NOTE: We want to start this one off by saying: Saving a few bucks to fix your own roof is not worth a trip to the hospital, the bill that comes with it, or the potential permanent injury that could ensue. DIY roof repairs can be dangerous.
PLEASE be careful when climbing on your roof. Be sure the pitch is not too steep (anything under a 6:12 is relatively safe). And never get on a roof when it is wet. Our roofers have specialized shoes for certain types of roofs to help mitigate slipping and injuries.
It is important to understand that roofing system failures of any kind come in varying degrees of decay. The DIY roof repairs listed below may not be an end-all seal of approval.
Please know that some smaller issues could be indicators of much more extensive problems and that these minor fixes could act as a temporary bandaid. We have heard of some quick fixes lasting for years, and some only for a couple of weeks. That is why it couldn't hurt for you to call your local roofer to come out and have a look.
With that said, LET'S GET TO LEARNING!
Nail pop occurs when a nail begins backing out of the roof and causes a bump under the shingle. This can happen due to weather causing expansion and contraction, or because a roofer used too small of a nail.
Nail pops can be common, and when addressed swiftly, it can be one of the easiest DIY roof repairs IF the nail has NOT punctured through the shingle covering it.
If the nail is cracking or protruding through the covered shingle, then you now have a breach in your roofing system. This makes you susceptible to leaking, and unfortunately, it happens most of the time.
If this is the case, then it would be a good time to call your roofer. They will come out and have a look for repairs and give you recommendations to move forward.
When a bad storm that brought hard winds comes through, those winds could lift some shingles. This can crease and crack your shingles, which can lead to leaking.
Honestly, there really isn't an easy way to tackle this roof repair one as a DIY-er. After a shingle has suffered wind damage, the shingles really need to be replaced. Our first recommendation on this one would be to call your local roofer to have them come out to fix it.
But, if the handyman gene is "strong in this one," then here is how you do it.
This is when the roofer did not correctly nail down a shingle, and the lower half of the shingle begins separating from the upper half.
You see, when shingles are installed, the roofer nails along a unique strip they call "the hot spot." It is a relatively small strip (depending on the brand) that is specially designed to receive the nail.
Suppose the installer does not hit that strip with the nail. Then over time, as the shingle heats, the lower half of the shingle may be separating from the upper half.
Most of the time, if you are experiencing leaks from a roof jack, it is from a failed flange around the pipe. The actual metal base and shingles around it are normally still functioning properly.
If this IS the problem, though, then we recommend a specialist to repair it.
We are in the process of making a video for you guys on this one, but in the meantime, here is a good tutorial on replacing your pipe flange.
And remember, these fixes are intended to give you temporary solutions. Eventually, your roof will need professional attention, whether that be repair or replacement.
Roof flashing issues are just one of those things you call the professionals for.
While possible to write down step-by-step instructions... there are just some roof repairs experience can solve that DIY YouTube videos or articles cannot.
Believe it or not, as simple as a drip edge may look, it falls under the flashing category and can be equally challenging to repair.
This is another one of those issues we recommend calling your local roofer to get the job done right.