When it comes to simple roof repairs many people make the
decision to make a go of it themselves. If you are one of those people here are
a couple of helpful things to keep in mind.
1. Safety First.
It's not just for kids. Make sure you are familiar with
your roof's pitch or steepness. Some especially steep roofs require special safety
equipment. Have the proper foot wear, something with a grip. Always be sure the
ladder you are using is the correct height. A harness is something to consider.
It costs a little extra, but definitely cheaper than a trip to the ER. Never
take for granted that you are a distance from the ground. if you are 6' tall it
takes less than 12' to do significant damage.
2. The Weather.
The weather is an obvious thing to consider when you are
planning any work on your roof, but be sure to get specific. Plan the weather
down to the hour and allow for incidentals. Take into consideration wind speed
in your planning especially if you are going beyond 1 story.
3. Find a Possible Leak.
If you are worried about a possible leak and have enough
hose length, spray the roof in the suspected area. With access to the attic
space you will be able to see where exactly the water is coming from. You can
use plastic sheeting or roofing paper also known as roofing felt to protect the
roof once the leak is detected until you can repair it or call a roofer.
4. All about Maintenance.
Once the weather is suitable in your area, there are annual
things you can do to prevent unnecessary costs. Clean all ventilation systems,
seal around vents and pipes, paint exposed metals to prevent rust, and of
course clean those gutters.
If, after you have evaluated your roofing needs, you decide
to use a professional do your research. It is not a bad idea while you are
inspecting your roof to do some measurements. It is not unusual for even the
most reputable contractors to inflate your roof measurements several hundred
square feet.
With experience in this industry I am happy to answer any
questions you may have in the comments.
Good luck with your project.
