Your roof is what separates your home and family from the elements and severe weather. Therefore, it is best to ensure your roof is as healthy as possible and up to date on maintenance. While we suggest an annual inspection as well as inspections before and after major storms, other issues could come up between those instances. So, what should you do: call in your roofer, or handle repairs yourself? Here is a bit of insight into whether a roofing job should be done professionally, or if you can do it yourself.
When to Call in the Professionals
There are several roofing issues that may come up that should always be taken care of by a professional contractor. DIY is not always the best solution especially when it comes to the safety of something as important as your home.
Full Replacement
The biggest one being a total roof replacement. Attempting an entire roof replacement yourself could cause legal issues. You have to have a permit to do extreme roof work like this. Also, any issues that occur during the replacement, should you try to do it yourself, are unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Leaks
When you see leaks or water damage in your home, this is a sign that something much more severe may be occurring beneath the surface. This job needs to be handled quickly, efficiently, and in a way that lasts long after the repair is made. In some DIY cases, you could also be the one to create the leaks, turning a minor repair into countless other issues.
Chimney, Flashing, Gutter, or Other Repairs or Replacements
When dealing with any major and integrated parts of your roof, you will need to call in roofing professionals. Parts of the roof like the chimney, flashing, and gutter are constructed intricately and take someone with a vast knowledge of roof work to properly work with them. An unskilled hand could cause leaks, gaps/cracks, and damage to parts of the roof and home that were otherwise still fully functional. This would leave you with more issues than you began with.
Why Leave it to the Pros?
Experience
In all cases of roof damage, your best bet will be to call in a professional. An experienced roofer has more than likely seen your specific issue before, possibly even numerous times. They have the knowledge and understanding that would eliminate any guesswork. This also likely means that they can make repairs quicker and more efficiently than someone who has never dealt with it before.
Safety
When doing roof repairs yourself, it is likely that you do not have all the tools necessary to complete the job correctly and safely. Roofers have countless safety precautions, training, and equipment to ensure they are safe while carrying out their job. Not only to protect themselves, but also to protect your roof, property, and even your family. A good roofer is also insured. In the event that something goes wrong, the damage could be completely covered.
Financial
Many people take on DIY roofing projects in an effort to save money, but sometimes projects like these could come out to be more expensive than you would think. Purchasing tools and safety equipment alone could set you back quite a bit. For example, here at Lake Orion Roofing, we have been working on roofs for nearly 40 years now. We already have the tools we need and vendors we trust to buy high quality and cost-effective materials from.
Roofers are also familiar with types of damage and can quickly and accurately assess, identify, and create a game plan for the issue. Not to mention, a roofer can take care of the job while you’re taking care of the other responsibilities you already have. This way, you don’t have to find the time, money, and energy to do the work yourself.
When to DIY
Although it is best to leave most of the roofing work to professionals, there are some things you can do when it comes to working on your roof.
Visual Inspections
From the safety of the ground, it is a great idea to visually inspect your roof often. Check for missing shingles, excess debris, damage, and other issues that seem out of the ordinary. It is important to also do this type of inspection before or after major storms and severe weather. If you notice that anything seems off or are unsure of the health of your roof, give your roofer a call and they can confirm if there is any damage.
Tree Removal
If you notice overhanging tree branches or weaker trees near your home that could cause damage, you can call in tree trimming and removal specialists. Falling limbs and uprooted trees can cause immense damage to your roof as well as your home in its entirety. We recommend having other professionals assess and take care of them before they become an issue.
Finding a Trustworthy Contractor
The best thing you can do for the health of your roof and the safety of your home is to remember to schedule annual roof inspections with your contractor. When you have a contractor you can trust to take care of your home, you won’t need to worry about doing any work yourself. When choosing a roofer, we recommend you verify their business licenses and insurance, don’t be afraid to ask questions, check their reviews, and ask reliable neighbors about them if possible. Most importantly, never be afraid to go with your gut feeling, your instincts can be helpful.
If you ever have any specific questions about your roof and what you should or should not do, you can always reach us at 248-393-0055, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Sources:
https://fivecoatroofing.com/blog/6-reasons-shouldnt-complete-your-own-roofing-project/
https://revivedexteriors.com/biggest-dos-and-donts-of-your-residential-roof-maintenance/
https://www.thompsoncreek.com/blog/common-roofing-hazards-to-avoid/
