It is not uncommon for homeowners to tackle repairs and maintenance on their own. After all, putting in some elbow grease to fix broken components inside and outside your home can give you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. There are, however, certain tasks that are best left in the hands of professionals. One of them is roof repair.

Roof repair and installation

Today, we discuss the various risks associated with DIY roof repairs. We’ll also touch on the things you can expect when you hire professionals to do the work for you.

The Pursuit of Savings

Before we go any further, we have to discuss why some homeowners choose to DIY roof repair. The reason is simple: savings. They are tempted to try their hand at this so they can save thousands of dollars on labor costs. For them, purchasing new roofing materials and components is already expensive enough.

However, you have to consider the fact that your roof is one of the biggest features of your home. Remember that it is a complex system composed of different materials and components that all work together to keep you and your family safe and dry. Committing a single mistake during a DIY repair can lead to various issues. Eventually, you’ll have to pay up again to fix everything because of a simple error. It’ll cost you more than when you hired a team of professional roofers in the first place.

What You Are Risking by Repairing the Roof Yourself

Still not sold on the idea of having the pros over to work on your damaged roof? Here’s a look at the different things you are risking by repairing the roof yourself.

  • Your Roofing System

It is not always easy for someone inexperienced in roofing to diagnose and fix the problem. There is the tendency to focus on just one section of the roof while ignoring the rest completely. For instance, you might do a great job replacing a few buckled or cracked shingles, but fail to check the underlayment for any signs of moisture. This false sense of security can shorten your roof’s lifespan. Also, DIY roof repairs can further harm your roof. Walking carelessly on asphalt shingles can dislodge the surface granules, causing patches or spots that expose the fiberglass or cellulose base of the roofing material. Hammering nails on the wrong part of the flashing can result in a leak as well.

  • Your Roofing System’s Warranty

Amateur installations and repairs often involve the misuse of roofing products that inevitably lead to costly issues. That’s why most roofing manufacturers won’t guarantee materials and components not installed by professional roofers. Even if you pull off a good roof repair job, the roofing products you used for the project won't be covered by warranties.

  • Yourself

Roofing projects, be it storm damage repair or new roof installation, involve working at a considerable height, which is an inherently dangerous activity. Climbing the ladder to get to the roof, for example, can put any inexperienced homeowner at risk of falling and getting injured. The chances of it happening increase once you bring all the roofing materials and equipment you need to complete the job. Walking on the roof without any harness can be dangerous as well, especially if it is steeply pitched. You may trip over roof vents or slip on the slick part of the roof surface. Even if you are careful, you might likely forget some of the important tasks you have to do while on the roof. These omissions can put your roof at risk of incurring more problems in the long run, such as sagging due to moisture intrusion.

What to Expect From Roofing Professionals

You can succeed on some DIY projects, especially ones that involve decorating and designing your home interior. In others that require specific skills, knowledge and appropriate training like roofing, however, the chances of completing them on your own and getting the results you want afterward are slim to none. Roofing jobs are, without a doubt, on top of the list of home improvement projects that you should leave in the capable hands of professionals. Here’s why:

  • Timely Completion

Consulting YouTube and other sources for information on how to tackle roof repair can take time. Even after you begin, you end up watching more videos or reading another article just to make sure everything is according to plan. Before you know it, days have passed, and you still haven’t progressed enough on your project. However, if you hire a contractor for the job, the crew will show up at your home ready to go. Roof repairs require muscle power and knowledge to get them done timely and promptly.

  • Fully Equipped Roofers

Highly skilled and trained roofing professionals recognize the dangers associated with roofing projects. Aside from being careful while climbing ladders and walking on rooftops, they also have to handle power tools and work near power lines and under hot weather most of the time. Thus, you can expect roofers to come to your house fully equipped to protect themselves. They wear protective gear like non-slip footwear, hard hats, gloves and eye and ear protection. They also use harnesses to keep themselves secured while walking on steep-sloped roofs and practice basic safety measures while inside your premises.

  • Best Results

Fixing your roof on your own can worsen the existing damage and require extra, but expensive repairs. This won’t happen if you work with a reputable contractor. They have the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to restore your roof successfully and ensure its long-term weather performance. With their expertise, skills and knowledge, you can get the most out of your investment and even extend its lifespan without putting yourself in harm's way and wasting money doing DIY.

Hershey Exteriors, Inc will bring over a decade of experience to your next residential roofing job. We are proud to be a GAF-certified contractor, providing advanced warranties for your new asphalt shingle roofing system. Count on us to install a wide range of roofing materials as well, including metal, cedar and flat or low-sloped roofing options.

You can also turn to us for your other exterior home improvement needs, including siding replacement and window installation. Give us a call at (302) 569-9039, or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.