Roofing Repair Tips

There are some roofing problems that you can repair yourself while others call for the work of a professional. It is important to be able to differentiate between what work is within your capabilities and what is not. A single torn shingle or a small hole that appears in the flashing is generally a minor problem. With some basic tools and some do-it-yourself experience it is likely that you will be able to fix the problem without the need for outside assistance.

However there are some roofing issues that call for the expertise of someone in the field. If the problem is big not small and if you know it cannot be fixed quickly and with a minimum of work and effort then call a licensed roofer. If you have multiple leaks then leave this problem to the professionals. If you made a repair and it does not hold then call a professional. If there is a leak that is wicking along walls or across framing members and you cannot locate the source of the problem then you need to call someone who does this work for a living. The same can be said if you have a roof that is very complicated or has a surface such as a ceramic tile roof.

Sometimes a roof problem does not affect the roof directly but instead affects something else, such as the chimney. If the paint on your chimney masonry always seems to be peeling then it is likely caused by water on the inside of the chimney working its way to the outside. Over time this will cause worse damage to the roof than just the peeling of chimney paint.

To improve upon this situation and prevent further damage install a rain cap. Copper is the best choice of material for the rain cap. Stainless steel is a good choice as is galvanized but copper is the superior of the three. Most building supply stores sell rain caps that start at $30 and go up to $100 or more. Placing the rain cap over the top of your chimney will help to keep the majority of water from getting into the flue when it rains.

It can be very dangerous to work on a roof so always take proper safety measures. Step on your roof as little as you possibly can and do not go up on the roof when you are home alone. As well, do not work on your roof during any kind of storm or when the roof is covered in ice. Not only do you increase your chances of slipping and falling but you can also cause more damage to the roof by doing this. When in doubt about any type of roofing scenario, call an expert!