Roofing - Why You Shouldn't Just Fix It Yourself

Roofing professionals are often called to homes and commercial locations with a statement such as, "I've tried to fix it myself and it is just getting worse." Even if you are a handy do it yourselfer, chances are good that you do not have a lot of hands on experience in the way of putting up a roof, maintaining it or even knowing when to replace it. Because you do not have experience in this way, it is often best to talk to a professional before your simple problem becomes a significant problem.

Situations When You Need a Pro

When should you call a professional out to handle and inspect your roofing? The following situations are some instances when you should avoid putting on your handyman's belt and trying to do the job yourself.

1. You have a leak. It may seem easy enough to head up there with some flashing and some caulk and think you will solve the problem. There are several problems with this. First, you degrade the value of the home if you do this too much. Secondly, water damage is nothing to shy away from. You need to know that the water is no longer present and that anything it did touch is still in good condition, and dry.

2. You have shingles falling off. A heavy storm can blow off shingles, but unless it is a very large storm, you should not see many coming off. Keep in mind, though, that every time they do come off, this is another instance where your underlying roof system is exposed. Do have a professional come out and inspect the damage. In some cases, your insurance provider will cover the cost of repairing or replacing it if you take these steps.

3. When was the last time you updated the roof? This is another problem many people have. If you do not know how long it has been, chances are good it has been a significantly long time. Depending on the type of material used, you may need to replace and upgrade your system every ten to twenty years, though some systems do last as long as 30 years. If you are unsure what the age of your roof is, or the condition it is in, have a professional inspect it. You can get an honest estimation of if it needs done or when it will need done.

For many people, roofing is not something they know a lot about because most systems do not require a lot of attention year after year. However, if you are experiencing any problems, or you have concerns regarding the structural integrity of your system, it is best to call a roofing specialist to come into your home and to tell you the actual condition present.

This is the best way to avoid damage and just to get more information about the condition of one of the most vital pieces and structures of your home. It is well worth investigating.