Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Should You Repair Your Own Roof?

You've owned your home for a number of years, and have enjoyed the comfort and protection it provides. One day, however, you may sense something unusual - a drip from the ceiling, unusual noise, or chipping plaster. You look up and you realize there are problems with your roof. It won't do to live under a damaged top, so what's next? Having a roof replaced can be a costly process depending on your budget and finances, so is it wise to take on the chore of fixing it yourself?

While it may appear that fixing a roof is little more than applying shingles in places where there are gaps and tears, roofing is actually a fairly involved process that requires some planning. Homeowners may find that once they've scaled the ladder with a box of shingles and some nails that there are other things to consider about the roof. For one, will a patch job do the trick? Does the leaking problem extended deeper than a simple patch? Will the work you do affect how the roof currently ventilates?

Another thing to consider if you have thought about home repairs is the resale value of your home. Say after a few years you decide to sell. Prospective buyers will want to know the condition of the roof, especially if there is a possibility they will have to replace it themselves. Would a home buyer feel more confident knowing a contractor worked on your roof as opposed to an amateur handyman?

This is not to discourage anybody from attempting home fixes, but rather to guide homeowners toward the best decision regarding roof repair. The adjustments you make now should last a long time, so make sure the right person does the job.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach vinyl siding, Eastern Shore roofing and Virginia Beach roofing.

3 comments:

  1. Bad weather is already enough to ruin a person’s day; a leak would make things even worse! Hence, we should take advantage of the time when the sun is still up there, heating up the whole place with all its might, to fix a damaged roof. When that time of the year comes, you'll keep that rainwater out where it is supposed to be.

    Rolf Matchen

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  2. Repairing your own roof depends on the situation. If you’re a handy man type of person, you can probably handle small repairs, like patching up holes or closing ceiling openings. But if it’s a major problem like leaks or tenting, it’s better to call for a professional, because improper repairs can make a problem worse and may cost a fortune.
    {Allyson Duguay}

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  3. I think it depends on the situation. Repairing your own roof can be risky. If you’re a handyman type of person, you can probably handle small repairs, like patching up holes or closing ceiling openings. But if it’s a major problem, like leaks or tenting, it’s better to call for a professional because improper repairs can make a problem worse and may cost a fortune. Patching a roof will slightly cover the damage but only temporarily.

    Richard Boles

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