The roof is one of the most important parts of a house. Although you may not realize it, you use your roof more often than any other part of the house. The roof insulates your home and protects it from a wide variety of elements, including falling debris, weather, animals, and insects. For this reason, it is extremely important that you make sure that the roof of your home is properly maintained at all times.
Although roofs are designed to last, rust, moisture, weather, and trees can damage them. To determine this damage, you need to regularly check and repair your roof as soon as you discover the damage. If your roof is damaged and unable to insulate your house from outside influences, you need to move quickly to repair it and prevent further damage. If your roof needs repairing, here are five tips to ensure that the repair work is done safely and correctly:
Take safety precautions
Damaged roofs pose a real safety risk as they are high above the ground. A single falling object can cause serious injury. If you plan to go up to repair your roof, make sure you take precautions to ensure safety and reduce the risk of injury. The first thing to do is dress well for the job. Put on long pants. Jeans are great for the job, as well as a long-sleeved shirt. Get yourself a pair of well-fitting rubber-soled shoes so that you don't slip and slide on the roof. This gives you a firm grip on the roof.
In addition to the appropriate dressing, choose the right time to repair your roof. The best time for this is in the sunny season. Your roof will be slippery on a rainy day. The presence of algae and moss only adds to the problem. On a sunny day, your shingles are dry so your feet can hold the roof surface well. If it gets windy while working on the roof, make sure to get off the roof safely.
You also need to be mindful of your surroundings. When on the roof there are many things that were not found on the ground that can cause injury. These include chimneys, bird nests, trees, power lines, and television antennas. Before you start repairing your roof, check your surroundings for these, paying attention to their presence and location.
Check the roof for repairs and replacements
Before you start repairing your roof, examine the damage. If you only find damage in remote areas, all you need is a quick roof repair. However, there are situations when your roof needs to be completely replaced. If you think the shingles are curled up and can't straighten out without breaking, your gutters are clogged with shingle dust, and your shingles are old and bare, you'll need to replace the roof. In such situations, the repair is just a waste of your money and time.
Replace the shingles with suitable ones
When the shingles on your roof are damaged, water will flow through and your home will start to leak. To prevent this from happening, your roofer should either repair your current shingles or replace them entirely if there are signs of extensive damage or wear and tear. Not all shingles may need to be replaced during the repair. Depending on the extent of the damage, your roofer may only need to replace some of them.
If you find a need to replace shingles, consider purchasing ones that match the style and color of your shingles. Placing new shingles that are different from the others can make your home look less attractive, as even the slightest difference can be seen from a distance. Replacing damaged shingles with suitable ones can help preserve the appearance of your home and not negatively affect the value of your property.
Save old clapboards
There are times when it will be possible to salvage old shingles and avoid the added cost of buying new shingles. Saving old clapboards can also keep you from a situation where you are forced to use clapboards that do not match, as it can become a challenge to get parts that match what you have. One way to salvage old shingles is to use roof cement and roofing nails to smooth out curled shingles. If you have brittle shingles, you can use a heat gun to soften them so they don't break when pushed onto the roof.
Correctly repair ventilation slots and indicators
While repairing your roof and attic, you need to make sure the vents and lightning bolts are properly attached to prevent leaks. The flashing should not have gaps or be loose. It must be well attached to the roof with roof cement or nails. Make sure the sealing ring is also not cracked. Also, pay attention to the ventilation slots. Seal the spaces around chimneys, vents and lightning bolts well to prevent them from leaking.
Do not expose nail heads
To repair your roof, you need to use galvanized steel or aluminum nails, which do not rust easily. When repairing your shingles, be careful not to leave your nail heads exposed. The best way to do this is to secure the nails under the clapboard, which is above the clapboard they are in. If you can't do this, cover each nail head with roofing sealer or sealant.
Know when to hire a roofer
While you can be confident of making minor repairs to your roof, you need to know when the damage is beyond your ability. The best way to properly repair your roof is to hire an experienced roofer to do it. If you run into a roofing problem that you can't fix, don't feel very comfortable at work, or just don't have time to fix it, it's time to contact a roofer. You can quickly find a certified roofer in Burlington by visiting websites like https://dangeloandsons.com/roofing-eavestrough-burlington/. Always check the reviews online to make sure the roofer you are hiring is reliable.
Final thoughts
Your roof can go for years without repairs. However, there are situations when minor or major repairs are required depending on the damage suffered. Some people feel comfortable doing small repairs themselves. When you are happy with the repair of your roof, use the tips above to make sure you do the job properly. Otherwise, contact a roofer to fix the problem for you.
