If you’re roof is the unfortunate victim of some natural catastrophe (or just a really bad thunderstorm), and you are faced with the chore of repairing your asphalt shingles, it is entirely possible to handle the job as a Do-It-Yourself project. However, if you’ve never attempted such a repair, there are a few things to keep in mind both prior to starting and during the actual repair.

Safety is a primary concern when you’re working on the roof of a house. Any job involving heights requires certain safety precautions. For instance, always make sure someone knows where you are. If at all possible, work with a partner. You don’t want to be alone in the event that you get sick or have an accident. Avoiding performing roofing work in wet or icy conditions. These factors can make an already dangerous roof even slicker, drastically increasing your chances for a fall. Also, pay attention to power lines and TV antennas. Never touch these utilities with your body or a metal ladder as it can result in electrocution.

Before diving headfirst into the job, make sure you have the appropriate materials. This applies to both roofing supplies and tools. Find out what kind of shingles you need prior to buying the materials. You don’t want to get all the way to the roof only to discover you’ve bought the wrong size or material. Remember to pick up things like nails, roofing felt, flashing and edging cement. Leaving out any of the details will result in a shoddy patching job that will only lead to additional repairs down the road.

In the event that the damage to your roof extends deeper than just the shingles, be sure to complete the repairs before you attempt to repair this top layer. Failure to do so can compromise the structure of your roof and cause further damage. Make certain that you fully remove the damaged shingles from the section of roof you are repairing. While it is possible to put new asphalt shingles over an old layer, water damage or similar complications must be addressed before laying new shingles in the affected area.

Small details can make the difference between a good job and a worthless cover-up. Remove or drive in any nails that are protruding or that have become loose from the roof. Remove damaged shingles or reattach shingles that may have fallen loose during the damaging event. Inspect your roof closely to make sure no missing shingles have been overlooked. Leaving open spots can leave sections of your roof vulnerable to insects and water damage.

Roof repairs are important, but they don’t have to be an overwhelming chore. Being properly prepared and taking the appropriate safety precautions can turn a job that seems like a huge undertaking into a simple household task. Of course, if the damages to your roof are extensive and your homeowners’ insurance will cover the costs of repair, you may be inclined to employ a professional roofer to get the job done.

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