Should You DIY Your Damaged Roof?
We know how annoying it is when our roofs leak.
It is a painful experience that no matter where you go, there’s no safe place in the house where there’s no leak!
It is not only the hassle of cleaning but the sleepless nights knowing you are not safe anymore.
Worse, the damage of the leak is not only on the roof tiles but to every membrane of the entire roofing, including the insulation and the walls!
The question is, how do you repair a roof? Should you do it alone? Is DIY a healthy move?
We recommend hiring professionals.
But it is not always the case that we run into roofers every time there’s a leak. We want to save on costs. And if there is someone in the family who can trek the slippery roof, why hire?
So, hop in and check this simple guideline in repairing a leaky roof.
Take Care of Your Roof with Caution
Damaged roofs are not a minor problem but a major one, no matter how slight the damage is. One single tile missing or a couple of warping, broken, or worn out will cascade into more serious issues.
If you are up to the job of fixing the roof on your own, it is more cost-efficient and displays your gesture of valuing your home.
How to Make a Simple Roof Fix
- Wait for the perfect time. It is best to fix your room during dry weather. Check the current condition in your area before planning to fix the roof.
- Working on heights is a dangerous task. Ensure that you have the particular skill in climbing tricky and high places when going to the roof. Most roofs are pitch style where it is not a walk in the park when you set your foot there. Also, the tiles are slippery, not to mention the valleys filled with dried leaves and all sorts of debris. They can cause accidents. But experienced roofers know what to do, and they are under protection agreement if ever something happens to them.
- Locate the leak. If you see a stain along the walls, try to trace that upwards going to the ceiling and the attic. It might be complicated upon reaching the attic as it is filled with insulation. The insulation quickly absorbs the water coming from the leak, making it tricky to spot the exact tile. It is better to do this during the daytime. When you see a streak of light coming through, that is where the hole is.
- Remove the worn tiles that cover the hole. Pry the tile using a prying tool to lift the damaged tile. Then carefully remove the nails that are still attached to the tiles.
- Remove the underlayment. After the tile, there is an underlayment you will find beneath it, and it will be exposed when you remove the tile. It is impossible to remove the entire underlayment but only a portion of it by cutting or slicing it off with a utility knife.
- Cut away the section of the roof deck that got damaged using a saw.
- Pry the old plyboard after pulling out the nails.
- Use the damaged tile as a template to create your roof patch.
- Nail the new patch into place.
- Going back to the underlayment, nail a new underlayment portion to cover the damaged part.
- Lay the new tiles over the roof patch, overlapping a row from the upper to the lower row.
- Nail the new tiles after applying roofing adhesive underneath the tiles.
When to Ask for Expert Roofers Help
Because DRE Bristol Roofers want every family to live in a dry home and be successful in their roof repair, they are always ready to accept calls.
Our 24-7 emergency call-out is a special feature on times you need experienced people to look at your site.
For many years, the Bristol team has handled many roofing needs of Bristol residents and the other areas in the UK.
If you have further queries on roof repair, check out our website. Or call this number 01172 900264, where you can request bookings. Get a free quote for an initial assessment.
