You can do some roof leak work yourself: finding the leak from the attic, cleaning gutters and valleys from a ladder, replacing a single shingle on a low, walkable roof, and putting on a temporary patch. Leave steep roofs, two-story roofs, flashing and chimney work, and anything in wet or windy weather to a roofer. Falls from roofs and ladders cause serious injuries every year.
Usually safe for a handy homeowner
- Tracing the leak from the attic
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts from a ladder
- Clearing needles from low valleys you can reach
- Replacing a pipe boot collar on a low, single-story roof
- Replacing one or two shingles on a low roof
- A temporary sealant patch on a dry day
Best left to a roofer
- Steep roofs, two-story roofs and any roof you cannot walk comfortably
- Step, counter or chimney flashing
- Valley rebuilds
- Rotted decking
- Flat roof membranes
- Anything after a storm, in rain, or with wind
Safety rules
- Never go on a wet, frosty or mossy roof.
- Use a sturdy ladder on firm ground, extended three feet above the edge, and have someone hold it.
- Wear soft rubber-soled shoes.
- Stay away from power lines to the house.
- In summer, work in the early morning. Shingles get very hot and soft in the afternoon, and heat illness is a real risk.
How to replace a single shingle
Loosen the seal
On a cool morning, slide a flat bar under the shingle above to break the seal strip.
Remove nails
Pull the nails from the damaged shingle and the row above that go through it.
Slide in the new one
Line it up with its neighbors.
Nail it
Nail just below the seal strip, not above it.
Seal
A dab of roofing sealant under the tabs above holds them until the strips re-bond in the sun.
See shingle repair.
The hard part is finding the leak
Most DIY repairs that fail were made in the wrong place. Water enters uphill and runs before it drips. Trace it first from the attic. See how to find a roof leak from the attic.
Does DIY affect insurance?
If the leak is from storm damage, take photos before you do anything, and keep receipts for materials. A temporary fix to stop more damage is normally expected. A full DIY repair before the adjuster sees the roof can make a claim harder. See should I file a claim for a roof leak.
When DIY costs more
A wrong fix lets the leak keep going under a patch, and the wood underneath rots quietly. Tar or spray over flashing also makes a later repair take longer. If you are unsure, a quick check from a roofer, with photos of what they find, often costs less than the second repair. See roof leak repair cost in Pine Bluff.
What should I buy for a DIY patch?
A tube of roofing sealant made for asphalt shingles, a small can of roof cement, a few matching shingles if you can find them, roofing nails, a flat bar and a heavy tarp with some wood strips. Keeping these in the garage means you are ready when a storm comes.
Is it hard to fix a roof leak yourself?
Finding it is the hard part. Simple fixes on a low roof are manageable for handy homeowners.
What tools do I need for a small roof repair?
A ladder, flat bar, hammer, roofing nails, a utility knife, roofing sealant and matching shingles.
Can I walk on my roof?
On a low-slope, dry roof with good shoes, usually. On steep, two-story or wet roofs, no.
Should I climb up after a storm to look?
No. Look from the ground with binoculars or a phone zoom, and have a roofer check up close.