Fix it yourself
Roofer repairs you can do yourself
11 roofer problems a careful person can handle at home — and the point where each one becomes a job for a pro.
- You can do
- 9
- Pro-only
- 2
- Typical time
- 30 min – 4 h
- 01Open
Clogged gutters
Set the ladder on firm, level ground with a stand-off so it rests on the wall, not the gutter, and have someone foot it. Never lean out; move the ladder instead.
moderate 1–3 h· $0–30 for a scoop and sealant
- 02Open
Gutters overflowing in the rain
Work from a ladder on firm ground with someone at the base; never lean over the gutter, move the ladder instead.
moderate 1–3 h· $0–25 in sealant and hangers
- 03Open
Gutters Pulling Away From the Fascia Board
Empty the gutter first; the weight of wet debris is often what pulled it loose.
moderate 1–2 h· $15–40 for hangers and screws
- 04Open
Ice dam forming on the roof
From the ground, rake the snow off the lowest 1–1.5 m (3–5 feet) of roof after each storm; no snow, no meltwater, no dam. Never stand on a ladder to do it.
moderate 1–3 h· $40–100 for a roof rake, foam and caulk; $300–900 to top up insulation
- 05Open
Ice dam on roof
From the ground, pull snow off the lower metre of the roof with a roof rake after each snowfall — no snow, no meltwater, no dam.
moderate 1–2 h· $30–80 for a roof rake and ice-melt
- 06Open
Leaking roof vent or flashing
Confirm the source from the attic: a leaking vent stains the deck around the pipe; a leaking chimney stains along its uphill side.
hard 30–90 min· $10–25 for sealant or a boot, only for a safely reachable roof
- 07Open
Missing shingles
From the ground with binoculars, count missing or lifted shingles and note whether the underlayment is torn or bare wood shows.
hard 30–90 min· $20–50 for a tarp, as a stop-gap only
- 08Open
Mold growing in attic
Measure the affected area: scattered spots under a few square metres you can treat; more than about 1 m² (10 sq ft) of dense growth is remediation work.
moderate 2–4 h· $30–80 in cleaner, ducting and baffles
- 09Open
Roof leak
Catch the water: put a bucket under the drip and, if the ceiling bulges, pierce it at the lowest point so it drains in a controlled way.
Don't do this yourself
- 10Open
Skylight leaking water
Check whether it is condensation rather than a leak: drips only on cold mornings, from the glass or frame, with no staining — that is humidity, and ventilation fixes it.
moderate 30–90 min· $0–40 for a seal
- 11Open
Standing water on a flat roof
From a window or a safe vantage point, note where the water sits, how deep, and how many days after rain it stays — two days or more is ponding.
Don't do this yourself
What it costs
Typical rates by country, so you can compare DIY parts against a pro's invoice.
Cost guideDo this for a living
These are the calls a roofer takes every week. Licensing, training and where the work is short of people.
How to become a roofer