Roof Repair - Is It Something to Do on Your Own?

Roof repair may be the type of do it yourself project that you plan to take on. For some people, doing these repairs is no problem, especially if you have experience in them. For others, though, it may be a new type of project to take on. When it comes to doing repairs like this, there are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to do it yourself or to hire a professional company to manage the process. The roofing system is one of the most important parts of your home. Consider this as you move forward. Understand the System The most common type of roofing system is an asphalt shingle system. If this is the type of system you have in your home, you do need to consider whether or not you can handle the roof repair. Look at what makes up this system so that you understand what to expect. - The shingle core is the layer of felt material with a fiberglass mat. This is then comprised of asphalt. It is a highly water resistant product that will protect your home. It is the outermost portion of the system. - The next step down is the underlayment. This is a piece of felt that protects the wood under it from water damage. Generally, it will stop any water from entering when a missing or misplaced shingle is in place. - Further down is the wood decking. This is nailed to the rafters of the home. It creates the structure. Most of the time, it is made of plywood but other products are available as well. Some products are more energy efficient than others are. - Along the edges of the roofing system is a strip of aluminum. This drip edge helps to protect the edges of the shingles and the other materials from water damage. Keeping this in mind, consider your ability to handle any type of roof repair on your own. For example, do you have the expertise and the knowhow to fix missing or broken shingles? Will you know how to and have the tools to fix problems with the decking material? Many things can go wrong with a roofing system. When it comes to roof repair, most people should hire a professional to handle the process. Doing so will help to prevent all sorts of underlying problems. It will also help you to avoid any type of long term damage to the underlayment and wood decking if you treat repairs right away and with professional skill. For those who have the tools and the knowledge, doing these types of repairs on their own can save a few dollars. Without this information, though, you could end up with more problems that are significant.