5 Roof Repair Tips to Help You Repair Your Roof like the Pros

Florida residents, beware. Over the past year, insurance providers have ramped up home inspections. These inspections involve an inspector coming to your home and completing interior and exterior inspections. 

In 2022, Florida was hit by two major hurricanes. Homes across the state are now experiencing roof problems. One thing inspectors will assess the condition of your home’s roof. 

The results can impact your homeowner’s insurance discounts and cause a rate increase. 

Now is the time to decide if you need roof repairs. In this article, we will go over roof repair tips to fix common issues. 

Don’t get caught with roof problems that will hurt your pockets at renewal time. Keep reading for five things to help you repair your roof like a pro.

1. Safety First

In 2021, there were 22,710 injuries due to falls from ladders. Accidents can happen among skilled laborers, so it’s equally important for a novice to take all necessary precautions.

Start with your attire. You must dress appropriately. You don’t want to perform roof maintenance in shorts and beach slides. 

It’s best to wear long pants, preferably jeans, and a long-sleeved shirt. Wearing rubber-soled shoes that grip the roof is best for working on a roof. Depending on the pitch of the roof, one misstep and you can fall. 

Use a ladder to access the roof. For multi-story homes, you might need a lift. Consider this a good time to phone a friend for support or call in a roofing professional.

Do not place the ladder against your gutter system; you can damage them and the flashing. Choose an extension ladder over an A-frame when possible. 

Once you’re safely on the roof, ensure your tools are secure. Opt for battery-charged tools over electrical ones so you can move freely. Plus, working with an electrical cord can become

2. Match Shingles

You might think that mismatched shingles aren’t easily noticed. Or you believe it won’t matter if you only need to replace a few shingles. 

The reality is that mismatched shingles are noticeable and take away from your home’s appearance. Mismatched shingles can also reduce the value of your property when it’s time to sell your home. 

Replacement shingles should be precisely the same color, style, and brand. An identical match isn’t always possible. When the exact product isn’t available, do your best to come up with a near-perfect substitute.

3. Vents and Flashings

Leaks from plumbing vent flashings frequently occur on roofs. Check the condition of the vent flashing if you have a leak in the general area of the plumbing vent.

For metal vents, look for rust holes or gaps. These vents are required for waste lines made of cast iron. Check to see if your rubber vents used for plastic pipes have cracked or become brittle. 

Nails or roof cement must be used to attach loose or gapping flashing to the roof. Leaks can enter even if you have caulking in place. Over time the caulk can crack.

To avoid a costly roof leak, don’t forget to seal around chimneys, flashing, and vents.

4. Roof Problems Caused by Nails

Homes with shingles that are partially broken or curled are a common sight. Many homeowners decide to fix a problem as the best action when it arises. Or they can add roof maintenance to their list of weekend projects.

There’s more to repairing or replacing shingles than climbing onto your roof and deciding to nail down unsecured shingles. This decision can lead to more significant problems, especially when nails and screws are involved.

Also common are new shingles that have been improperly nailed in place to replace ones that were blown away during a bad storm or hurricane.

Unfortunately, driving a nail with the head exposed creates an environment for mold and damage to the felt layer. You can also incur leaks that can cause long-term damage.

Remember, you’re creating a point where water can enter your roof whenever you nail something into it. In hot weather, this can lead to mold growth and cause leaks. Mold growth might even result in an infestation of pests over time.

5. Repair or Replace

How many times in the past year or so have you climbed on the roof due to roof problems? If the roof repairs do not eliminate the problem, it may be time to consider a replacement. 

Your home is often the homeowner’s biggest investment. You want to protect it and increase its value. Making repairs and performing routine maintenance is vital to longevity. 

Understanding when to repair and when to replace a roof can save you time and money. You can quickly repair your roof if only specific areas are damaged. When those areas expand or the cost increases, it’s time to consider a replacement.

The most important thing is time. Are you repairing a roof that has outlived its life expectancy and warranty?

Vital Roof Repair Tips

The majority of homeowners do not want to do roof repairs on their own. For minor repairs, for individuals with at least basic construction and roofing experience, it is sometimes practical to perform a roof repair yourself.

In addition to knowing what you’re doing, it’s essential to know how to do the job quickly. You never want to leave your roof exposed to more damage due to heavy storm conditions. Plus, you can create other issues like wet insulation and ceilings. 

Being wise is better than taking on a project you’re not equipped to handle.  If you don’t have any idea how to fix roof problems, don’t experiment.  

Roofs are an expensive investment and vital to your home’s structural integrity. Roof care can extend the integrity of the roofing materials.

When to Call the Pros? 

You’ve considered our roof repair tips and realized that roof maintenance and repairs are best done by the pros. It’s a smart decision because your roof is a huge investment.

If you’re in the Jacksonville area, set up a free inspection with Avenue Roofing. Get your quote before the rainy season.