Dealing with roof issues is never fun and can be physically, mentally, and financially exhausting. In times when you notice your roof has or may have a problem? What do you do? Call a professional for professional roof repairs, or get your tools and go the DIY way?
We understand that some of you find DIY adventurous and a way to save money. But here’s what you may not know: repairing your roof yourself has more disadvantages than advantages, except you are a professional roofer. Things could go south, and you’ll end up spending more than you would have if you had just gone for the option of hiring a roofing contractor.
In this article, we help you see how listening to the voice telling you DIY repairs is better than getting professional help can put you in an unpleasant situation.
Everything You Need to Know About Repairs
Roof repairs vary from simple to complex ones, such as replacing cracked or missing shingles and fixing structural damage.
But how do you determine if you need a simple or extensive repair? You have to examine your roof correctly to determine if there are underlying problems and understand the visible ones. Doing this will prevent creating a major problem out of a minor one, keeping your roof in a good state.
Types of Roof Repairs
We can categorize roof issues into two parts: major repairs and minor repairs. Major repairs concern more than one significant problem requiring special equipment and skills. Such repairs include fixing structural damage or issues due to harsh weather conditions or lack of maintenance.
Minor repairs, on the other hand, are direct problems as basic as repairing a leak or replacing shingles. These repairs are usually so simple that almost anyone can handle them with the right tools and guidance. They are usually ideal for homeowners who love DIYs.
Common DIY Roof Repairs
There are some common DIY roof repairs that are straight to the point and look easy for anyone to handle. They usually involve minor, simple tasks with low-risk and simple work tools.
Examples of common DIY repairs include cleaning gutters and downspouts, repairing small leaks, and replacing some ruined shingles. Although almost any homeowner can handle such repairs, you must know when to draw the line because things could spiral out of hand before you blink, and a minor issue will escalate into a major one.
Repairs that Need Professional Attention
Some roof repairs are something homeowners should refrain from trying to handle on their own. They require professional intervention because of the complexity and risks involved. Typical repairs needing professional attention are steep roofs and structural and water damage repairs.
Hiring professional roofing contractors will save you from exposing yourself to risk, worsening the situation, and assure you of your property’s safety.
Pros and Cons of DIY Roof Repair
Pros
- Less costly: Doing your roof repairs yourself means you won’t be paying for labor costs, saving you a significant amount of money. You may also not need to spend much on the materials for repair since DIY repairs are usually minor.
- Immediate solution: Because you don’t have to wait for a roofing contractor to assess the situation and eventually get the job done, you get faster actions and results with DIY repairs. By acting immediately, you spot a minor repair, preventing the damage from becoming major and causing you to spend more.
- Skill improvement: DIY projects are a chance to learn and improve your skills. It also applies to DIY repairs. By carefully reviewing guides and instructional materials for repairs, you gain more knowledge, and executing the repairs improves your roofing skills.
- Flexibility and control over the process: working on your roof repair without professional help gives you room to work at a convenient pace. Additionally, it gives you the liberty to do things how they satisfy you. For instance, you can choose any material you want at any time that suits your schedule.
Cons
- Low-quality work: The lack of expertise and skill usually shows in a DIY roofing project, as many homeowners are not trained to do the job. This could lead to problems in the future.
- Voiding warranties: This is a significant disadvantage of DIY repairs. Doing your repairs yourself is one of the many things that can void your roofing warranties, making you responsible for roof replacement or repairs in the future.
- Consumes time and effort: Time is money. As much as DIY repairs save money, it takes much of your time and energy, leaving you physically and mentally exhausted at the end of a task.
- Increased chance of a roofing error: DIY homeowners may make mistakes during the repair process due to a lack of skills and inexperience.
- Safety risks: Working on a roof with no expertise and proper training in using some tools can be very dangerous as it exposes you to some safety risks.
Pros and Cons of Hiring Professional Roofers
Pros
- Safety assurance: Safety always comes first for roofing experts, as the job involves intrinsic dangers. Hence, they equip themselves with the proper safety gear, tools, and procedures to fix problems without putting themselves or anyone in the surroundings at risk.
- Expertise and experience: Skilled roofers have the training and experience that equip them to detect various roofing problems and fix them. Due to their years of hands-on experience and acquired skills, they can determine any underlying and evident problems.
- Roofing warranties: Often, warranties come with a professional roofer’s service. This is a significant benefit of hiring one. This implies that at no extra cost, the roofer will be responsible for fixing a problem if the initial repair didn’t end well.
- Time savings: Getting a professional roofer to fix your roof will save you time and energy. They can address an issue with minimal disturbance and do an excellent job.
Cons
- More costly: Compared to DIY roof repairs, professional repairs are more economical, as they are more expensive. You get to pay for the materials and workmanship, which sums up to a lot. It’s even more costly when the damage is complex.
- Delays with scheduling: Choosing professional services for your roof issues means you may encounter scheduling delays depending on the roofing contractor’s availability and the season. When this happens, it gives room for the roof damage to worsen, particularly in severe weather conditions, as the contractor can’t make it early enough.
- Prospect for hiking: Because not all roofers are honest and transparent, going for professional repairs exposes you to fraudulent people who overcharge their services. You are more at a disadvantage when you don’t know the typical roofing costs.
Conclusion
Although there are scenarios where DIY roof repairs are ideal, hiring a professional roofer is usually the better choice. Roof repairs vary from simple to complex fixes that demand special skills, knowledge, and tools.
DIY roofing isn’t as safe and cost-effective as other DIY projects. Hence, if you attempt to fix your roof issues by yourself, you will be exposing your roof and home to further damage and yourself to accidents that could even claim your life. Additionally, embracing DIY roof repairs may void your roof warranties, which will cost you more in the long run than hiring a roofing contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to replace or repair a roof?
The extent of the roof damage will determine if it needs repair or replacement. If the damage only affects a limited spot, repair is the best thing to do as it saves you money. However, extensive damage will require a replacement, as you might spend almost as much if you choose to repair the roof.
Can a roof be DIY?
Absolutely. Thankfully, most people now have access to DIY and roofing websites that share detailed and straightforward guides. So long as you follow the instructions and have the right tools, you can install or fix roof damage by yourself. However, DIY roofing isn’t always as easy as it appears. Additionally, we do not recommend DIY roofing if your roof is steep and has flashing issues.
What is the easiest DIY roofing?
Typically, metal roofing systems are the most manageable roofing systems to work on. They are lightweight and easy to install. Hence, they are ideal for a DIY roofing project. However, before you jump on a DIY project on your metal roof, we advise that you consult a professional to determine if a DIY is safe.
Can you replace your own roof yourself?
Yes, you can install a new roof yourself. However, you need to remove the existing shingles before installing the new one. Having the appropriate tools and knowledge on how to go about the process is essential. Safety is also essential; ensure you take appropriate safety measures.
Is roofing a stressful job?
Roofing is a physically demanding occupation that involves high stress levels and a lot of life-threatening risks. It requires specific training and certification.
