The words roof repairs send shivers down the spine of many a homeowner, but they don’t have to be as daunting and expensive as you might think.
As a leading provider of roofing services Glasgow we listen to the concerns and worries of homeowners requiring roof repairs on a daily basis and have grown used to debunking myths and easing fears.
In this article we will look through some expert advice from expert roofers, sharing some of their tricks of the trade for fixing roofs the right way and giving you the confidence to approach roofing issues without fear.
Safety
Before we go any further into how to look after your roof, the first thing we need to talk about is safety. We often cringe listening to stories from clients who have gone up on their own roof with nothing more than a ladder and a prayer to try and find the source of a leak. They might have got away with it, but they were the lucky ones. Thousands of accidents happen on rooftops every single years as a result of untrained individuals attempting DIY roof repairs or inspections without suitable safety equipment. If you are going up a ladder, ensure that you are wearing non-slip shoes and have someone else with you to hold it secure. Even better, don’t.
Only highly trained experts should conduct roof repairs, both because they have the tools and knowledge to do the best possible job, and because they have undergone extensive training on how to do so safely.
Avoid cheap fixes
It can be tempting to go for the cheapest possible option when repairing a problem with your roof but this is rarely a good idea. A quick fix might stop your roof leaking for a time, but before you know it the problem will reappear worse than ever. The time and money you spend on multiple temporary fixes could easily be avoided simply by spending a little more on a proper fix in the first place. The worse a problem gets, after all, the more it will cost you to fix and if you leave it too long complete roof replacement will be required. Trust us, if this happens you will be wishing you went for a more sturdy repair job in the first place.
Don’t forget about your gutters
Gutters play a very important role in keeping your roof in good condition, draining it of water and protecting the structure from having to bear too much weight.
If your gutters get clogged up, this role is compromised, causing water to overflow, leaks to occur, and increasing the risk of structural damage significantly. Make sure to inspect and clean your gutters out on a regular basis or hire one of the local gutter clearance companies in your local area to do so. You should have your roof cleaned to remove moss and other debris on a regular basis anyway so make sure to ask to have your gutters cleared out at the same time.
If you notice that your gutters are coming away from the side of the property, are damaged in anyway, or have cracked, hire a local roofer to resolve the issues. If you are cleaning your gutters and find that you have a grit like substance in them, this could be granules from the shingles on your roof and indicate that further repairs are needed elsewhere on the roof.
Do your research when hiring a roofer
If you have identified that you need roofing repairs, it is essential that you find the right contractor to carry them out. Complex roofing issues such as extensive storm damage or leaks with no obvious source require experts with extensive knowledge and experience, and all the tools that you could possibly ask for. As we mentioned above, DIY repair is not a good idea, but a rookie or cowboy roofer can be just as bad so make sure to pick the right one. If you are looking for a roofer in your local area, ask some close friends and neighbours if there is anyone that they would recommend or search online and read through reviews on an independent review site. Once you have narrowed down your options, get a quote from at least 2 or 3 companies to ensure that you are not being ripped off, but remember that price is not everything when it comes to roofing.