Repairing a Roof

When it comes to spending money on your home, doling out a bunch of money for a new roof isn’t all that exciting, so you may be tempted to try to do it yourself – but don’t. Learn why repairing a roof is best left to the pros in this DIY Network video:

Whether you’re doing a few repairs or replacing an old roof with a new one, roofing is hard work. It requires know-how and speed, and it’s very dangerous. So before you grab that ladder, mull this over.

A qualified roofing contractor can handle everything for you, include making sure everything’s installed per your local building codes. They’ll take care of backbreaking demo work, which can include scraping off the tar paper. Crews work quickly and efficiently, and they’ll haul off the old roofing material as well.

Next, they’ll assess and repair any damage or trouble spots in the roof’s decking, usually made from plywood or OSB sheathing. If there is wood rot or water damage, they’ll repair it properly before moving forward so your new roof has the best possible foundation underneath.

A pro roofer is also a great resource when it comes to selecting materials for your new roof. They have loads of product knowledge, which actually ensures you get the most for your money. Roofing contractors often get much better pricing on a wider variety of materials than you have access to at your neighborhood home improvement store.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the wind and rain, so a pro will install various types of edging, underlayment and flashing to keep it watertight and in tip-top shape for years to come.

Bottom line, keep your feet planted on the ground and call up that roofing company that your neighbor recommended. It’s the smart move.