Up on the Rooftop
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Up on the Rooftop

The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

First-Time Roof Repair Tips To Keep In Mind

Lori Silva

If a big storm blew through your area and now your roof has a leak or another obvious issue, you might be thinking of tackling the issue yourself. While some roof repairs are better left in the hands of a professional, it might be possible to handle a simple repair if you spend enough time researching the situation and preparing yourself for the work. Bear in mind, you might void your roof warranty depending on the work you do, so research is key. To that end, here are some important tips to keep in mind if you are about to attempt a roof repair job for the first time.

Are You Dressed Properly for the Job?

You can wear just about anything you want while tackling a maintenance job inside your house, but going up on the roof is another story entirely. First and foremost, you need to make sure you are wearing shoes with a strong rubber grip. Work boots are ideal, but you at the very least need tennis shoes with rubber soles. Going up there with the shoes you wear to work may make it easier for you to slip and fall. In addition, make sure you wear long pants, as you may be kneeling down on the roof's hard surface. Finally, safety goggles are a must, even if you won't be nailing anything down. You don't want a piece of a roof shingle to fly up into your face if you try to lift it up, and goggles can help you see more clearly if there is a sudden gust of wind that would otherwise have you squinting.

The Right Roofing Materials Matter

Your roof is not a section of the house to get cheap with. You might think you can get away with buying a slightly different colored shingle, for example, to replace the one that is broken. The truth though, is that while the shingle might not look that different to you while you are up there, it is something that is actually pretty recognizable when looking up at the roof from the ground. People will notice the difference, even if they don't say anything. Don't kill your curb appeal, and buy the right shingle that's an exact match.

Use Rust-Free Nails and Drive Them All the Way In

When picking out the nails you will use to put your new shingles into place, make sure you go with aluminum or another nail type that will not introduce rust to the area over time. When driving the nail in, make sure the nail head is not sticking out or exposed. This could prove to be a tripping hazard or make it easier for water or even a rodent to get into that part of the shingle. Put a bit of caulk over the top of the nail head if you can't get it to be a perfect fit.

Be smart when doing your first roof repair and remember that you can professional help in the event that you decide a DIY isn't for you. For more information about roof repair, contact a local roofing contractor.


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