We’re not kidding when we say we’ve seen it all. The way handyman services sometimes attempt to repair a roof boggles our mind. We also know that homeowners try to save money with DIY roof repair and end up costing themselves much more in the long run. If you don’t have the skills, tools, and know-how, it’s best to leave your roof repair to the professionals. Here are some roof repair mistakes we’ve seen.

Misusing Caulk

Caulk can be used around the flashing on the roof. It should not be used in place of flashing or to fill a hole in a shingle. The caulk and shingles do not expand and contract with temperature changes at the same rate so you won’t have a well-sealed hole for very long. If you have a hole in a shingle or in your roof, let a roofing company replace the shingles and repair the hole properly.

Reusing Old Materials

If your flashing failed or you have an issue with a portion of your roof, don’t try to save a few dollars by reusing old materials. Flashing doesn’t always last as long as the roof and if your issue stems from failing flashing, it’s best to replace it with new to ensure the leak won’t happen again. Shingles that have blown off or become misaligned should also never be re-used.

Adding Another Layer of Shingles

Shingles are readily available at home improvement stores. It’s legal to put a second layer of shingles on top of the first. These two things combine to make one of the biggest mistakes when it comes to roof repair failures we’ve seen. Some homeowners think that if they simply add another layer of shingles around the leak, that the leak will be stopped. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. The leak needs to be stopped at its source and repaired throughout the entire roofing system. That sometimes means new shingles, new underlayment, and new roof deck. Putting another layer of shingles on top of already damaged shingles won’t repair the leak. It may stop it for a short time, but it won’t be repaired.

When you find yourself in need of roof repair, don’t try to save a few dollars fixing it yourself or by calling a handyman. Call a licensed roof repair company with the tools, knowledge, training, and experience to do the job right. Calling one like Russ Noyes Roofing who will guarantee their work, makes even more sense. We can be reached at 407-388-4700 for scheduling or you can fill out our contact form and we’ll call you.