Roofing systems are like knights in shining armor when it comes to protecting the rest of your home. Their strength and willingness to outlast even the toughest of conditions mean they get an honorable mention in our book.
Though they're undoubtedly one of the most powerful parts of any home, it's vital to understand that they do have limits. Just like with many other things, they also come with terms and conditions. When your roof has seen better days, you may think a quick and easy way to save a few bucks would be to climb up there yourself and give it a look. While some small roofing projects performed by someone with a lot of experience are acceptable, leaving most roof issues to a professional is a brilliant idea.
Why? Well, if something goes wrong, there's a lot at stake, especially for a more extensive roof project that generally requires a team of experts to follow through with. When in doubt, you're better off seeking professional help.
RoofCrafters has repaired and replaced damaged roofing systems for three decades. We've seen firsthand that some DIY projects just aren't worth the risk. If you bite off more than you can chew, you could be looking at forking over some serious moolah to fix the damages.
We're glad you landed here because this article covers three big DIY roofing mistakes you want to avoid as a homeowner. While everyone wants to be handy every now and then, there are times when it's necessary to just call in someone with the experience, tools, and knowledge needed to take care of roof damage.
Considering DIY Roofing? Let's Have a Quick Discussion
Embarking on a new roofing journey can seem exciting and like a fantastic way to save some money. Truthfully, though, there are many factors to consider before you go all in on a project of this nature. Your roof serves an essential duty when it comes to how your home functions. It should never be taken lightly, and if you aren't sure you know exactly what you're doing, you could put more at risk than just your roof. At the beginning of its life, a roof takes an oath to protect your:
- Attic
- Siding
- Foundation
- Landscaping
While you may already know that, it's critical to understand that you can further damage your already-damaged roofing system if you decide to tackle fixing it on your own. So, what are some of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to DIY roofing?
3 DIY Roofing Mistakes
We all make mistakes, but some of them can be avoided with a few words of caution. Regarding roofing, various things can cause issues and cause an improper roof job, so it's crucial to find a qualified professional to perform yours.
Incorrect Shingle Installation
Incorrectly installing shingles can cause significant problems. Your local contractor will provide a professional-looking shingle roof without all the fluff, so seeking one instead of doing it on your own is worth it. There are many ways shingle installation can go wrong, like:
- Improper Alignment and Nailing
- No Starter Shingles
- Missing Components
Tip: Wintertime isn't ideal for asphalt shingle installation. Freezing temps cause brittleness and cracking, so you'll find that most roofers prefer to install them when it reaches 40 to 85 degrees.
Further Damaging the Roof
Repairing a roofing system is already costly. But, if you start a DIY repairing project on a whim, that could potentially cost you even more. Buying expensive (but basically useless) materials and tools isn't worth it if you'll have to hand over even more money to fix the damage caused. The cost of the damage after your attempt will likely be much higher than it was initially.
If not assessed by a professional roofing contractor, your roof's damage will only worsen as time flies. In addition to increasing the roof repair cost, you might need a total roof replacement once the damages are too significant. So, to avoid mishaps, you must call a professional roofing contractor to help you out.
Risking Insurance Issues
Please note- roofing insurance policies only cover damages caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, strong winds, hail, tree damage, and wildfires. If you caused extra damage from a failed DIY project, your insurance will know what's up and will not cover the damages. Additionally, roof repairs done by professional roofers come with a workmanship warranty.
So, if the repair doesn't last as long as stated by the professionals, any future issues within the workmanship warranty period will be addressed for you for free. While doing it yourself might seem like a good idea, you could potentially lose your insurance coverage as well as the peace of mind of having a warranty on the repairs. Is it worth it? Probably not.
Did you know? Even though asphalt shingles are one of the newer roofing options, they're also one of the most popular. Over 70% of homes in the US are adorned with asphalt shingles.
Should I DIY My Roofing Project?
While everyone's experience varies, and some projects could probably be tackled on your own, most of the time, you're better off consulting with an expert. Always make sure you contact a professional roofing contractor to help you with this process because they'll give you more of an idea of what can be done to help your roofing system.
But, before hiring just anyone to repair your roof, make sure to find a roofing company that you know has your best interest in mind. I mean, yeah, it's convenient to hire just anyone you see on the internet, but your home is better off in the long run when in the hands of a highly qualified professional.
Woo-hoo! You've made it this far, so what can you do next? If you have questions or are ready to get in touch with a roofing expert, RoofCrafters is happy to assist you. We strongly recommend checking out our resources regarding DIY roofing, including "DIY Roofing Projects: Should I Attempt or Avoid?" to help broaden your education.
Remember- we've been in the roofing industry for nearly thirty years, so we have a wealth of information to ensure you stay up-to-date on the challenges your roof may face. To further your roofing knowledge, whether you're looking for resources on DIY roofing or anything else, head over to our learning center.
Look, we know more than anyone that making decisions regarding your roof can easily be one of the most overwhelming things you can do for your home. On top of that, spending your spare time trying to find answers for your roofing situation likely doesn't feel ideal. That's why our family at RoofCrafters wants you to know that there are dedicated professionals who can give you the roof of your dreams! If you're ready to get in touch with one of our friendly representatives, make your way over to our contact page. Whether you're looking for a roof damage assessment or anything else, we'll be there for you every single step of the way.
