The Dos and Don'ts of DIY Roof Repair!

The Dos and Don’ts of DIY Roof Repair!

The Dos and Don’ts of DIY Roof Repair!

Maintaining your roof is an essential part of homeownership, and sometimes, it may be tempting to try to handle repairs yourself. While some smaller issues can be tackled with a bit of DIY know-how, it’s important to know when it’s time to call in the professionals. Here are some dos and don’ts of DIY roof repair, and when it’s best to hire a professional roofing company like Royal Crown Roofing.

Do: Inspect Your Roof Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your roof is to inspect it regularly. This means looking for signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or leaks. By catching issues early on, you can often prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the line.

Don’t: Attempt Complex Repairs Without Professional Help

While some minor repairs, such as replacing a missing shingle, can be done by a DIYer with the right tools and experience, complex repairs should always be left to the professionals. This includes issues such as leaks in your roof’s flashing, which can be difficult to detect and even more difficult to repair.

Do: Use Proper Safety Equipment

When working on your roof, safety should be your top priority. This means using proper safety equipment, such as a sturdy ladder, safety harnesses, and non-slip shoes. It’s also important to work on your roof during calm weather conditions to minimize the risk of accidents.

Don’t: Use Improper Materials

When attempting DIY roof repairs, it’s important to use the proper materials for the job. Using the wrong materials can not only result in a shoddy repair job but can also cause additional damage to your roof.

Do: Call in the Professionals When in Doubt

If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage to your roof or feel uncomfortable attempting repairs on your own, it’s best to call in the professionals. A reputable roofing company like Royal Crown Roofing can assess the damage and provide you with a quote for repairs.

In conclusion, while some minor roof repairs can be tackled by a DIYer, it’s important to know your limits and when it’s best to call in the professionals. By inspecting your roof regularly, using proper safety equipment, and using the right materials, you can help prevent damage and prolong the life of your roof. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in a trusted roofing company like Royal Crown Roofing to handle the job.

 

 

 

How’s your roof doing these days?

How’s your roof doing these days?

Are you prepared for the onslaught of hailstorms, windstorms, (perhaps even snowstorms) this winter, and the scorching sun next summer?

Whatever the weather, cracked or broken shingles on your roof means it isn’t healthy, and it won’t protect you and your family from the extremes of hot and cold that will hit us sometimes here in the Houston area. Does that mean you need a whole new roof if you have damaged shingles? Not unless the damage is extensive.

Shingles can be damaged by thermal expansion, causing both splitting and cracking. But splitting and cracking are different problems. Splitting occurs when the layers in the shingle separate and expand with the temperature when it rises, and then contract when the temperature goes back down. Eventually, the shingle tears and comes apart, leading to leaks in your home.

Another type of damage to shingles usually occurs with regular wear and tear. It’s called cracking, and the damage is more shallow, creating small tears on the surface of the shingle.

Split shingles, the more dangerously damaged shingles, need replacing because they can lead to pathways for large leaks in your home. Cracked shingles, in contrast, simply need filling in the cracks. Since it’s obviously cheaper to repair or replace a couple of shingles, rather than the whole roof, you need to be on the ball in making sure repairs are done expeditiously whenever your shingles are damaged to avoid greater problems.

Royal Crown Roofing offers you a free roof inspection to check out what needs to be done whether it’s a repair job or a roof replacement. Contact them for help.

Beware of a bad roofing job!

Beware of a bad roofing job!

Have you heard of the guy who drove by a house every day that looked like it was smiling at him, with a roof that sagged up and down around the edges, and shingles that looked like blotchy eyes that didn’t match? Chances are that house was either ancient, or had been the victim of a bad roofing job.

A bad roofing job will leave a house in such a state. It won’t look uniform or balanced. The shingles likely won’t match, and will appear to be all over the place like an abstract painting, because they were nailed on incorrectly. Some of them will likely be missing – blown off in the latest storm. Another common practice is to reuse flashing, and to leave off drip edges that protect the home from leaks and mold growth. Each of these errors, as well as not installing the needed underlayment, will lead to the roof deteriorating very quickly and leave it needing replacement much sooner than expected. The roofer probably cut corners in order to save on time and money.

