aluminum, as these materials do not easily rust. Once you nail a shingle in place, you need to place roof sealant or caulk over the nail. This will keep the nail in place and will ensure water can't get into the roof around the nail head.
If you want to work on your roof, keep the tips above in mind. When it comes to roof repair, you can do it by yourself, or you can hire a professional to take on the task of fixing up your roof.
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About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!