Regardless of how it happened, unless it’s a major structural damage, you don’t have to call home remodeling architects to fix the roof.
By following simple steps, you can fix the damage yourself. Let’s take a look at common roof damages and how to fix them.
Replacing Shingles
If a shingle is damaged, you have to replace the whole thing. The things you will need include:
- Utility knife
- Roofing nails
- Hammer
- Flat pry bar
Step 1: Remove the nails on the existing shingle using a pry bar.
Step 2: Once the nails pop up, you don’t need the pry bar anymore. Now, press the shingle down and the nails will come up easily.
Step 3: A shingle is secured with 4 nails. You will have to repeat this procedure to remove all of the nails.
Step 4: Once all the nails are out, pull out the damaged shingle.
Step 5: Slide in the new shingle and secure it with nails again.
Fixing Curled Corners
Over the years, the corners of shingles start curling upward or downward. You can fix that by gluing the curled section. You will need a caulking gun and roofing sealant for this project. Follow these steps to fix the curled corner:
Step 1: Apply roofing sealant under the curled corner by using a caulking gun.
Step 2: Use a brick to weigh it down. Place it for 24 hours until the sealant dries.
Fixing a Leaky Roof
If you see water stains on the ceiling, it’s a sign your roof is leaking. Fixing a leaky roof is easy. Usually, you need to fix the leak immediately because it can damage the furniture and flooring.
Here are the steps you can take to fix the roof right away:
Step 1: First of all, you must find the leak. It’s usually inside the house. The first place to start is your attic. You can also inspect it from the roof. Check for signs of light coming from the roof.
Step 2: Once you have found the leak, it is time to examine the roof flashing. It’s a thin metal strip used over joints in the roof to prevent water seepage and snow.
Your roof might always have a flashing. Over the years, metal and sealant can become and develop cracks.
Step 3: The leak can either be fixed by applying roof sealant or by replacing the worn out flashing.
If the damage is minor or it involves replacing the shingle, you can always do that by yourself. However, if the damage is major and you are not sure what to do, call a professional.
Replacing Ridge Vents in the Attic
To improve ventilation, you might need to change the vents. Before doing that, check the building code for attic ventilation requirements within your locality. If you fail to follow the requirements, this might result in an inefficient system.
You will also have to decide what type of vent will be appropriate and then follow the instructions for correct application. While you do that, be very careful. Some people end up cutting attic wires by mistake. Use proper safety equipment when replacing the ride vents.
Fixing Hail Damage
Hail can create dents in your roofing. Even a minor hail storm can cause significant damage. Apart from dents, the damage includes leaks and roof replacement altogether. The extent of damage depends on the number of shingle layers on your roof.
Here’s what you can do to fix the damage:
Step 1: First of all, inspect the damage. After the storm, the roof can become slippery. Therefore, be sure it’s safe to access the roof. Check the edges of the roof. Apart from the roof, inspect the windows, siding, and gutters.
Step 2: The next step is to document the damage. This also includes analyzing the extent of damage because you might have to call a professional.
Step 3: If the damage can be fixed by shingle replacement, then you can do that on your own. However, if you don’t understand what you are dealing with, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection.
Final Words
Fixing a damaged roof can be a complicated affair. If you don’t know what you are dealing with, seek professional help. Architects builders DC can help you identify the problem and offer professional repairs.