With a little knowledge, you can complete some roof repairs yourself!
While big roofing jobs are best left to the professionals here at Meis Roofing, small shingle repairs can be completed by the handy homeowner.
However, it’s important to do your research and fully understand the job you’re about to take on before you start a roof repair. We’re here to help. We’ve assembled the following tips so you can learn what it takes to shingle a house, and so you can decide whether you want to take this job on at all.
Prepare Ahead of Time
The first thing you should do is gather your materials. To add or replace shingles to your roof, you’ll need the following:
- Shingles
- Roofing nails
- Level
- Ladder
- Chalk
- Work gloves
- Soft-soled shoes
- Carpenter’s apron
- Safety glasses
Before you climb onto the roof, make sure you read all of the manufacturer’s instructions and know the manufacturer’s specified exposure for laying down each shingle course.
Choose a warm, sunny day to work on the roof. Never try to work on the roof when it is cold or wet. Wait until late morning or early afternoon to start, as you will want to ensure that the morning dew has dried.
Put Safety First
Never work on a roof alone; always make sure you have a buddy. At the very least, make sure your family knows you are up on the roof and that someone is at home to help you if you have a problem. It also can’t hurt to either bring your phone onto the roof or have your buddy bring theirs.
Keep the roof clear of extra items and be very careful around TV antennas, power lines, and conduits. Make sure your ladder is secure and will reach all the way to the roof before you try to climb it.
Get Started
Begin by marking the center of the roof with a chalk line, then install the starter strip at the bottom edge of the roof. Mark the center on the starter strip, then center the first shingle on the center line on top of the strip and nail it into position. Each shingle should have four nails.
Once you understand how to shingle a house, it will be easier for you to complete small projects yourself. But if you aren’t confident of your ability, don’t attempt these repairs yourself. Instead, call the professionals at Meis Roofing. We can take on roofing jobs of all sizes, so contact us today to get started.
