A DIY Guide to Carrying Out Commercial Roof Repairs

Is the roof over your head giving way? Over time, inclement weather and exposure to the elements can ruin your roof. Your roof is your building’s safety net and line of protection, so you can’t afford to lounge.

You may have a leaky roof, and as your luck would have it, your warranty is up. It also doesn’t hurt to want to save a couple of hundred bucks on roof repair. Delaying means you incur extra damage and, by extension, additional costs.

Commercial roof repairs can burn a hole straight through your wallet, no matter your situation. You are, after all, paying for labor and materials. With a bit of research and some of your own labor, you can do it yourself.

Roof repairs, especially minor roof repairs, are something you can DIY. Look no further on how to repair a roof. Do it yourself and do it right with these nine tips!

1. Inspection

Is the roof leaking? If the leak infiltrates the interior of your building, estimate where on the roof it could be. Use the walls as a reference.

Scout the roofing for the source of the leak or breakage. Instead of patching things up, get to the root of the cause. Flat roofs aren’t completely flat; instead, they run at an incline to allow runoff.

Check for popping screws, fixtures, seam rips, separations, punctures, and weathered weakened spots. Over time your roof will have worn down from exposure to the elements.

2. Estimate The Damage

Only go through the DIY route if the damage is minor. Otherwise, it’s smarter to get in touch with a contractor. Remember that for severe damages like ones where you have to tear out the entire roof and start over.

Minor scenarios such as the following won’t necessitate commercial roof repairs:

• Debris accumulation
• Leaks
• Water damage or moisture damage
• Water pooling, particularly on flat roofs
• Roof aging or warping
• Membrane bubbles

This also covers missing shingles and cracking or curling shingles. If you think the damages are a little more advanced, that’s the time to call a professional.

3. Secure The Building And Any Tenants

Along with inspection and estimating the damage, make sure that the roof is the only problem. Identify any hazards suck as chemical leaks or unstable foundations warranting building evacuation.

4. Safety First

One of the reasons you pay contractors and roof repairers is because roof repairing can get dangerous. When DIYing commercial roof repairs, don’t neglect to put safety first.

Before climbing up roofs, make sure that you have a hard hat and a secure harness if available. You wouldn’t want any money you saved on a contractor spent on hospital bills.

5. Clean The Work Area

Start on a clean canvas. Next, clear the area of accumulated debris and water. The most common causes of roof damage include fallen tree branches and other heavy debris.

Other causes are downspouts which over time wear down at the roofing. Strong winds and hail cause roof separation, and these areas will need replacement. If you notice any blistering or bubbling in your roof, it’s best to excise these areas to prepare them for patchwork.

6. Source Your Roof Materials

With the different types of roof repairs, you have an array of materials to choose from. Rubber roofing is the most used material in the United States. It is durable and has a similar composition to tires.

Opt for corrugated metal for durability, low costs, and lightweight nature. Bitumen roofs composed of tar, gravel, and reinforced fabrics are a solid option. Other types are PVC roofing and TPO roofing, the latter of which is polymerization of rubber and polypropylene.

For projects that require you to change all the layers of your roof, it might be a better choice to contact a pro.

7. Seal The Damaged Area With Cement

Like a surgeon has to stitch up a wound, you must seal the damage. Instead of surgical thread, you employ the help of trusty roofing cement.

Roofing cement is a very strong material composed of ground asphalt. Depending on the quality and succeeding exposure, it lasts between three to seven years.

Identify the weak spots on your roof that have to go. This means removing bubbling, blisters, warping, and aged areas. Make sure to check your roofing cement instructions.

Depending on instructions and formulation, use the cement dry without dilution. Smooth the cement with a trowel or putty knife until you fill all the holes.

8. Install Roofing Membrane

Once you have your compatible material of choice, secure it with the provided fixtures. After your sealant, fasten a waterproof underlayment with staples.

Align your roofing material with existing roof lines to funnel water runoff. Use a roofing nailer to puncture and fix your roofing into place safely.

9. Remember To Perform Proper Maintenance

“Prevention is better than cure” applies especially to building care. From this repair, you should learn which points of your roof are most vulnerable and why.
Was it bearing weight at specific points? Is there a constant force on it, like dripping water or debris collection?

Devise a maintenance plan based on the source of your problem. Reinforce areas that bear more weight, redirect water flow if needed. Protect and reinforce areas where pressure is unavoidable.

Look for innovative ways to protect your roofing, like protective paints. Make regular inspections yourself to ensure the maintenance and make the necessary modifications.

Accomplish The Quality Of Commercial Roof Repairs At A Fraction Of The Cost

Everyone wants to save a penny for a rainy day. Luckily, roof repairs are something you can DIY with the same quality as commercial roof repairs. All you need is some elbow grease, the right equipment, and suitable materials.

Thank you for reading our article! Check out our other blog posts to learn more about DIY home repairs, flat roof repairs, and the best material sources. Your repairs are only as good as the materials you lay down.