5 Things You Should Know When Doing a Roof Repair on Your Own

Repairing one’s roof is a major hassle. Depending on the materials that you intend to use, it can really give you a run for your money. All in all, you don’t have a choice when your roof starts leaking but to repair it before it worsens. You can’t afford to ignore a worn out roof because it’s what protects your home from the bad elements of weather.

However, you have to be careful when buying roofing materials. Since roofing materials come in different colors, you should select a color that matches with the finish of the house. If you choose to handle roof repair by yourself, you should be guided by the tips below to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.

1. Roofing Materials are Expensive

Roofing materials cost an arm and a leg. Before you get started with roof repair, it’s advisable you first set a budget for the project. When setting the budget, you should measure the area that needs to be repaired. The good thing is that you can always get a budget estimate free of charge by visiting diyroofs.com. Once you have a budget in mind, you should stick to it until the project is over. In fact, it’s recommended you compare prices of different stores. Depending on the season, you can easily negotiate for a discount.

2. Repairing is Cheaper than Reroofing

Repairing is arguably cheaper than reroofing. Reroofing is expensive because the old roof has to be removed to pave way for a new roof. A new roof can cost as much as $20,000. When you factor in the cost of labor, you end up spending a lot of money. Besides that, you can replace the entire roof by yourself. With repairs, you only need to repair a few shingles.

3. It’s Cumbersome

Roof repair is not for the faint-hearted. You must be ready to get your hands dirty. With all the dust that is normally up there, it’s definitely going to be a messy affair. However, dirt should not be a problem as long as you wear protective clothing such as gloves, apron, and boots. In fact, you should use a magnet when you are done to pick up the nails that might be on the ground so that they don’t injure people and pets. You should actually schedule for roof repair on days that you are not engaged in other activities. The advantage of doing the repair by yourself is that you save the money you would have spent on labor.

4. Stripping is Better than Layering

Regardless of the size of the part of the roof that you want to repair, you should consider stripping instead of layering. Most homeowners prefer layering because it takes less time than stripping. The problem with layering is that it doesn’t give you an opportunity to examine the surface for leaks. With stripping you get to correct any damages that might be in the frame of the roof.

5. Roof Shingles can Last for More Than Two Decades

Roof shingles are designed to last up to 30 years without requiring replacements. However, they can only remain in good shape you take good care of them. You should inspect them on a regular basis so that you can identify and mend any tears. Remember, your roof is like a cap to your house. It tells a lot about the condition of your home.