Roofs are a vital feature of every home around the world. They offer the first line of defense against the outside elements, whether it’s torrential rain, relentless hailstorms, heavy downpours of snow, or blustery gails. Without them, the interiors of people’s homes would be wrecked beyond repair.

So, when they become damaged and are no longer capable of performing the role for which they are intended, acting quickly to resolve the problem and avoid further damage is essential.

It is always good to be informed of how to spot signs of any faults that might have occurred, as well as the appropriate steps to take, whether it requires calling in the help of professionals or if it could be tackled with some basic DIY skills and a spare afternoon. Ensuring the proper maintenance of your roof will help to prevent premature deterioration, increase its lifespan, and avoid having to fork out on an expensive new replacement.

Safety precautions

Clearly, the fact that roofs are elevated from the ground poses a risk of falling to anyone with the responsibility for working on them. Taking the right safety precautions before starting to repair any damage is essential in reducing the chances of a serious injury occurring while working at a height. These include the following:

• Choosing the right day: Roofs have a tendency to get very slippery when they are wet, with the presence of moss and algae only making the situation worse. Any repairs that need to be made should be done on a sunny day when the shingles are dry and offer the most friction between your foot and their surface. If it starts to rain or become very wind when you are up on the roof, carefully make your way back down and continue the job when the weather has improved.
• Invest in rubber-soled shoes: While working on a sunny day will minimise the risk of slipping with regards to the shingles, it is also a good idea to ensure that you are wearing the appropriate footwear to further reduce the chances of falling. Rubber-soled shoes offer the greatest traction and can be found in most hardware stores at a reasonable price.
• Be aware of your surroundings: At heights, there are a number of different hazards that you will not be used to from operating at ground level. Powerlines, bird nests, TV antennas, and chimneys can all present potential problems when you are up on a roof, and you should make yourself aware of their presence before starting to work. Power lines, in particular, can be very dangerous as they might be hard to spot or you may forget they are there, so ensure to always keep your wits about you.

Replacing shingles

Shingles are an integral part of any roof that needs to be properly maintained to ensure that your roof works efficiently. Replacing shingles that have become rotten, cracked, or missing is a task that most homeowners will be able to carry out without too much trouble.

After identifying which ones need replacing you will need to remove the damaged pieces and then fit and lay new underlayment. If, however, you do not feel confident completing the task by yourself, then you’re better off to search for “roofers near me” online and leave it to the professionals to resolve.

One particular sign you should look out for to know your shingles are in need of updating is a buildup of granules in the gutter. This can be a clear indication that the shingles have surpassed their life expectancy and are no longer effective in their role of keeping out the elements. If this is the case, then they almost certainly need replacing and could call for an entire roof replacement.

An excessive buildup of moss can be treated, but not by pressure washing or scraping it off, as this will only cause the shingles to deteriorate even further. Instead, mix warm water with some bleach and gently scrub the tiles until the moss has been removed.

Fixing leaks

Leaks caused by gaps in the roof is a common problem that can occur to even the best quality materials after years of wear and tear. Depending on the type of damage, this could be an easy fix, or it may require substantial work.

The most important thing is to get to the problem early to prevent it from causing significant damage to the interior of your house. In many cases, it is a simple resolution, such as filling in the gap or replacing the shingles. However, it could also require a whole new roof.

Knowing the signs to look out for is vital to ensuring that you don’t have more significant problems further down the line, but knowing how to deal with them is just as important. Take note of the above tips to ensure that when you are repairing your roof that you are safe and if you believe it’s a task for the professionals, make sure that you take advantage of the services they offer.