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This blog post is written for homeowners who are looking to maintain their own roof, but want to do it the right way. This article will give you some great tips on how to make sure your DIY roofing maintenance doesn’t result in more problems than it fixes!
1. Start by assessing the roof’s condition
It is important to check the roof and all of its components in order to assess what work needs done.
- Check for peeling or cracking paint, corrosion on metal parts like screws or nails that are holding down materials such as felt paper, tar strips and tiles; anything out of place should be noted.
- Look also at any wear spots on the shingles and decide if they need to be replaced.
- Check for signs of water leakage such as damp or discolored insulation, stains on a ceiling below the roof that appear under certain angles but not others, or any mold growth.
- If you are unsure how to deal with an issue that is found, consult a professional roofer.
2. Get the right tools for your job for roofing maintenance
Make sure you have all of the necessary equipment before starting any work on a roof, as trying to complete an important task without them will only increase frustration and make it harder to finish. However, don’t go out and purchase a new set of tools for your first time at DIY roofing maintenance; there are many affordable deals in the form of used equipment, or borrowing from friends.
- An allen wrench for loosening screws and bolts
- Hammer
- Ladder (or any other means to reach height)
- Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mask
- Measuring tape (or any other means to calculate measurements)
- A putty knife and bucket for removing old paint or roofing tar.
There are some tools that you may want to purchase just once – like the ladder. But when it comes to things like paint remover, it is more cost-effective to purchase a small container for the job.
3. Prepare the area.
Make sure there is no debris on or around the roof that could cause a slip-and-fall accident, and remove any items from below which are not being used for your project.
- If you’re working with paint remover, have it in an easy to access location so you won’t have to run back and forth to the ground.
- Clear a workspace for your tools and any materials you’ll be using such as tar paper or felt paper, nails, screws, etc.
- This is also where you would put down a tarp if necessary.
Be sure that all doors and windows are closed so no one will get hurt in the event of a spill.
You may want to have someone nearby in case you need assistance with anything that is heavy or complicated, but it’s best not to work on the roof alone if possible.
- If working from a ladder, put your back against the house and lower down slowly before moving around; this will keep you stable and prevent the ladder from tipping.
- If there are any small children or pets in your home, it’s a good idea to keep them inside so they don’t put themselves at risk of injury by getting too close to the roof while you’re working on it.
Get to work!
Once you’ve assessed the roof, prepared your workspace and safety equipment, it’s time to get started on your DIY roofing maintenance project. You’ll want to start by removing any peeling or cracked paint at the location of leaks first; this will allow water that may find its way in through a crack or hole in the roof to work its way out more easily.
– Use a putty knife and bucket or paint remover if you have any, but be sure to start at the very edge of the leak – too much pressure on one spot can cause it to spread.
If possible, use an allen wrench to loosen any screws that are holding down the material you’re removing; this will make it easier to remove and replace.
If you’re a homeowner, DIY roofing maintenance is an important and necessary skill to have. The benefits of this are two-fold; it can save money on expensive contractor fees when the task at hand is minor, or allow homeowners to take care of larger projects themselves without having to pay for someone else’s skillset.