It’s actually pretty easy to spot a bad roofing job – just take a good look at the house and you will know. It just won’t look right.

Royal Crown Roofing experts have the knowledge and experience to create a beautiful new roof that will be uniform in appearance and will last for years to come. And it won’t appear to be either smiling or frowning at those who drive by. Contact them to discuss possibilities for your new roof, and make an appointment for a free inspection.

Have you checked the flashing and sealants on your roof lately?! You’ll be glad you did!

Have you checked the flashing and sealants on your roof lately?! You’ll be glad you did!

Regular roof maintenance should always include an inspection of the flashing and sealants. The flashing is a strip of metal that connects your skylights or chimney to your roof. Wind and weather can get underneath the flashing and rip it loose, causing mold and water damage. 

Most of the time when you notice a leak around a chimney or at the corners of your roofing, it’s because of an issue with your flashings. You should always be on the lookout for a loose flashing and tack it back on tightly. Also look for holes in the flashing. At the same time, you should check for cracked or weakened caulking used to keep the flashing in place. If needed, remove old caulking, scrape the area clean and apply fresh sealant. With regular roof maintenance, including paying attention to the flashing and sealants, you can often spot any problems early enough before any real damage occurs.

Royal Crown Roofing has years of experience and expertise, offering a full range of commercial and residential roofing services, from new roof installation to roof repairs and more. We can perform inspections and maintenance that extend the life of your existing roof and help you when it’s time to replace your roof. You can expect only the best when you choose Royal Crown Roofing.

Want to check the condition of your roof? Grab a flashlight and head to the attic for an interior roof check!

Want to check the condition of your roof? Grab a flashlight and head to the attic for an interior roof check!

Performing a roof check from the inside out is a great way to get the whole story on the current condition of your roof.  Take a bright flashlight up to your attic and check for a few obvious signs that it might be time for a needed repairs. 

  • Before you turn your flashlight on, see if you notice any streams of light coming through cracks in your roof. If you do see any light coming through your roof, repair or replace your roof immediately. If light is getting through your roof, then water is also getting through your roof.
  • If you notice dark streaks and stains on the underside of the roof or running down the walls, then your roof is probably leaking, and this can really damage the roof and your home’s interior. If you do see sagging areas in your roof from below, use your hand or a broom to lightly touch the sagging spot. If the spot feels soft, wet or bends easily, you know you have water damage.
  • When you check for dark streaks and sagging areas also look for obvious water leaks or rotting on the inside. These signs of water damage should be addressed right away.

Contact Royal Crown Roofing to learn more about the steps you can take now to protect your roof through regular roof maintenance.  With our years of experience, we can help you determine when it’s time for a new roof or just some maintenance here and there. Royal Crown Roofing offers a full range of commercial and residential roofing services, from new roof installation to roof repairs and more. We look forward to discussing your roofing needs with you.

Is it finally time for a new roof?

Is it finally time for a new roof?

Here are a few obvious and not so obvious signs!

All roofs eventually reach the end of their life span despite years of careful maintenance. If you notice that your roof looks old and worn and you find yourself doing a lot of preventative maintenance, it might be time for a new roof.  

Here are some signs to be aware of that might indicate it’s time to replace your roof.

  • Shingle edges are cracked, curled or buckled. 
  • There are bald spots where granules are missing. 
  • Your roof is over 20 years old and just looks old and worn.
  • There is obvious moss on the roof indicating there may be trapped moisture.
  • The neighbors are getting new roofs. Homes built around the same time can wear out in the same timeframe.
  •  You have a droopy, sagging roof with signs of rotting boards, or sagging spots—especially at the lowest points in the roof.

Checking your own home improvement records gives you a good overview of your roof’s history including installation and repairs. This can make it clear to you that it is time to replace the roof.

Contact Royal Crown Roofing to discuss your options. We have years of experience and offer a full range of commercial and residential roofing services, from new roof installation to roof repairs and more. Our roofing contractors are highly skilled, up-to-date in the latest roofing technologies, and knowledgeable about the best roofing materials to suit your repair and replacement needs. We look forward to discussing your roofing needs and sharing our expertise with you.