There are a lot of Do-It-Yourself articles on just about everything. Roof repair, however, is one area you never want to DIYNot only is working on a roof dangerous, and should never be done alone, but the issues you see might not be the only ones you have. And while loose shingles, damaged flashing, maybe even leaks may seem like an easy and cost-effective repair, you could end up with even more problems and it may cost more in the long run. Here are 5 DIY roof repairs that you should leave to a roofing professional. 

 

Loose or missing shingles

Loose shingles are probably the most common issue that homeowners have with their roof, and the most common that homeowners think would be an easy fix to do themselves. However, shingles are very specific on the kind of nails, the number of nails needed, and where they should be nailed at to prevent leaks and eventual structural damage. Missing shingles may not be easy to replace, either. The materials you buy should not only match in color and style, but also in quality to prevent deterioration. The new shingles also need to match the slope of your roof. You should never install new shingles over old ones to prevent a buildup of trapped heat between the layers. 

 

Damaged Flashing 

Anywhere there are gaps in your roof, like between your chimney and your shingles, flashing will be installed. Unfortunately, flashing can become loose or damaged, and sometimes the sealant around the flashing may need replaced. Having the proper materials and methods is important, since these gap areas can create some of the largest leakage areas if left unfixed or fixed incorrectly. If you see flashing on your roof that looks loose or damaged, it needs to be repaired right away.  

 

Dry Rot 

If your roof is sagging in the middle or you have brittle or broken shingles, you may have dry rotPlywood areas that aren’t ventilated well enough can cause damage including leaks. Fixing rotting plywood involves installation of vents and drilling holes to create an air flow to allow hot air to escape. Proper circulation is a must for keeping a roof from deteriorating or collapsing. It can also be dangerous to walk on a roof for self-inspection if there’s a chance of dry rot under your shingles. 

 

Damaged Metal Drips 

The metal drip is specifically designed to keep the water off the eaves. The installation for the metal drip is at the bottom of your roof slope with roofing nails at the perfect distance to allow for water to stay away from the facia. If the metal drip is placed too close or too far from the facia, it can’t control the water flow and won’t protect the underlying roof components.  

 

Leaks 

If you find a stain or wet spot on your ceiling or in your attic, you have one of the most urgent repairs for roofs – a leak. Leaks are one of the main issues where handy homeowners may want to save time and money, but it’s possible the small repairs you make now make big problems later. Because leaks can lead to mold, rot, and permanent structural damage, finding the exact source and fixing it correctly the first time is imperativeIf you have to wait until it rains each time you think you may have found the spot, you’re not only wasting time and resources, but are creating more damage by allowing the leak to continue. This is not an area where you want to experiment with DIY techniques.  

 

There are other risks involved in doing repairs yourself rather than having a professional roofing contractor complete the job. The warranty on your roof may become void with DIY repairs. A professional roofing company will stand behind their work with a guarantee. Damage to your roof may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance, but only work by a professional roofer will qualify you for payment. And most importantly, having a professional roofing contractor repair your roof will keep you safe from any accidents from working on the top of your house. If you need roof repairs In the Oakland County, Michigan areacall our professionals at Lake Orion Roofing for a free quote.