There is a certain satisfaction to DIY home repairs, but roofing is one of the most dangerous and complex projects homeowners can attempt. From serious bodily injury to costly long-term damage, it’s best to leave this critical project to professionals.
Unskilled repairs can also void your roof warranty and lower your resale value. So, let’s break down the pros and cons of DIY roofing.
Safety
Attempting to work on your roof without proper training can result in injury. Whether you fall off the roof or are hurt by falling shingles, DIY roofing can be dangerous and cause long-term damage to your home. Inexperienced DIYers are also at risk for exposing themselves to asbestos fibers, which can lead to lung problems, nausea, and other short- and long-term health issues.
In addition to injury, DIY roofing can cost you money and time in the long run. If you make mistakes that require re-doing, you’ll spend more on materials and labor. Plus, your roof will be more prone to leaks and other damage that will increase your repair costs.
If you’re not experienced, you may not know to look for signs of underlying structural damage in your roof. This could include a sagging roof, weakened rafters, or hidden mold and water damage. Professional roofers are skilled at identifying these issues and addressing them properly to prevent future problems.
Many roofing materials have warranties that are only valid if you have a professional install them. If you attempt to install your own roof, you’ll likely void the warranty and leave yourself vulnerable to expensive roofing repair bills in the future.
Trying to complete your own roofing repairs can be more complicated than you might think. For example, if you don’t have the right tools, you might have to buy or rent them, which can significantly add to your total project costs. Professionals come equipped with the tools they need to get the job done quickly and efficiently, saving you both time and money.
The most important reason to avoid DIY roofing is safety. Your roof protects everything and everyone inside of your home, so it’s critical to trust a seasoned roofing expert to handle it with care. Leaving it to the professionals ensures your roof is safe, efficient, and durable for years to come. Plus, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help you with any insurance claims or other complications that might arise during the process.
Time
Many homeowners want to take on home improvement projects themselves in order to save money and take pride in their craftsmanship. Unfortunately, DIY roofing is often more time-consuming than other DIY projects, and it can end up costing the homeowner more in the long run. It is best to leave the job of repairing or replacing your roof to professional roofers.
Even if a homeowner takes every safety precaution when undertaking a DIY roofing project, they are at risk of experiencing injuries due to falling off of the roof or injuring themselves using other hand tools. Additionally, if the homeowner’s roof is over a hundred years old, it could contain high levels of asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause a number of health problems, including lung damage and cancer.
In addition to being physically dangerous, working on a roof can also be very time consuming. Homeowners may spend days or weeks on a roofing project that should have been completed in a matter of hours if they had hired a professional roofer. This lost time can be expensive, especially if the homeowner needs to take time off from work in order to complete the job.
Moreover, mistakes made by DIY roofers can actually increase the overall cost of the project. Whether it is a misdiagnosis of the problem or shoddy workmanship, these errors can cause major damage to your roof, leading to an even more costly repair or replacement process in the future. If the mistake is serious enough, it can even void your roof’s warranty.
Most homeowners will notice a problem with their roof when it is too late and a leak has caused water damage to the rest of the home or furniture. It can be tempting for these homeowners to try and fix the issue on their own, but it is better to hire a professional as soon as possible. This way, the homeowner can avoid further damage to their home and ensure that their roof is repaired properly, so they can save money in the long run. The costs of hiring a roofer can often be less than the cost of paying for further repairs and replacements as a result of faulty DIY work.
Money
One of the main reasons homeowners consider DIY roofing is because they assume it will be cheaper than hiring a professional. However, that’s often not the case. Roofing projects can be expensive, especially if mistakes are made. Mistakes can lead to additional damage that requires fixing, resulting in higher material costs and labor costs. And while many home improvement projects can be done on a budget, roofing isn’t one of them.
Roofing is complex work that requires significant knowledge and experience. Inexperienced individuals face numerous hazards, ranging from physical injuries caused by transporting shingles or working on ladders to legal issues if friends or family members get hurt while helping out. In addition, if the roof is damaged or not installed correctly, it may not perform as intended and can lead to leaks and increased energy bills.
Another important factor to consider is the cost of time. Many homeowners have other commitments and obligations that make it difficult to find the time to complete a roofing project. If a homeowner needs to take time off of work to deal with an unexpected roofing issue, it can quickly become much more expensive than if they had just hired a professional from the beginning.
Finally, roofing repairs and installations are often a requirement for selling a home. Potential buyers will notice any damage or mistakes and may not be interested in the property. This can significantly lower a home’s value and could even void the warranty on the roofing materials used.
In conclusion, tackling a DIY roofing project isn’t safe, cost-effective or simple. Even if a homeowner feels confident in their abilities, it’s usually better to leave roofing tasks to professionals. With so many risks and costs involved, it’s not worth the stress or expense to risk a DIY roofing project.
Roofing professionals have access to bulk discounts on roofing materials and can provide expert installation, compliance with building codes, and warranties for their work. This can save homeowners money in the long run, making professional roofing contractors more cost-effective than DIY roofing options.
Experience
For many homeowners, DIY projects are a great way to save money on home repairs. However, when it comes to roofing, the skills needed aren’t as easy to acquire and can often lead to disasters if not done properly. In fact, according to a study conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, falling from a roof is one of the most common causes of homeowner injuries during DIY home improvement projects.
In addition to falls, working on a roof involves handling heavy equipment and materials that can be dangerous for beginners. It also requires extensive experience with working at heights, and it’s important to know how to safely maneuver around a roof with a ladder. Professional roofers have years of training and experience to help minimize these risks and ensure a safe work environment for all involved.
Another major problem with DIY roofing is that it puts your entire home at risk of damage. Even a small mistake like putting on shingles in the wrong order can cause your entire roof to be damaged. This can cost you significantly more in repair costs down the road.
Finally, working on a roof requires significant amounts of time. If you’re not familiar with the roofing process, it can take weeks for a home owner to complete a project that would only take a professional a few days. This can lead to additional problems and costly damages, as well as unnecessary stress.
While DIY roofing may seem like an attractive option for some, it’s not recommended. Professional roofers have the skills and expertise to ensure a high-quality finished product that will protect your home for decades. They can also handle more complex issues that require professional intervention, such as recurring leaks or extensive water damage.
Homeowners should consider their skill level, the scope of the roofing project, and their budget when deciding whether to go with a professional or DIY solution. Taking on any home improvement project can be stressful, but choosing the wrong solution can result in expensive mistakes and safety hazards that could put your family and home at risk.