Roof Leak Repairs Can Be Effective Even When Undertaken By The Homeowner

When undertaking roof leak repairs one of the most important guidelines is that a fall from even a single storied house can lead to significant injury. All relevant safety equipment must be employed during these repairs. This goes for all types of roof repairs, even on surfaces not as daunting as the family home. Applying RV roof coatings for example also requires the use of a stepladder. As a rule of thumb it is best not to undertake any form of roof leak repairs alone.The presence of a friend or family member as a backup in the case of any accident is only common sense. That said most roof leak repairs can be undertaken by the homeowner as a DIY project. There are literally hundreds of coatings and roof membranes available commercially that can sort out most roof repair problems. However, each of the products available from your neighborhood hardware store is suitable for a particular application and roof type and can vary wildly as far as cost and ease of application are concerned. Always ask your supplier for advice on the best solution to your unique roofing problem. Some of the more popular roof repair materials are based on a substance called EPDM, which is a synthetic rubber like compound which has been in use in the United States since the 60’s and is well suited for low sloping and flat roofs.The EPDM roofing material is supplied in membrane form and is popular with many homeowners because of its low cost, ease of installation and proven resistance to adverse weather conditions.  It is available in a variety of thicknesses suitable for both home and commercial use. Another advantage to suing EPDM when undertaking roof leak repairs is that it does not pollute runoff water, which is especially attractive to homeowners who wish to use the water for irrigation or washing.EPDM is also used in a variety of flat roof coatings where a watertight seal is required. Interestingly enough finding leaks on flat roofs have now become much easier due to the increasing use of infrared thermographs. At night damp spots on the flat roof retain heat more than the dry parts of the roof, using this technology the homeowner is able to tell at a glance which parts of the roof might require roof leak repairs. When assessing the variety of materials that can be used to repair or recoat flat roofs (PVC, EPDM etc) the home or business owner should be aware that the coatings and membranes come in a variety of finishes and colors. Some of the newer coatings come in a white finish which can significantly reduce heat buildup in the home or business premises, thus saving on cooling costs.Metal roof coatings are also available for a variety of metal roofs. Some metal roofs might require recoating every two years so the homeowner should carefully consider the pros and cons of installing this roofing material as some metals, such as stainless steel and copper are much more weather resistant than others like corrugated metal. Making sure you are familiar with the properties of your roof and the different type of coatings available is the key to ensuring successful roof leak repairs.