Did you find water stains on your ceiling? You might have a leaky roof. All homeowners have to deal with roof repairs at some point. Roofs are the first line of defense for homes that protect against damage from harsh weather conditions and natural disasters. As they bear all the hardships from the external environment, they can develop small leaks or holes.

While it’s best to contact a reliable roof repair service to deal with the problem, there are a few DIY methods you can try in less severe cases. Here’s everything you need to know about roof repairs and how to deal with them yourself.

What Are the Signs You Need Roof Repair?

According to experts, roof repair signs are extremely obvious. Some are physically visible from the outside. You may find broken or missing shingles or damaged roof flashing. Flashing are metal sheets made of aluminum and galvanized steel that redirects the water flow to prevent it from entering the roofing structure.

Some signs are also visible from the interior. If you find discoloration or water staining the ceiling and walls, it could signify that parts of your roof have worn down.

Should You Repair Or Replace Your Roof?

Roofing issues can make you wonder whether you should opt for roof repairs or replacement. It may seem like a trivial decision, but it’s anything but. You need a roof repair when dealing with a single issue in your roof, like a broken shingle or flashing damage.

Roofing contractors mostly recommend roof replacement to homeowners when the roof has become old and worn out and requires extensive repairs. Get an expert opinion from your local roofing contractor on whether you should get a roof replacement or opt for roof repair.

How Much Does Roof Repair Cost?

Roof repair costs depend on the roofing material, the size of your roof, and what kind of issue you’re dealing with. According to experts, minor repairs can cost $150 to $400, while major issues can cost over $7,000.

DIY methods may lower the roof repair cost, but you need to ensure that your skills are enough to get the job done.

How To Fix  a Leaking Roof

Roof leaks are the most common issues most homeowners deal with. They might not seem that much, but according to surveys, 40% of all building-related problems stem from water intrusion. Here’s how you can spot and fix roof leaks by yourself.

1.     Roof Inspection

First, you have to inspect your house’s exterior and interior to pinpoint the location of the roof leak. Rainwater or snow may have dripped down, causing the ceiling stains.

Before you begin, wear protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, and safety harness, to protect yourself from injury. Use a ladder to have a closer look at your roof. Inspect it and look for any missing shingles or tree branches sticking out of it.

Next, enter your house and look for ceiling stains. Go to the attic and stand right above where you perceive the stain to be at. Remember that water can travel along the beam inside the attic and might not be directly above. Inspect your attic for deteriorating insulation. It may be the area from which the moisture seeps through. Go back outside and inspect the area above the deteriorating insulation.

2.     Roof Shingle Repair And Replacement

Roof leaks can also occur due to broken or missing shingles. To repair or replace a shingle, you will need:

• Wood filler
• Pry bar
• Roof sealing tape
• Construction sealant
• Scrap or whole asphalt shingles

Here’s what you need to do:

1. First, pry up the broken shingles. As shingles are layered, you might need to lift two or more from the surrounding.
2. Next, look for any holes below the shingles. Use the wood filler to close any small holes you find. Cut 6″ of roof sealing tape, apply construction sealant under it, and place it over the closed hole.
3. Next, cut the asphalt shingle the same size as the roof sealant. Apply construction sealant under it and place it over the roof sealing tape.

Is DIY the Best Solution?

Even though you can handle simple roof repairs, you may find it tedious to do it yourself. Also, roof repairs can put your life at risk.

If you’re dealing with major roof issues, don’t risk things and contact LA Rich LLC. They’re a roofing company in CT, offering roofing services in over 33 locations in central Connecticut at remarkably affordable pricing.