Avoid These Common Roofing Mistakes

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

If you’re a homeowner who likes a DIY challenge, we applaud you! But when it comes to roofing - well, that’s a different story. Installing a roof isn’t the easiest task if you don’t have the proper tools or training. In fact, if you make one mistake, you could end up with a bigger problem than you started off with, and we don’t want that to happen to you! So, as your Nowalk roofing contractor, we would like to help by telling you the four most common mistakes you should avoid when repairing or replacing your roof:

Mismatching your shingles. One of the worst designing mistakes you can make is to install shingles that don’t match. Truth is that asphalt roofing is manufactured in batches, so if you don’t use a consistent dealer, you could end up installing shingles that don’t match up - what a mess that would be!

Installing one roof over another. Believe it or not, some regions don’t allow you to install a new asphalt roof without ripping the old one off. However, even if you are permitted, it’s probably best to get rid of the old shingles first. Skipping this step could cause damage to your home’s walls and roof structure.

Not ventilating your attic. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting your attic! Why? Because your roof is made up of several components, and that includes the attic. To be more specific, what you want to do when repairing or installing your roof is to make sure you have proper attic ventilation. Without this, your shingles can wear and tear sooner than you’d like, which means more money will come out of your pocket!

Installing your roof incorrectly. Did you know that most roofing manufacturers have set regulations for how roofs should be installed? For example, if you don’t use the proper number of nails per shingle, your roof might need repairs before the guaranteed lifespan is up. The best thing you can do is hire a roofing contractor who has the right tools and knows about specific manufacturing regulations.

So what do you think? If you’re not sure that a DIY task is for you, Phil's Main Roofing can help! Whether you need a simple repair or a new installation, our trained professionals will take care of the project from start to finish. For more information on the services we provide or to schedule an appointment for your FREE estimate, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

DIY Shingle Repair Tips

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

DIY, or "do it yourself," is a term that has quickly gained popularity in the world of home improvement. And though some tasks are difficult and better off when left to the pros, there are a handful of homeowners whose immediate reaction is to DIY the moment a repair is needed - what type of person are you?

If you fall into the category of homeowners who rely on DIY tips day in and day out, you've come to the right place for guidance on roof repairs - today we're covering how to replace a damaged shingle! Whether you have one or several that are in need of some patching up, the below instructions can help you get started:

Step 1: Start by gently prying at the damaged shingle to detach it from the roof and the shingles around it. Typically they have 8 nails holding them in place (4 in the center and 4 through the shingle above it), so you'll have to lift some of the adjacent pieces that cover the nails you need to remove. But be careful! Shingles can rip easily, so you'll want to make sure that your handling each with care as to not cause further damage to those that are still in good shape.

Step 2: Once all of the nails are loose, push a flat bar or similar tool under the damaged shingle near the nail so that you pull up the shingle and the nail at the same time; don't try to remove the nails by grabbing them from the top, always work from underneath.

Step 3: After you successfully remove all of the center nails, repeat the process until all nails have been successfully taken out. But remember, since you will have to lift the shingle above the damaged piece, be aware of how rough you are being to ensure that no further harm is done to the shingles you aren't targeting.

Step 4: Almost done! At this point the damaged shingle should be out, leaving with you a space for a brand new one. Start by sliding the new shingle into place, then nail it down until it is secure.

And that's it! But although shingle repair can be relatively simple, it is truly a delicate task that requires a professional's hands! If you're looking for roof repair services in Fairfield County, Connecticut or the surrounding areas, be sure to call Phil's Main Roofing the next time you have a shingle or two that needs some care. For more information about our commercial and residential roof repair services, please visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545!

The Dos and Don'ts of DIY Roofing

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Let's face it - when things go wrong with our home, most of us prefer to try and fix it ourselves before turning to our wallets to shell out for what could be a costly repair. But although a simple DIY fix is all it takes sometimes, if you aren't careful or don't have the right tools to complete the job, you might just wind up with a bigger problem than you started with.

The next time your roof sends you running to your toolbox, consider these DIY dos and don'ts before taking any action:

Dos:

1. Keep Things Clean: DIY roofing is hard enough as it is, so don't make it any harder by having your tools and materials scattered all about. Before you get started, make sure you have a plan on how you'll stay organized to ensure that too much doesn't wind up out of place.
2. Wear The Proper Attire: Regardless of what needs to be done once you're up there, just the act of getting on your roof is dangerous. Therefore, it's important to have the proper gear on before venturing on top of your home. Specifically, be sure you're wearing shoes with enough traction to reduce your chances of falling.

Don'ts:

1. Work Without A Partner: Even if you're just tightening a loose screw, never work on your roof without a buddy by your side. Whether they're on the roof with you or watching from below, having an extra set of hands at the ready can protect you from danger.
2. Forget To Check The Weather: The sun is out and the wind is minimal, so that means you're all clear to get started, right? While in some situations that might be the case, you can't forget that the weather can change at any moment. Before you head outdoors, check the weather forecast to make sure that rain or other damaging conditions won't come to knock you down.

If, on the other hand, DIY roof repair isn't for you, contact Phil's Main Roofing for help! No matter the severity of your roof's damage, our team will take care of it from start to finish so that you can keep your feet planted safely on the ground. For more information about how we can help, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!