DIY vs. Professional Roofing Replacement

Replacing your roof is one of the largest home improvement projects that you can undertake. One of the main reasons homeowners take this project on themselves is to save money. If you do it yourself, there’s no labor fees, one of the most significant portions of the bill. However, a roofing replacement is simply not a job that you can do by yourself. Not even a professional is going to go at it alone. You’ll need at least one or two more sets of hands to get the job done safely and correctly.

Roofing jobs also require a specific set of tools and equipment, both to replace the roof and work safely while on the roof. Many homeowners don’t have roofing equipment just lying around, so you’re going to have to spend some money buying the right equipment on top of the materials to replace your roof. Aside from the tools, equipment, and help you’ll need, there’s experience.

Walking around on a roof can sound easy, and it can even look easy on those home improvement shows. However, the fact is, it’s not. Even on a moderately-pitched roof, a slip can happen quickly and unexpectedly. If you’re by yourself, this can be extremely dangerous or even fatal. In addition to the danger, there’s the work that goes into replacing a roof. If you’ve never done it before, it’s not as simple as searching for a video online. Sure, that works for changing out a light or fixing a leaky faucet at times. But a roof is a much more involved project, and if no one on your DIY crew knows how to do it, severe issues can ensue.

Simple mistakes, improper shingle installation, and poorly installed flashing are just a few of the issues that can spell disaster for your future roof. From leaks to rot to compromising the entire roofing system’s structural integrity, the possibilities are endless, expensive, and dangerous. Knowledge is an absolute must when it comes to roofing replacements.

When you hire a professional, you’re entrusting your roof to someone who works on them every day. Walking around on the roof is a regular experience for these people, and they come equipped with anything and everything needed to replace your roofing system. These companies know exactly what to look for and how to install every piece of a fully-functioning roof.

You can also take comfort in knowing that you’re not putting your own health and well-being at risk. A professional roofer knows how to navigate a roof without worrying about falling, and they have the proper safety equipment just in case.

Any mistakes or improperly installed materials will be at your own expense if you take on a roof replacement yourself. With a professional roofing company, they have the knowledge and experience to handle your replacement with accuracy and precision. Not to mention, if something with your replacement does go wrong, any reputable roofing contractor is insured and offers some type of warranty to protect not only themselves but you too. You’ll have the peace of mind that your roof will be replaced, and any discrepancies will be addressed if any exist.

Professional roofing contractors also have all the tools and equipment on hand to get the job done correctly. You’ll not bear any additional expenses from having to buy the tools yourself, which can save you hundreds of dollars if you’re ill-equipped.

The clear choice here is to hire a professional roofing contractor to handle your roof replacement needs. With clear advantages in equipment, experience, and safety, professional roof replacement is the way to go.

Not to say that all DIY projects are bad ideas, though. It’s not out of the question for homeowners to handle small repairs themselves to save some time and money where they can. For example, if you’re simply missing a shingle or two, it’s entirely reasonable to replace them yourself. Even a small leak that just needs some sealant to fix can be an excellent way for do-it-yourselfers to be more cost-efficient. But when it comes to the big stuff like roof replacements, save yourself the worry and hire a professional.