Be sure to call a roofing company if there is an active leak in your roof. You should also hire a professional roofing company if your home was recently hit by a storm or you notice structural issues. There are a few roof repairs you might be able to handle on your own if you’re handy and have the right tools for the task to be done correctly (and safely).
Roof vent re-sealing
A building’s roof vents are notorious for producing leaks. When the leaks occur, they can seriously harm the building, for example, the attic of a house. Sealing these vents is a maintenance chore that homeowners can perform on their own.
Roof leaks are covered by sealants. They contribute to the watertightness of these vents and other openings on the roof’s structure. These sections, which are vulnerable to harm from things striking them or merely from natural weather wear and tear, should be inspected yearly to identify any spots where sealant is missing or where gaps are open.
Dicor self-leveling lap sealant, which may be applied along air vents, vent pipes, and other surfaces, is one of many sealants that can help with this project. Although it is normally applied to the entire structure, liquid rubber waterproof sealer can also be used in these locations. Instead, seek for products that can be applied with a caulk gun or that can be used to cover the area around vent openings.
Installing chimney guards to prevent unwanted guests
Chimney guards are an important home accessory because they prevent pests like birds, squirrels, and other vermin from entering the chimney itself. Additionally, they can aid in preventing dirt and water from entering your chimney. You could install them by yourself.
The majority of the time, these are stainless steel items made to mount straight to the opening over the top of your chimney. They are also known as chimney caps, and while they don’t completely stop smoke from escaping the house, they still allow for plenty of airflow.
You can install the cap in the chimney flu after measuring it and selecting the appropriate product depending on its size, shape, and available space. To reduce the chance of the cap coming off during a storm, you may need to do a little masonry work and make sure you get a strong grasp.
One alternative is a slide-in single flue cover, which is inserted into the chimney flue and tightened. Others are fastened, screwed, or bracketed to the model. To tighten them into position, use a power drill. The final step to help keep it in place is typically the adhesive.
Shingle installation on small structures
A shed, doghouse, or chicken coop’s roof shingles are essential to making sure the roof doesn’t leak. Properly installed roof shingles will make sure water drains from the roof keeping it off the main structure and helping extend its life. In addition to ensuring the long life of the structure’s materials, doing this helps to protect the contents in the storage space. You might be able to handle this kind of work alone, depending on the size of the structure.
You’ll need to climb up and get to work after measuring the roof area and getting the proper shingles. This usually entails pulling off the current shingles by squeezing a tool underneath them. Remove any leftover nails or staples after that. Determine whether you can patch the wood (by, for example, cutting out the damaged sections and replacing them with fresh material) or if the wood structure needs to be replaced if it has been damaged.
Sheathing needs to be applied to the top of the structure once it has been made solid and dry. For the entire length of the bottom edge of the roof, you must install a drip edge. To let any water drain from the structure, this must be nailed into place.
You can start placing the shingles once the foundation is ready. Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer and complete one row at a time. Although it is not particularly difficult, getting this process just right does require some careful work and forethought. To help you create a strong roof structure for the shed or doghouse, you can discover fantastic videos on YouTube.
Repairs to gutters and downspouts
One of the most vital parts of your roofing system is your gutters and downspouts. They help water avoid the foundation of your home by gathering it and moving it far from it. Water will overflow the gutter system if there is a backup in the gutter or the downspout. If you keep an eye on it, the water will probably hit the house’s side and flow straight into the foundation, cleaning away the dirt and exposing more of the building’s structure. This may eventually result in serious structural issues.
Make sure all gutters and downspouts are clear and open as your first step. To check this, use a hose. If there is a backup, manually or with a pressure washer, remove the material from within.
The issues with the gutters might occasionally be more serious. Some of them may be separating themselves from the house. If so, you might be able to reattach them to the house’s framework with nails. Consider replacing the gutter with a new one if it has substantial damage, such as big holes or rusted out regions. The amount of effort required can be reduced by joining new and old parts together.
Another frequent occurrence is when the downspout is improperly fastened to the home. It may rattle as a result of this. Try to fasten it with gutter-specific fasteners if at all possible. If that doesn’t work, put a block of wood behind the moving part to stop further movement.
You might be able to finish any of these tasks on your own with the right tools and a little time.
