If you have encountered problems with your roof, the do-it-yourselfer in you may desire to fix these issues on your own. While this is certainly a fulfilling and cost-effective means to repair your roof, there are some important points to consider before you begin your work. To ensure your roofing repairs go off without a hitch, here are a few things you need to know before beginning home roof repairs.
Watch the Weather
If it’s hot on the ground, it’s definitely going to be hot on your roof. If your roof isn’t in the shade, the dark color of the roofing material can lead to temperatures that are as much as 30-degrees-Celsius higher than the surrounding area. This means you need to be prepared with long pants and a long-sleeve shirt to protect against sunburn and burns from the roofing material. Additionally, you’ll want to take frequent breaks to ensure you stay properly hydrated to avoid the effects of heat exhaustion.
Watch the Weight
While a single shingle doesn’t weigh much, a pack of shingles can be quite heavy. Add to this all the other roofing materials you’ll need for your project, and you’ll quickly see why it isn’t practical to try and carry these materials to the roof by hand. Depending on the height of your roof, a boom lift may be your best option, allowing you to easily transport the materials to your roof and have a stable platform to work from.
Watch the Height
The biggest risk when working on your roof is, of course, your height above the ground. Even falls from a few feet above ground can have disastrous consequences depending on which part of your body you land on. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings as you climb any ladders and walk around the roof. Be sure to use non-skid shoes and try to keep your center-of-gravity low by keeping your torso low to the roof.
Watch the Details
When it comes to a quality roofing repair, the Devil is always in the details. Small mistakes can lead to big problems as water is allowed in and allowed to damage your home. Be sure to properly overlap shingles, using the proper amount of roofing nails to attach them to the roof deck. If you add flashing to roof protrusions, be sure to install it in such a way that water has no point of entry as it flows down your roof. Finally, be sure to use proper roof adhesive, as required, to ensure any materials you glue down will stay adhered for years to come.
The End of Yourself
Roofing repairs can be tricky. Though many repairs can be done on your own, if you ever feel as though you’re pushing the limits of what you’re capable of, it’s important to consult with a professional before you continue. Given the risks involved with roofing, it’s important to be sure of what you’re doing before you make a potentially life-changing mistake.