Your Guide to DIY Roof Repair: A DIY Job or Time to Call in the Pros?

Q: How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine. Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms. Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events. Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster. Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below. Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss. Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care.

Q: How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting. Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling. Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials. Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices. Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here.

Q: Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery , you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

January 26, 2019•3 min read•

Roof Repair

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Your Guide to DIY Roof Repair

Is your home weak?

If you have brown stains or mold on your ceiling, you can be sure of one thing: water’s getting in somehow. And if a storm blew through or your roof’s older than 20 years, chances are you’ll need to fix a leak or two.

But do you fix those leaks yourself or do you call in a professional?

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Roof repair can be time-consuming and dangerous. You need to know what you’re getting into before attempting any DIY repairs. Always take precaution when climbing into an attic or onto a roof.

Here are a few things to think about when you are inspecting your roof for damage and leaks. This will help you decide if you can fix the problem yourself or if you need a professional.

Find the Source of the Leak

The first thing you need to do is find out how the water is getting into your house. Roof leaks can be tricky to find, so it may take some time.

The best place to start searching for a leak is a little bit “uphill” from where you can see water damage. Once you’re on the roof, start where the stains would be and check your roofing for physical signs of damage. This can include broken tiles, torn shingles, or roofing that’s peeling away.

Also, check near where things are penetrating your roof, such as vents and chimneys. It’s common for leaks to start in these areas.

If you have an attic, you can also look for signs of water damage to pinpoint the leak.

Assess the Problem

If you find a small leak, chances are good that you can handle the DIY roof repair. Sometimes, it’s as simple as replacing a damaged shingle or tile or plugging a hole with caulking.

Sometimes, the source of water damage can be very small. If you live in a cold area, you may find a nail that frosts at night. This will cause water to accumulate beneath and make it appear as if you have a leak.

If there seems to be a lot of damage, call a professional. They will at least give you an idea of how long it’ll take to fix and how much money you may have to spend.

Pros and Cons of DIY Roof Repair

The best thing about doing the job yourself is that you can save money. You may even already have extra shingles or other materials at your house so you won’t need to buy anything.

The biggest con of DIY roof repair is the danger. Roofs are high and it’s possible you will fall. Another danger is that you could cause bigger problems than a small leak if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Pros and Cons of Professional Roof Repair

Professionals know what they are doing. They fix roofs every day. If you find a licensed and bonded company, you will get a great repair that shouldn’t cause any problems.

The biggest con for a professional is the cost. You may need to come up with extra money when things are tight. But, again, it’s worth it to fix a leaking roof before bigger problems happen, especially when there are financing options available to you.

For more information on non-DIY roof repair, feel free to contact us anytime.

Need help deciding? Read more about how to find the right roofer in Sarasota.

General FAQs

Does attic insulation and ventilation really make a difference?

Yes—more than most homeowners realize. Your roof surface can run nearly 100°F hotter than the air on summer days, and attics can hit the high 100s. Without proper insulation and balanced airflow, that heat and moisture can warp beams, fry shingles from beneath, and invite rot. The fix is straightforward: sufficient attic insulation plus soffit intake + ridge exhaust ventilation to move hot, wet air out.

How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting.
Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling.
Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials.
Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices.
Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here.

What causes roof leaks?

Leaks usually start at weak points—not just during hurricanes. In Florida, extreme heat and UV make materials expand/contract, turning brittle and cracking over time; even asphalt tar can soften and lose its seal.

Aging roof: Heat/UV cycles degrade shingles and seals, opening paths for water.

Flashing failures: Cracked, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, valleys, and walls.
Missing/damaged shingles: Wind and storms pull or crack shingles, exposing underlayment and decking.
Clogged gutters: Standing water backs up under edges and soaks materials—especially in rainy season.
Skylight leaks: Worn rubber seals or loose skylight flashing let water in at the frame.

Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery, you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine.

Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms.
Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events.
Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster.
Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below.
Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss.
Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care.

What’s the best roof type for Florida homes?

There isn’t a single winner—it’s about matching material to Sarasota’s heat, humidity, storms, wind, and (for coastal folks) salt spray. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and common; concrete and clay tiles bring serious longevity and wind resistance; metal reflects heat and shrugs off salt; slate is gorgeous and ultra-durable but heavy and costly. The “best” choice balances your budget, aesthetics, structural needs, and how exposed your home is to wind and sea air.