It is possible to repair a roof yourself, but you should hire a professional for a thorough and safe job. Whether the damage is minor or significant, it will require a project-specific survey and assessment. Your roof’s current condition and the materials that should be replaced will help you select the best repair method. You should also be aware of the energy-efficiency features of your roof and look for rebates for energy-efficient repairs. Before hiring a roofer, make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask for written estimates and guarantees before committing to a contractor. Mansfield Roof Leak Repair offers excellent info on this.
A professional roofer will carefully examine the roof deck from the attic to identify any soft spots. If there are any, they’ll replace them with plywood or oriented strand board. Once the wood has been replaced, the roofer will install an underlayment, which is a thin sheet of material that acts as a second layer of protection against the elements.
Roof repairs can also include the replacement of rafter tails, which can cost $300 to $3,000. Rafter tails are the structural component of the roof and extend beyond the exterior walls. They are connected to soffits and fascia to form the eaves, which is five feet below the roof’s peak. Moisture can cause rafter tails to loosen and leak, and if they’re not repaired, the damage will only get worse.
Once you’ve analyzed your roof and determined the area that needs repair, the next step is to decide how many new shingles you need to replace. In addition to damaged shingles, you should also consider the condition of your roof’s flashing. A properly functioning flashing will prevent water from penetrating through the roof and causing leaks.
In addition to major damage, a leaking roof can leave the interior of your home and attic exposed to the elements. The water can cause significant structural damage in a short period of time. Depending on the amount of water and the location of the water, the damage could be considerable. In addition, a minor leak might occur if a gutter is clogged or if there are gaps in the flashing.
The cost of roof repair depends on the size and scope of the problem. Minor leaks or holes can be patched without paying a lot, but larger leaks or holes will require more materials and labor. Moreover, you may have to hire a professional roofer to fix the problem. If you decide to do the job yourself, make sure that you’re physically fit and have proper safety gear with you.
Depending on the extent of the damage, a roof repair might not be the best option. However, it is better to repair a leak than replace the whole roof. In addition to fixing a leak, it may also include other issues such as tile damage, window repair, and repointing. Also, flat membrane roofs will need to be re-sealed from time to time.
