Discovering damage to your property’s roof can be concerning. Whether it’s the result of severe weather conditions, excessive exposure to water, or sunlight, even the smallest issue can grow into something significant if not addressed in due time. In cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, tornadoes, hail, and heavy storms can damage roofs from time to time. Therefore, it is essential to get in touch with the right contractors as soon as you detect a problem on the roof.
Even if you want to take up the project on your own, here are some tips that can help you complete the project successfully:
1. Always Buy Matching Shingles
Most roofs of homes in Pittsburgh are covered with shingles, so if you are starting a repair job, you’ll have to buy more shingles for the task. For any shingles that are broken or even chipped, you’ll need to replace them effectively with materials that are identical in color, texture, and composition to the ones already placed on your roof.
You can carry a piece of the existing shingles to the market. Make sure that there isn’t the slightest variation of color or shape. Even a few tiles that are different can spoil the curb appeal of your home.
2. Decide Whether You Want to DIY or Hire a Professional Service Provider
Depending on the extent of damage that your roof has suffered, decide whether to go down the DIY route or hire a professional Pittsburgh roof replacement company for the job. Both routes have their own distinct advantages, and it is all about personal preferences. However, you need to ascertain whether you have the right experience to do the job because the slightest blunder can lead to a significant problem.
When it comes to hiring a professional service provider, spend some time researching various aspects of the company. Only a BBB accredited roofing company that is reliable, professional, and highly recommended is worth the money, as it can offer solutions that last a long time. The roof plays a substantial role in providing structural support to the house, and you don’t want it compromised in any way.
3. Don’t Wear Slippery Shoes on the Roof
Most roofs are slanted. The slightest humidity can make the area slippery, and if you are not careful, you may end up in an accident that can cause severe injuries. This is something that you wouldn’t want because, along with the repair bill, you’ll be footing a medical bill too.
One of the best ways to avoid slipping is to wear shoes with rubber soles, as they can grip surfaces much better. This is especially true for slippery and slanted places like a roof. It is also important that you wear pants that go below your knees to avoid cuts, bruises, or other injuries to your legs. Practice these safety precautions to protect yourself during the repair.
4. Try and Salvage Any Shingles That You Can
There may be times when you end up in a fix because of the unavailability of the shingles previously used on the roof in the market. You may also be looking for a more affordable alternative to buying shingles since they can be expensive at times.
You can avoid all these issues by salvaging the broken or chipped shingles that have come off the roof. Of course, this will only be possible if the previous shingles are in a condition that can be repaired using a material life roofing cement and nails. Remember that shingles are not always salvageable, and oftentimes, you will have to buy new ones for the repair.
5. Understand the Difference between Replacing and Repairing
You can quickly fix your roof if the damage is limited to a few isolated spots. However, don’t squander your time and money mending extensive damage. It can cost you more to repair massive damage than it does to replace the tiles altogether. This is why you will have to make a decision whether you want to handle the project on your own or hire a professional service provider for the job.
There are a variety of indicators that can help you determine the difference, such as shingles that appear bare, gutters clogged with shingle dust, or shingles that are twisted up to the extent that they cannot be repaired.
6. Never Leave the Nail Heads Exposed
When repairing the roof yourself, there are chances that you might forget to pin down some of the nails that are used to hold the shingles on the roof. Without nails, the tiles don’t have adequate grip, which means that they can slip, increasing the risk of injury to people passing from under the roof.
Therefore, once a repair or replacement job is complete, carefully inspect the entire area to make sure that nothing is left exposed. Hammer down all nails and apply sealant or caulk to the exposed heads. Use galvanized or aluminum nails for the job, as they are more resistant to corrosion.
7. When in Doubt, Hire Professionals
Roof repair jobs are not always easy. At times, they can become extremely overwhelming and frustrating, particularly if things are not going as expected. There can also be instances where you end up causing more damage instead of making repairs. Call the professionals while you still have the chance; otherwise, you might end up worsening the problem and spending more money on your roof in the long run.
Conclusion
Roof repairs are complex jobs that require careful consideration. However, like all other repairs, you have the option to either take the DIY route or seek assistance from professionals. You can opt for the former if you possess the skills and confidence to tackle the task independently. However, if you lack the necessary expertise, contact a reliable roof repair specialist at the earliest.