One of the biggest responsibilities homeowners face is maintaining the roof over their heads. While tackling small issues yourself can save money, it’s crucial to understand what roof tasks require professional expertise. As the roofing experts at C&M Roofing and Construction advise, the safest approach is often calling the pros rather than risking further damage or injuries.
Minor Broken/Loose Shingles
Resealing a couple of loose or cracked shingles may seem straightforward. But it’s important to use the proper asphalt sealant rated for your roof’s specific shingle type. Contact C&M to ensure you get the right product to avoid future problems.
When resealing, take safety precautions like wearing slip-resistant shoes, taking breaks in the heat, and being especially cautious of older or damaged roofs at greater risk of issues. Only attempt resealing a handful of shingles, as any larger area likely requires full replacement.
Localized Leaks
Pinpointing a leak’s precise source requires a careful eye. Watch for interior water stains after rains rather than guessing the cause. Wet-dry vacuum rooftop debris that may be obstructing sealing. Inspect flashing, valleys, and vent pipes carefully for cracks or signs of wear.
Try resealing minor cracks yourself, but be ready to call in the pros for complex leak diagnosis beyond your ability. Improperly locating a leak risks further damage as water continues seeping inside unaddressed.
Flashing Replacement
Flashing guards roof valleys and other transition areas from water intrusion and deterioration. Replacing worn flashing seems doable but slippery rooftop conditions pose undeniable hazards. Without proper equipment like harnesses, falls remain a life-threatening risk not worth taking yourself for a DIY project.
Likewise, repairing chimneys, plumbing vents or skylight flashings requires navigating steep slopes and brittle materials dangerous without proper training. Leave complex flashing jobs to experienced roofing contractors best able to complete repairs safely and correctly.
Underlying Decking Repairs
Rotten or compromised roof decking compromises the entire system if left unaddressed. While reinforcing supporting beams or joists with plywood gussets seems straightforward, any deck repair necessitates crawling partially beneath overlapping shingles.
Space constraints and risks like sliding debris demand stability and care around sharp edges. Assess repair difficulty against the potential for injuries, and don’t hesitate to enlist licensed professionals better equipped with the right lighting, ventilation, and safety gear for the task.
Ice Dam Removal
Clearing built-up snow and ice dams posing backup risks into gutters or flashings requires maneuvering steep slopes, potentially brittle surfaces, and debris, all while balancing heavy loads. Consider conditions and liability carefully before attempting hazardous winter repairs that could destabilize your entire roof if mishandled.
Full Roof Replacements
Tearing off and disposing of an aging roof carries immense weight, waste management concerns, and inherent danger without proper training, fall protection, and permitting. Leave full reroofing projects to licensed professionals ensuring compliance and maximum safety doing the job right the first time for lasting protection.
Evaluating your abilities honestly establishes boundaries between DIY-able maintenance and complex repairs warranting skilled roofers. With C&M’s trusted expertise, prioritize your family’s safety above all when considering roof work.
