Can you make roof repairs yourself?
Short answer. Some small roof repairs are reasonable for a careful homeowner on a low, walkable roof, such as resealing a lifted tab, replacing a single shingle or swapping a cracked pipe boot. Anything on a steep or two-story roof, flashing at chimneys and walls, storm damage you plan to claim, or work on a roof still under a workmanship warranty is better left to a professional.
Repairs a homeowner can often handle
- Gluing down a lifted tab with a few dabs of roofing cement on a mild day.
- Replacing one or two damaged shingles, using a flat bar to release the seal strips above.
- Replacing a cracked pipe boot on a low slope.
- Sealing exposed nail heads with a compatible sealant.
- Clearing leaves from a valley from a ladder without walking the roof.
Repairs to leave to a pro
- Steep or high roofs. Falls from roofs and ladders cause serious injuries every year, and most Georgia two-story roofs are too steep and high to work without fall protection.
- Flashing. Chimney, wall and skylight flashing depend on correct layering; caulk is not a substitute.
- Unknown leak sources. Water travels, and patching the wrong spot wastes time while the deck rots.
- Decking repairs. Cutting out and replacing sheathing means opening the roof.
Warranties and insurance
Many workmanship warranties require that repairs during the warranty period be done by the installer. If a storm caused the damage, photograph everything and call your insurer or a roofer before repairing. You should take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as a tarp, but a permanent DIY repair can erase the evidence an adjuster needs to see. See common causes of roof leaks and what to expect from a roof inspection.