If you love DIY projects and are good at them, you know that you can save money, but more importantly they give you an empowering sense of accomplishment. The wind blew away a few shingles or flashing around the skylight is showing a spattering of rust or a damp patch of shingles just need replacing – no problem. While small roof repairs might seem manageable or you feel up to the challenge of a roof replacement, there are valid reasons for hiring a roofing contractor to do the repairs or the replacement for you.
It might not be the right problem.
Troubleshooting roofing issues can be tricky. The patch of damp shingles you think might just need replacing actually could be the symptom of a bigger problem. Roofing shingles that don’t dry out 48 hours after a rainfall are typically due to leaks – the source of leaks are often hard to trace. Or if you haven’t investigated underneath the row of shingles you intend to replace, the underlayment could be experiencing wood rot, depending on how long the problem has been undetected. Misdiagnosing roofing problem can harm the roofing system. A contractor will be able to correctly troubleshoot what is wrong and give you an estimate of what it will cost to repair the damage.
Is it worth the risk?
Cleaning the gutters or repairing a roof typically involves climbing a ladder. Falling from a ladder is the most common accident to occur when doing home maintenance. Working on a roof can put your safety at risk, especially if the roof is steep, you’re not comfortable with heights, or the roof is near power lines. A professional roofer has the proper safety equipment and knows how to walk and work on a roof safely.
You probably won’t save that much money.
When you DIY roof repairs or a roof replacement you will be purchasing everything you need from shingles to underlayment to nails and everything else you’ll need to get the job done. Roofing materials are only half the story; you will also need tools and equipment you don’t have on hand. Not to mention the price of gas driving to different stores and disposing of the old roof. Costs for DIY projects can quickly add up.
A roofing contractor, on the other hand, works with suppliers who sell to contractors at wholesale prices and the materials are typically a higher quality than is available in hardware or big box stores. When a professional roofer gives a homeowner an estimate for how much the repairs or roof replacement will cost, everything is included. The contractor can spot structural damage or other problems that can be missed by someone who doesn’t work on roofs on a regular basis, which will prevent expensive fixes in the future.
Your roof will look professionally installed.
Hiring a professional to do the roof repairs or new roof installation ensures that your roof will look professionally installed. A certified roofing technician knows the techniques required for the type of roofing material being used; that it is installed straight and attached correctly; and it looks aesthetically pleasing.
It might take longer than you planned.
No DIYer starts a project without setting a deadline or having some idea of how long it will take. But problems can arise, and it might take time to figure it out and come up with a solution. Unexpected delays when you’re painting the living room or laying down new tile in the foyer might be a mild annoyance, but they can cause real harm to a roof.
Since parts of the roof are exposed to the elements, rain, humidity and wind can cause do serious damage if repairs or roof replacement aren’t done in a timely manner. Leaving it until you have some free time next weekend isn’t an option. A professional contractor will efficiently complete all aspects of the roofing project from start to finish.
