If you are like many homeowners around the country, you might have a running list about all the home improvement projects you need to do. While there are some DIY projects that are perfect to spend a day or two on, like repainting a room, or replacing some appliances, there are some things that are better left to the experts. For example, the roof.
Yes, it might be tempting to do some roof repairs or other projects on your own, but those roofing projects often end up far more complicated than originally planned.
Here are 5 reasons why you should never attempt a DIY roof project:
Time
If you don’t know what you are doing and don’t understand the process of roof repair, replacement, or renovation, you are going to be spending days or weeks trying to finish. Figuring out how things work while working is a great way to make horrible mistakes that lead to even more money and time spent trying to correct fumbles. If you want to clear up a leak or add a skylight or replace shingles, you should hire someone who has the experience to make quick work of it.
Safety Concerns
Whether you need to hammer down a few loose nails or replace a huge swath of shingles on your roof, it is never as easy as it seems. You are going to be going up and down a ladder, crossing a steep roof, or handling materials and tools that you might have no experience with. You could be under the hot sun for hours, too. Unless you have the right training and equipment, you run the risk of injuring yourself.
For example, in 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported 350 fatal falls from the roof. Unless you want to be a statistic, you should probably hire an experienced contractor.
Even if you know what to purchase to mitigate safety concerns, do you really want to put out the money for the harnesses and the gloves, the boots, helmets, and specialty equipment? That will elevate the cost of your project even more! Roofing contractors already have all of that stuff and the skills to wield it all effortlessly.
Knowledge and Experience
How much do you really know about the roof? How many years have you spent dealing with shingles and other materials? While watching a video tutorial for unclogging the toilet might be sufficient, it doesn’t amount to the same level of knowledge and experience a trusted roofer is required to have. Roof professionals are specially trained to know how to spot damage and repair or replace sections of the roof.
Furthermore, roofing contractors know what to look for. They know materials for pitches, the accessories for vents, how to complement water flow, how long it takes for paint and sealants to cure, and so on. They understand what works best for your roof and your climate. That is why a professionally done roof looks attractive and also functions optimally. Many DIYers end up with a less than stellar result.
Voiding Warranties
When you look at the warranties provided by many manufacturers, you will see that one of the conditions to receiving protection from the warranty is installation done by a certified technician or contractor. In other words, if you don’t have a professional install the roofing materials, you run the risk of invalidating the warranty.
Even if you do the roof repair or replacement perfectly, if you yourself are not a professional contractor, you won’t be covered by the warranty if something goes amiss. Cover your investment. Hire a pro.
Permits and Licenses
Many states and municipalities require permits and licenses for certain roofing projects—but you might not realize that. Now imagine what could happen if something goes wrong and you don’t have the proper documentation? For one thing, you would be unable to use your homeowner’s insurance.
Roof contractors will know exactly what permits or licenses are needed, which is why it is better to trust them with your roofing project.
Final Thoughts
If you have been considering a DIY roofing project, it may be time to reconsider. Unless you are merely patching up a ripped shingle or two, a DIY roofing project can be time consuming, costly, and void your warranty. For those reasons alone, it is best to take a few minutes to either pick up the phone or send a request to a trusted roofing contractor.
When it comes to roof projects, we can help. Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form.
