homeowner engaging in a diy roof repair

The Dos and Don’ts of DIY Roof Repair

Your roof is arguably the first line of defense against bad weather and pests. However, wear and tear can take a toll, causing leaks and other issues. When these problems arise, they need to be taken care of promptly. One option is performing a little Do-It-Yourself magic, which can save you money if done correctly. Let’s look at some dos and don’ts of DIY roofing repair that will help you make informed decisions and keep your home in top shape without costing you an arm and a leg.

Dos of DIY Roof Repair

Safety should always be your top priority. Before even thinking about repairs, make sure you have the right gear. This includes a sturdy ladder, non-slip shoes, gloves, and a helmet. These precautions may seem basic, but they can prevent accidents that could lead to serious injuries or death.

When you are preparing for a roofing project, start by carefully inspecting and looking for any damage. Be on the lookout for missing or damaged shingles, signs of water stains on your ceiling, or sagging areas. Identifying these problem areas is key to effective repairs.

Make sure to use the right tools to ensure your repairs last. These include a hammer, roofing nails, a utility knife, a pry bar, and roofing adhesive. Don’t forget a tape measure and a chalk line to ensure your repairs are precise. When you’re picking out materials and tools, be sure to follow manufacturing guidelines.

Before you start swinging that hammer, create a step-by-step plan. Having a clear strategy will help you stay organized and minimize mistakes along the way. It’s like having a personal roadmap to guide you through the process.

DIY Roofing Repair Don’ts

While small repairs are often manageable for homeowners, it’s important to be aware of all the things you should avoid doing. The first thing you want to keep in mind is this: leave major roofing work to the professionals. If you’re dealing with extensive damage or structural issues, a team of people who do roofing for a living is essential.

Next, avoid cutting corners. Low-quality materials might be cheaper but they can lead to a shorter lifespan for your repair and potentially worsen the problem over time. It’s worth investing in quality products.

Don’t forget to check the weather! You should only repair a roof in suitable conditions. If rain, snow, or heavy winds are in the forecast, a roofing repair shouldn’t be.

Don’t rush. Patience and precision are vital because racing through a roofing job can result in costly errors and injury. Take the time to do it right, so you don’t have to do it over.

Don’t forget the old adage, “An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.” Once your repair is complete, don’t forget about regular roof maintenance. Check periodically for any new issues and address them promptly to avoid costly problems in the future.

Conclusion

Maintaining a sturdy roof is essential to protect your home and your family. DIY roof repair can be a cost-effective solution, but you’ll need to carefully consider the dos and don’ts that are outlined here. With the right safety precautions, tools, materials, and planning, you can tackle this confidence and keep your home in excellent condition for years to come. For more information or roof repair advice, contact PJ’s Roofing today!

roofers installing a new roof on home

Do I Need to Move Out During a Roof Replacement?

The roof is the crown of your home. Keeping it looking good and functioning well is one of the most important things you can do to preserve your home’s value and keep your family safe and comfortable.
Making the decision to replace an old roof that is no longer functioning as it should is a significant investment. Planning ahead is critical and there are many decisions to be made. One question homeowners often have is, “Do I need to move out during the roof replacement process?”

Fortunately, the answer is no…or at least, “not usually.”

First, let’s look at the big picture. Unless there are unusual circumstances, or extreme weather comes our way, replacing the roof of a typical, single-family home usually only takes a few days— almost always less than a week. We try to get the job done during the week while many individuals and families are at work or at school to minimize the disruption to our homeowners’ lives.

If you’re working from home or spend much of your day at home, it might be a better idea to stay out for a few days just until the work is completed. Despite our best efforts, roof replacement is noisy at times— and our crew members will need to be onsite to complete the work. Some families find this a good time to vacate the premises, at least during weekdays while work is progressing.

However, if you opt to stay at the house while we’re working on your roof, here are a few things you can do:

  • Park your car somewhere else to keep it safe from debris.
  • Inform neighbors about the ongoing job, the length, and hours our crew will be on site.
  • Keep pets in the basement of your home or in another quiet room to minimize their distress from unusual noise and activity.
  • Designate safe spaces in the home where your children can play and keep them out of the work area.

There are still plenty of things you will need to do to ensure a smooth and safe installation. For example, you’ll need to schedule the work at a convenient time and accommodate any changes to the schedule forced by unexpected bad weather. However, in almost all cases, you will not have to move out of your house entirely while your new roof is being installed. Even if you opt to vacate the premises during the day while the work is progressing, in less than a week, you’ll have a brand new roof that will provide the superior weather protection your home deserves and the comfort you and your family rely on day after day, year after year.

new roofs installed on the frederick rescue missions rescued treasures building installed by the professionals at PJ's Roofing

PJ’s Roofing Donates Time to Renovate Frederick Rescue Mission’s Rescued Treasures Roof

Over the weekend of November 16th and 17th, PJ’s Roofing donated time and material to rebuild the roof over the Frederick Rescue Mission’s Rescued Treasures building. Prior to the renovation, the roof had to be covered with a tarp to keep water from leaking through, but even this method didn’t fully work. We were able to provide a structurally sound roof for the building and ensure the leaks become a thing of the past!

The Rescued Treasures building was in dire need of a new roof that kept water out.

A big shoutout goes to ADS Trash for lending us a dumpster for this project. The area was kept tidy (by construction standards) because of this generous contribution!

PJ’s Roofers worked hard over the weekend to give this building the upgrade it deserved.

Rescued Treasures exists to provide free clothing, coats, shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags and linens for those experiencing homelessness or just have needs. Those served include students, veterans, the disabled, the elderly, the working poor, and those who are homeless.

Rescued Treasures also provides the opportunity for job seekers to shop for clothing for a new career. PJ’s Roofing was honored to be a part of this important renovation. We are always happy to give back to a community that has supported us year after year, especially when we can make such a difference for those in need.