Are you trying to sell your house? Do you want to sell it quickly and get as much money for it as possible?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you’re going to need to make some repairs before you list it.

One of the most important things you can do when fixing up a house to prepare it for a sale is to make sure the roof is in good shape.

Read on to learn about some DIY roof repair tips that will help you get your home in tip-top shape!

Benefits of Roof Repair

There are lots of reasons to make roof repair a priority, especially if you plan to sell your home in the near future.

Some specific benefits of roof repair include:

• Increased energy efficiency
• Increased home resale value
• Great return on investment
• Improved curb appeal
• Reduced risk of health hazards like mold and mildew
• Increased safety

Whether you plan on selling your home soon or just want to keep it in good shape for when you do decide to sell, roof repair ought to be a top priority.

Signs You Need Roof Repair

How can you tell if your roof is in need of repair?

Here are some signs that can help you determine whether or not you need to invest in new roofing or do some DIY repairs:

• Check your attic for leaks and signs of water damage (sagging rafters, stains on the walls or ceiling, blistering paint, etc.)
• Check the roof for missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Check your gutters for shingle granules (they look like little black grains of sand)
• Look around the chimney and vent pipes for signs of wear or water damage

If you notice any of these signs, there’s a good chance your roof is in need of some repairs.

Top Nine DIY Roof Repair Tips

As you can see, there are lots of reasons to focus on repairing your roof. But, this can definitely be a daunting project.

Not sure where to start when it comes to fixing your roof? Here are nine DIY roof repair tips that will help you get started:

1. Find the Source of Leaks

If you notice signs of water damage — which indicates a leaking roof — the first thing you need to do is find the source of the leak (or leaks).

There are a few different steps you can take to do this, including the following:

• Look for water stains on your ceiling
• Look for cracked or curled shingles
• Look for loose material around the chimney

These areas are most likely to be the source of the leaks in your home.

2. Flatten Out Curled Shingles

If you spot curled shingles, you can often flatten them out to stop any water from getting into your home.

Use a brush to apply a coat of asphalt roofing cement. You can also use another type of adhesive compound and apply it with a caulk gun.

Hold the shingles’ corners in place while you apply the adhesive to make sure they stick and don’t flip back up. 

3. Reseal Dormers and Chimneys

If you notice leaks around the dormers or chimneys on your roof, you might be able to stop the leaks with the help of roofing cement and a caulking gun. Apply the cement around the edges to reseal the metal flashing joints.

4. Replace Shingles That are Damaged, Missing, or Rotten

You can flatten out curling shingles, but if any shingles are damaged, rotten, or just plain missing, you need to replace them. 

Start by removing the damaged shingles, using a hammer or pry bar to remove the nails. Then, align the new shingle and use galvanized roofing nails to attach it.

Make sure you hammer a nail into each corner of the shingle. This will help to keep it secure.

5. Remove Old Shingles if Replacing the Whole Roof

If you find that your roof is too far gone and you need to replace the whole thing, you’re going to need to call in professionals. But, you can cut down on the cost of the roof replacement by handling some of the smaller tasks, including getting rid of the old shingles, yourself.

6. Replace Damaged Roof Vents

Be sure to look for damage to your roof vents. If you have plastic roof vents, they may be cracked, and metal ones may have broken seams.

The best way to address this problem is to replace the entire vent. When you’re replacing the vents, be sure to use rubber-washered screws.

Apply caulk beneath the shingles on either side of the vent. This will help to hold them in place and create a water barrier.

7. Replace Rusted Step Flashing

If the step flashing has rusted through, water could be running behind it and into the house. To replace rusted step flashing, you’ll first need to remove shingles, pry loose the siding, and remove the old flashing before can attach the new pieces.

8. Don’t Over-Rely on Caulk 

Caulk can be a great tool when repairing a roof. But, it won’t fix all your problems. It’s best to focus on “mechanical” repairs — i.e., replacing missing pieces — and use caulk as an extra barrier.

9. Fill in Small Holes

Caulk can also be a good tool if you have very small holes in your roof. If you notice holes like this, you can use a bit of caulk to fill them in.

What to do Once Your Roof is Fixed

There are lots of ways that you can fix up your roof without having to call in a professional. Now, it’s time to put these DIY roof repair tips into practice!

Once your roof is repaired, the resale value of your home will increase, and you’ll have more room to negotiate when working with future buyers.

Are you interested in selling your home? Once the roof is repaired and ready to go, we have resources to help you with the rest of the process.

Check out the Advice for Home Sellers section of our blog today for more tips on selling your house quickly and for a great price.