Can I Fix My Roof Myself? 

If you’re seeing a roof leak in your building or you’ve noticed damage to your commercial roof, it’s natural to wonder: Can I fix my roof myself? It’s tempting. Maybe you think it’ll save money or speed things up. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’ve been helping businesses with roof repair and maintenance for over 40 years, and we hear this question all the time. 

The short answer? Yes, you can try to fix it yourself. But here’s the truth: most of the time, DIY roof repairs end up causing more problems than they solve. 

Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your building. 

What happens if I fix only part my roof problem?

Most roof leaks and problems aren’t as simple as they look. You might see a crack or a hole and patch it up with caulk or roof cement. That might stop the drip—for now. It feels like you’ve solved the issue. But often, that’s just a symptom, not the cause.

Leaks on commercial roofing systems can travel. Water may be entering the roof 20 or 30 feet away from where it finally shows up on your ceiling tile. On a metal deck, it can run down the flutes and across beams before it appears. If you don’t know how to track that path or spot hidden damage, it’s easy to miss the real source.

A small DIY patch might buy you some time. But it often leaves the rest of the roof system exposed. Water can keep entering the structure. That leads to hidden moisture, mold, damaged insulation, and more expensive roof damage over time.

Will using the wrong materials hurt my roof?

Yes, and we’ve seen this happen far too often. When property managers or maintenance staff use the wrong materials—asphalt roof cement, Flex Seal, tar, or incompatible caulk—it often makes matters worse. 

Different commercial roof types require very specific materials to maintain their integrity and warranty. For example, single-ply membranes like TPO or PVC need heat-welded repairs with compatible material. If you use products that don’t match the membrane, you can cause chemical reactions or contamination that damages the roof beyond repair. 

Even worse, many manufacturers’ warranties will be voided if the wrong materials are applied. Instead of saving money with a quick fix, you could face an expensive roof replacement or warranty dispute. 

Do I have the right tools to repair a roof?

Most building owners and maintenance crews don’t have the equipment needed for a long-lasting repair. Commercial roofers use specialized tools like heat welders for TPO/PVC membranes or seam probes to detect hidden gaps. Without these tools and the training to use them, it’s almost impossible to achieve a proper repair. 

Most DIY attempts rely on caulks, tapes, or even products designed for other purposes (like Flex Seal). Remember: your roof isn’t a screen door turned into a fishing boat. You need compatible repairs performed the right way. 

How do the pros at Weather Shield Roofing Systems fix commercial roofs?

When our team tackles a commercial roof repair, we start with a full inspection. We know from experience where failures are most likely to occur: seams, flashing details, mechanical curbs, pipe penetrations, and corners. 

Our trained roofers use tools like seam probes to check every seam properly—not just poking with a fingernail, but professionally testing for gaps. We also understand how water moves under different types of commercial roofing systems. That knowledge helps us track leaks to their true origin. 

Our repair process includes using compatible materials, applying the right techniques (such as heat welding on single-ply systems), and ensuring that each patch integrates with the existing membrane. We even label and sign our repairs so you know exactly what was done and who performed the work. 

In extreme cases, if a leak source remains hard to pinpoint, we may use advanced methods like infrared scans to detect trapped moisture or hidden water paths. This technology helps us diagnose complex issues without tearing apart the whole roof. 

Could a DIY repair cost me more in the long run?

Absolutely. Here are some common ways DIY roof repair leads to higher costs: 

• Hidden moisture keeps damaging insulation and decking. 

• The wrong patch materials contaminate the membrane. 

• The roof warranty is voided. 

• Additional leaks develop, forcing more expensive emergency roof repair. 

What might start as a $500 material purchase and a few hours of work could end up costing tens of thousands in structural repairs or an early roof replacement. 

What should I do if my roof is leaking now?

If you have an active leak or signs of roof damage, we recommend calling a trusted commercial roofing expert like Weather Shield Roofing Systems. We’ll inspect the roof, identify the cause, and give you transparent advice on the best next step—whether it’s a small repair or a larger project. 

We also offer proactive services like Max Life Roof Care™ to help prevent future roof leaks and protect your roof investment over time. 

At the end of the day, your roof is too valuable to risk with a DIY fix. We’re here to help you get it done right. 

Ready to schedule a roof inspection or repair? Contact Weather Shield Roofing Systems today.