Should You Try Repairing or Replacing Your Roof Yourself?

Do it yourself (DIY) projects are all the rage right now. Although learning how to do minor home repairs on your own can be a great hobby, projects that are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and carry a certain level of risk, such as roof repairs and replacements, are better left to the professionals.

As a homeowner, it could be tempting to try and save a few bucks and do the work yourself. Although this option is enticing, we strongly advise you to get help for your roofing project. 

Below we cover some reasons why you should not try repairing or replacing your roof yourself. 

It is Dangerous 

Although a lot of the DIY tutorials on YouTube make the work of installing a roof look easy, it’s pretty dangerous work. An experienced professional understands there are many hazards involved with roof work. The most obvious is the danger associated with height. It’s ill-advised for a homeowner to climb up on a roof, especially if they have no previous experience doing this type of work. Falling from one’s roof could cause serious injury or death. 

If your roof has deep sloping surfaces, it can make it very challenging to navigate safely. If the roof is damaged and is sagging, buckling, or has loose shingles, you increase the risk of falling. Other dangers include the use of power tools, poor weather, or even heat exhaustion. Check out this article to learn more about safety risks during roof repair.

You Might Void Your Warranty

Many materials for roofing projects, such as shingles and underlayment, will often come with a warranty. However, the warranty is only valid unless the roof is repaired and installed by a licensed and insured contractor. So, if there is a defect with the items that you have purchased, you will not be able to get your money back. 

It Won’t Save You Money

Paying someone to work on your roof is not necessarily cheap. An average roof repair in the U.S. costs around $8,000. On the other hand, materials are much less expensive. Although it may seem like a no-brainer, you might be setting yourself up for more expenses down the line. An experienced contractor will be able to determine the extent of the damage that your roof has, and they will be able to perform the job correctly. An untrained eye may not be able to spot a problem with the condition of your roof or the way that the materials have been installed. Missing these things may lead to leaks, cracks, and further damages – leading to additional expenses in the future instead of saving you money.

Even if nothing is structurally wrong with the roof, there may be insulation issues.  Proper insulation is a crucial piece of material that will help you save energy costs. If you improperly install the insulation system, there is a chance that you are spending an unnecessary amount of money without even knowing it. 

If you happen to have home insurance, many policies will cover at least a portion of roof repairs and roof replacements. If you are concerned about cost and, try speaking with an insurance specialist and see what your options are. 

You Could Lose Your Home Insurance 

A roof is an essential structure that protects your home. The condition of your roof is one thing that helps insurance companies determine your eligibility. If the insurance company discovers that you’ve done work to your roof independently, they will likely pull your insurance and deny you any further coverage. If you do lose insurance, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to find another company to cover you. 

It Won’t Look as Good

When a roof replacement or repair is done correctly, it will add style and beauty to your home. If the roof has been poorly installed, it will certainly stick out. The roof covers the entire surface area of your home, and any sign of a bad roofing job will be immediately apparent. If you plan to sell your home in the future, it could significantly depreciate the value of your home. 

Don’t take a gamble on one of your most valuable possessions and get an experienced professional to do the job. A & J Reliable has been the most consistent and highly rated roofing contractor in the Tri-State area for over 40 years. Call or click today to learn how we make the contracting process stress-free.