Roofers have a tough job. They work at heights, carrying heavy shingles and nailing them to the roof's surface. In addition to working hard, roofers are also very knowledgeable. They can recommend the best roofing material to fit your budget and preferences, and they can make repairs, as needed, to ensure your roof continues to keep your home safe. There's a lot to learn about roofing. We are not professionals, but we consider ourselves to be well-informed, and we share the information we know on this website. As you read, you will learn more about roofing as a profession, and you may also pick up some roofing tips you can use on your own home.
As a homeowner, you want to do everything you can to save money. That's why when something needs to be done around the house, your first instinct may be to tackle the project yourself. After all, how hard can it be? What could go wrong? Well, when it comes to roofing projects, quite a lot can go wrong. Your roof is so high off the ground, and if you were to slip and fall, you'd likely end up in the emergency room.
And besides, the roof is one of the most important parts of your house as it protects you and your family from the outdoor elements. You wouldn't want to damage it further when you could leave the project in the hands of seasoned roofing contractors. Read along to learn three improper DIY roof projects that you should hire residential roofing contractors to tackle.
1. Installing Missing Shingles
Installing shingles is a delicate process that requires precision and care. Several critical steps must be followed to ensure a long-lasting and effective seal. First, the roof deck must be clean and free of debris. Then, the shingles can be laid in a staggered pattern, beginning at the bottom edge of the roof and working up.
While the explanation seems straightforward, for a non-professional, shingle installation can be exhausting and challenging. That's why when you want to redo a section of your shingles roof, you should contact roofing contractors for the project. The professionals will ensure the new shingles completely shield the roofing deck and your indoor spaces from the elements.
2. Repairing Skylight Leaks
Skylights are a great way to let natural light into your home, but they can also be one of the most common sources of leaks. While it's possible to seal a skylight yourself, getting a tight seal that will last is not always easy. Roofing contractors have the experience and expertise to ensure that your skylight is properly sealed so you don't have to deal with a recurring roof leak. And if the skylight is completely worn out, the contractors can help you choose a durable replacement.
3. Flashing Repair
Since roof flashing is a thin strip of aluminum sheet placed over roof intersections to ensure an airtight roof cover, it's easy to imagine that their repair process is simple. However, when you consider that they're placed on areas where your roof meets another surface, you'll agree that attaining an airtight seal requires practice and expertise.
On your own, you'll likely do a botched-up job that doesn't prevent rainwater from leaking into your indoor spaces. Roofing contractors, on the other hand, have the experience and expertise to properly install flashing so that your roof is sealed against leaks.
While everyone admires DIY enthusiasts for their willingness to take on projects around their home, roofing projects shouldn't be on your DIY list. You're better off hiring roofing contractors who guarantee efficient execution.