Addressing Roof Repair And Replacement During A Pandemic

The current pandemic is not something any of us were anticipating.

Most of us are just grateful if our loved ones are healthy and safe, but that doesn’t mean COVID-19 has not caused it’s fair share of inconveniences in households nationwide.

Some of these troubles may be personal like having to cancel an event, vacation or dental work.

Others are financial, like not making the amount of money each month you are used to.

And still, some are practical, like the repairs you’ve planned to have done on your driveway, car, or home this Spring.

In every aspect of life, we are having to adjust and make changes for the health and safety of our families.

Thankfully in our modern world, there are still ways we can do many things.

From virtual calls into work, to school online, and yes, even DIY projects on your home.

If you realize you need to have some work done on your roof this Spring then Hollister Roofing Inc. is here to give you some insight into doing some basic repairs yourself, and to offer our services and our pledge to safety for the things you need a hand with.

Cleaning Out Gutters

Cleaning out your gutters is a good preventative measure to ensure your home does not end up with roof damage.

One good way of cleaning out your gutters from the ground is to use a wet/dry vacuum.

Most homes already have a wet/dry vac, and all you need to do is order the right vacuum accessory online. Then you will have the perfect tool to clean out your gutters in no time.

A common garden hose and attachment is also a great gutter cleaning option.

If you would rather, you can always get out your ladder and climb up with a trash bag to empty your gutters if you feel safe doing so. It’s all about your personal preference and what tools you have available.

Ensuring your gutters are cleaned and inspected each Spring is important for a long lasting roof.

Replacing Damaged Shingles

Wind storms and even time can wreak havoc on shingles.

If it’s been years since you have repaired any shingles, or if you had a particularly windy year, it may be wise to use your time in quarantine to replace any shingles that are peeling up or broken.

We only suggest addressing shingle repairs yourself if the damage is minor or if you have roofing experience.

To replace shingles, use a flat bar to separate the shingles and break the seal.

Then take the nails out of the affected area.

Finally, remove the damaged shingles, replace with a new shingle, and firmly nail it in.

In areas where the shingle is already missing, you will need to peel up the shingle above the missing one, put a new shingle in place, and then nail them both back down.

Identifying Leaks

If you have some small leaks in your home make sure you act right away to avoid a much bigger issue and dreaded water damage.

A big indicator of a leak is a brown water mark on your ceiling. If you are seeing this, be sure to call in an expert for help.

Another way to identify leaks is to wait until a storm and go to each room observing the ceilings and walls.

If you know you have a leak, can’t tell where it’s from, and don’t want to wait, you can grab a family member for help.

Have your partner stand inside the house while you go outside and use a running hose to slowly move around the roof checking for leaks.

This will help you locate where your damage is.

There is a chance that simply repairing damaged/missing shingles in an area where the leak is, will do the trick.

If not, you may need to work harder to identify the problem area with an expert’s help.

Often leaks crop up near the valleys or chimneys, so these are good places to check for issues.

If you find damage in these areas, it is often the metal flashing and there is a way to fix it yourself.

As Bob Vila says,

“To repair leaks caused by metal flashing around chimneys and dormers, simply reseal joints using a caulk gun filled with roofing cement. 

If you see damage to joints previously sealed with a line of roof cement, apply a fresh new coat with a putty knife.”

Once you find the troubled area, whether it is missing shingles or damaged flashing, make sure to take the proper steps to repair it right away. Each type of roof may require different types of repair.

For many leaky roofs, it may be wise to call a professional as it can be a long process and it’s certainly something that needs to be done right.

If your roof needs a repair or even replacement during COVID-19, don’t worry!

Hollister Roofing Inc. wants to assure you that they are taking every precaution to keep you safe and healthy while still taking care of any issues that your roof is having.

Click here to contact Hollister Roofing today.