Easy DIY Roof Repair Tips You Should Know

Sometimes, when your roof needs some fixation, and you want to save some money, the need for DIY roof repair ideas come in handy. In fact, you must not call an expert for every roofing issue you encounter – you’ll be saving a lot. Homeowners who don’t really mind heights can draw on some DIY ideas and fix minor issues on their roofs.

Several tips will make you stand out when it comes to fixing your roofs. We’ve handpicked and outlined some of these DIY repair tips. Check them out and save some money.

DIY Roof Repair Tips – Shingle Replacement

It’s not uncommon to see that your roof has a few damaged or missing shingles. In fact, such issues are often localized (happens on a particular portion of the roof). When such happens, you need a good DIY roof repair knowledge to replace the damaged or missing shingles.

Firstly, you need to get new shingles that really match the existing ones in color and style. You wouldn’t want the patches to be very significant and reduce the aesthetics of your roof.

Next, remove the damaged shingles and, perhaps, the surrounding shingles that are loose. Gently fix in the new ones and keep them in place using nails and adhesives made for such shingles.

DIY Flashing Repair Tips

Sometimes, roof problems will make you feel bad. Your shingles are okay and not due for a change, but your roof isn’t serving correctly. You need to check the flashing. This often comes in handy anytime to reroof wholly or partially. Some DIY roof repair tips will help you repair your flashing.

It’s important to know that the flashing is often around the skylights, chimneys, and other places where there is a space in the roof. This often prevents leak. 

If you don’t mind heights, you can climb up to your roof and seal these gaps with flashing. Take time out to ensure you do it properly to avoid leak issues.

Plumbing Vent Boots

Whenever you want to do a DIY roof repair on your plumbing vent boots, which is made of metal or plastic, always check their bases. Look for broken seams in the case of metal vent boots and cracks on plastic bases. If the rubber boot that surrounds the pipe has torn or is damaged, it can cause unwanted water flow or drip into the house.

Here’s what to do; get a new vent boot and replace the old and damaged ones. Also, check if the nails at the base of the vent are missing. You may want to do a total replacement with screws.

The shingles on the neighboring sides might need some work. You need to be careful when working on these shingles, especially if you don’t have another to replace them.

For homeowners who are not scared of heights, these DIY roof repair tips are sure to help them save some money. However, experts always stand out in any project. When next you need roofing experts in Toronto, Universal Roofs Inc. is always available to assist you.

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Flat Roof Sealants: DIY Hacks You Can’t Miss

Flat roof sealants are one of the best things to happen in Toronto roofing industry and beyond. When you think of roofing supplies that help extend the durability and functionality of your roof, you can’t miss sealants. However, there is more to have sealants. Being able to pick on some DIY hacks and apply sealants yourself crowns it all.

For homeowners who have a flat roof over their buildings, some DIY sealant hacks will save you some cost. When done correctly, it will prevent debris, moisture and water from damaging your structure. This can be quite a detailed project, but then, you can pull it off successfully.

Here are some steps that you can follow to seal your flat roof properly.

1.      Find the Troubled Spots

When it comes to flat roof sealants, it’s easier to apply on new roofs than older ones. The reason is not far-fetched. Older roofs, in most cases, will need major repairs other than mere sealant application. Firstly, climb up to your roof and check all seams. Find the ones that don’t seem to be attached firmly. Gently slide a blade underneath the lip and check if there is any restriction. If your blade moves freely, then there will be a need to seal this area. With spray paint, you can mark out areas that require flat roof sealants.

2.      Prepare the Area to apply Flat Roof Sealants

Flat roof sealants don’t often stick properly to unclean surfaces. This is why it’s advisable to prepare the area of application and make it clean. Get a broom and sweep off all debris and dispose of them in garbage bags. After that, scrape off gravels on the roof to reveal the area you’ll work on.

3.      Do the Repairs

Before you apply the flat roof sealants, you need to check and repair damages if any. If your roof has issues, get a trowel and introduce some roofing cement over the affected areas. You can go as far as 6 inches beyond the particular spots you wish to repair. Pressure-smooth the cement over the area and ensure the damaged spots are properly filled.

4.      Do the Roof Sealing

At this point, all damaged areas must have been patched. You can now work on the roof to apply cement all over the roof. Start from one of the far edges and apply the roofing cement down to the roof end close to the ladder. Using a trowel, spread it properly, ensuring the cement application is even.

5.      Clean the Flat Roof Sealants

Once you’re done sealing, you’re just a few steps away from making your roof work like what it used to be. After the concrete must have dried, get a bucket of cleaner (alcohol-based), and a mop to your flat

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Vinyl Siding: Amazing DIY Installation Tips

Vinyl siding is quite a maintenance-free installation that requires just a rinse to keep it shining. If you like to have a maintenance-free house, of course, you do, then, you need vinyl siding. While it’s true that Toronto experts always do it better, you can install this siding yourself. But you have to be meticulous about it and follow a few steps.

Measure and Use a Level

The first step is to take accurate measurements. Do well to measure everything on the side of your home without deducting for doors or windows. Take the measurement from top to bottom and snap a level line around your building.

With your level, you can ascertain how smooth your work is by placing it on the siding after every five courses. It’s good to know that the first vinyl piece will hang on the starter strip.

Get a Vinyl-Siding Blade

It’s common to want to cut vinyl siding with a circular saw or a wood blade. But this often causes the siding to shatter. This can be dangerous and detrimental to your work plan. So, it’s best to use a blade designed to push through such siding. If you’re using a miter saw and you observe chippings from the siding, you may want to pull the saw backward through the vinyl siding gently.

Make the Vinyl Siding Short

Whenever you want to cut vinyl siding, it’s wise to cut it short so it doesn’t buckle during summer. Take it to a corner and leave out about ¼” from your measurement for a perfect fit even during summer.

Don’t Let the Seams Show

Where ever there is a joint during vinyl siding installation, ensure you overlap it to hide the seams. Start from the back of your building and gently work through to the front. By then, you must have mastered the overlapping thingy and deliver better work.

Don’t Nail the Vinyl Sidings

Undoubtedly, some people nail vinyl sidings to their house, but it’s not advisable. The best way is always to hang the sidings and set your nails from the wall with a distance of about 1/8” or 1/16. When you hang it, the sidings will have enough allowance to expand or contract if need be, without buckling or overstretching.

Go for Longer Panels First

On each side of a door or window, begin with the side that requires longer panels. This is because longer panels hardly stretch like shorter ones. So, if there is a whack, they are not quite easy to adjust.

Before you push the nail gains the last couple of pieces, measure up to the window top, ensuring they are of the same height.

Fix errors with a Zip Tool

When installing vinyl sidings, you can make a minor mistake. To eliminate a piece of siding that has been nailed already, use the zip tool under the butt edge, hook the edge and gently pull down. To release, horizontally slide the tool along the lock. Elevate the unlocked siding to show the nailing hem of the piece below. Then draw a line along each siding top, and pull the nails.

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