It is easy to think of your roof as nothing more than a cover over your head. But, what happens when it starts showing signs of damage or general wear and tear? Do you go the DIY route or call a professional? You may be tempted to go the DIY route either because it seems like a cost-effective solution or you’re not sure of what questions to ask a roofer before hiring them.
Roofing requires skills and precision that you may lack–this makes hiring a professional roofer a safer and smarter use of your resources. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both roofing methods so you can make the best decision for your home.
Pros and Cons of DIY Roofing
DIY roofing is an appealing option, especially if you are looking to save money. However, while it offers certain benefits, it also has its huge downsides. Before deciding, you must weigh the pros and potential cons carefully.
Some of the pros of DIY roofing include:
- Cost Effectiveness: DIY roofing eliminates labor costs which make up a significant portion of roofing expenses.
- Working at Your Pace: Instead of being placed on a busy roofer’s schedule, DIY roofing projects allow you to work at your own pace.
- Sense of Accomplishment: It becomes easier to relate with the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a project yourself.
Some of the cons of DIY roofing include:
- Safety Risks: Climbing onto a roof is tiring and downright risky. According to the CDC, over 300 construction workers die yearly in the U.S. due to height-related falls and over 10,000 others suffer serious injuries. Working at heights while handling heavy materials, sharp tools, and demolition debris increases the danger of suffering serious injuries.
- Potential for Costly Mistakes: Roofing requires adequate precision. Unfortunately, you might not have access to high-quality materials or know which materials work best for specific climates and roof types.
- Voided Warranties: Most roofing material manufacturers honor professional installation for their warranties to remain valid. If your DIY roofing project goes wrong, there is no manufacturer coverage for materials that fail prematurely. So, any future repairs or replacements fee comes out of your pocket.
So, Why Should You Consider Professional Roofing?
It’s important you know that roofing isn’t a “learn as you go” project. One wrong move can cause you to deal with structural damage or a major safety hazard. Below are compelling reasons why hiring a professional is your best call:
Speed and Expertise
When it comes to roofing, time is crucial, especially in regions with unpredictable weather. Professional roofers work in teams with well-structured processes that allow them to complete even large-scale projects in just a few days.
Additionally, because of their years of experience, there’s a guarantee that every aspect of your roof is installed correctly.
Strict Safety Protocols
Roofing is one of the most dangerous home improvement tasks–the job is filled with high risks of falls and serious injuries. As a result of this, professionals follow strict safety regulations and have extensive training to handle any hazardous situations.
Proper Material Sourcing
Professional roofers can easily access high-quality materials. They also understand which materials work best for specific climates and home structures. For instance, in areas prone to heavy rainfall, they recommend water-resistant underlayment and impact-resistant shingles. You might overlook these additional steps when you run a DIY roofing project by yourself.
Looking to Hire a Reliable Roofer? Here’s What to Do Next
You must understand that a roof is a major investment in your home, and cutting corners can lead to costly mistakes. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of DIY roofing, you can tell that the risks outweigh the savings.
- So before taking any step, we strongly advise that you think long-term and not just short-term saving.
- More importantly, consider your safety. Climbing the roof for a DIY project is a safety hazard that puts you and your home at risk.
- Hiring professional roofers will protect your home and save you time in the long-run.