Roof Replacement : Diy Vs Hiring A Professional
A roof replacement is an extensive project that needs careful handling. You need to be sure that youre getting the best when replacing your roof. The intricacies of roof replacement can be baffling. Some bad work can result in more expensive repairs down the line. If you think you can do it yourself, think again.
Why do you need a professional to do it for you? What are some key details you need to know? In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about replacing your roof.
Should You Attempt Your Own Roof Repairs
If your roof is in need of repair and replacement, it can be tempting to do it yourself. Saving money is often a key motivation, and today there are YouTube tutorials for almost everything for everything from replacing guttering to shingling a new roof. However, while many DIY jobs can be easily done by homeowners, roof repairs are close to the top of the list of jobs you should almost always leave to the professionals. Here are a few reasons why!
Tip #5 Maintain Trees Surrounding Your Home
An easy maintenance task to protect your roof is to trim the surrounding trees. Debris from the trees can end up on your roof and should be cleaned off to prevent damage. During a storm or high winds, large branches could also fall on to the roof and crack your shingles. It is best practice to always trim the low hanging branches near your home.
Recommended Reading: How To Replace Asphalt Roof
Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof
Dipping into your savings for a new roof hardly sounds appealing, but sometimes you may not have a choice. Scott Bulifant, the residential sales director at Baker Roofing in Raleigh, North Carolina, says the following signs indicate a roof will need replacement soon:
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Curling shingle edges
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Missing shingles or visible mat
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Water leaking into attic or house
Even without water dripping from the ceiling, waiting for one more year can cause problems that could cost more in the long run than the replacement expenditure, Miller says. And passing the buck to the next owner may be harder than you think.
Buyers and mortgage companies avoid a failing roof like the plague, so replacement may be what it takes to pass inspection but dont expect a full return on investment. The average roof replacement recoups only 68.8% of its cost in increased home value, according to Remodeling magazines most recent Cost vs. Value report. A $20,664 roof replacement would add only about $14,216 in value, for example.
It Wont Look As Good As A Professional Job
Done properly, a new roof will add beauty and style to your home. While a roof isnt always the first thing people notice when they look at a house, you can be sure theyll see it if its poorly installed.
Considering that your roof covers the entire surface area of your home, it will definitely stand out if its improperly installed. Signs of a bad roofing job include rippling shingles and an appearance that isnt uniform. In most cases, these defects will appear almost immediately after the roof is installed.
Read Also: When Will Insurance Pay For A New Roof
Can I Repair Or Replace My Own Roof
The short answer is, Yes, you can. The better answer is leave it to the experts. There are a lot of videos on the internet about how to replace or repair your roof, however, going the DIY route is not always the best option. DIY roofing is difficult without the proper training and tools.
In some cases, DIYs can indeed save you some money. But, think about this: what if your DIY venture doesnt go as planned? What if you fall off the roof? What if you incorrectly place the shingles? A lot of unexpected things can happen when you DIY major repairs.
We are giving you reasons why it is best to get a professional roofer.
Do it once, do it right.
When you do things on your own, and you are not particularly skilled at it, re-dos are very common. If you pursue such a route, there is a great chance that you will end up spending more on materials. You will waste time, money, and effort doing the same thing over and over again until you do it right. If you get a professional roofer, they will only do the job one, and they will do it right the first time.
Keep yourself safe.
Major injuries, such as dislocated bones, and fractures, can occur while you repair the roof. Without proper clothing and equipment, the chances of accidents are higher. The last thing you want is to regret a decision you could have avoided making by simply relying on people who know how to do the job safely.
Roofing is a tough job.
Spend time wisely.
What Is Your Experience Level
Another common obstacle to DIY roofing is lack of experience. Even the best intentions of your friends and family to assist you in your project wont make up for inexperience. There are several areas of a roof which need to be installed in a particular manner and order, including an ice sheet on eaves, valleys, and penetrations. For this reason, it is always a good idea to have at least one experienced expert to help install your roof.
Its essential to have a suitable ice sheet on your roof, especially in areas of heavy snowfall. This secondary measure against the ingress of moisture and leaks is necessary. Ice shield protects your home while ice dams are located in the valleys and eaves and in front of walls. This should be done by an expert to make sure your house is protected. More information can be found in our Ice Shield Post here.
Also, remember that inexperienced roofers can damage your shingles. If you move your roof with your shoes or tools and scrub the shingles, you can remove granules from the shingles. This granulate shields the asphalt shingle. Without them, the sun may remove the exposed asphalt, where these granules are missing. These situations can be costly and easily avoided with expert help.
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Install Step And Dormer Flashing
It’s possible to reuse existing step flashing and dormer flashing, but the best way to get a watertight seal is to tear off the siding in those areas and install new flashing. Start by running self-stick underlayment at least 6 in. up onto the walls. This provides an additional barrier if water does get past the flashing. Cover the front wall first and then work your way up the side wall. Overlap the sidewall underlayment around the corner onto the front wall about 1 in. or so.
Install the shingles right up to the front wall. Cut a couple of inches off the vertical portion of the dormer flashing, and run the horizontal portion past the side wall that same distance. Nail the dormer flashing to both the wall and the shingles.
Make a 1- to 2-in. cut with a tin snips at the bend in the first step flashing. Run a bead of sealant on the corner edge of the dormer flashing, and then run that step flashing past the dormer flashing the same distance you made your cut. Bend the step flashing around the corner onto the dormer flashing with your hammer.
Install your next row of shingles over that first step flashing, then cover that row with a step flashing, and so on. Nail the step flashing to the wall toward the top of the flashing at the end that’s closer to the peak, so the next step flashing in line will cover the nail. Don’t nail them down through the shingles. For information about flashing around chimneys, see Installing Chimney Flashing.
We Create A Kit For You
Every roof is different in size and design. Thats why we customize your DIY metal roofing kit for you. Receive all the materials you need to properly install your roof including everything from roof panels to the screws you need. Also, we can even adjust the size of metal roofing panels to personalize it to your buildings installation needs. If you have any questions on how to install, you can give us a call. Please note, with regards to panels, our standard DIY roofing kit comes with 250 panels which will cover approximately 3,000 square feet. Depending on if you need more or less, adjustments can be made.
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Time Is Of The Essence
If youre under a crunch for time then its highly recommended to get an expert to do your roof replacement rather than trying to do it yourself. In many jurisdictions and localities, simply overlaying your old roof shingles with a second layer is now prohibited.
So theres a real possibility that a new roof isnt just buying and installing the new material but rather ripping off the old one. Its not as if installing is a quick process either depending on the material, there might be all sorts of tar and nails to deal with that can take considerable time to learn how to use properly and master.
While its highly dependent on the size and type of your roof, most roof replacements dont last any longer than three days with many going as short as a single day. This swiftness also helps cut back on any frame issues that may come about with an exposed roof.
Do It Yourself Roof Repair
By | Submitted On April 19, 2009
There are certain types of fixes you can do that lend themselves easily to a do it yourself roof repair. And, there are others that are better left to the professional contractors. If you have noticed a leak you should address the problem immediately. There are some areas on your roof that are simply prone to leaking.
These are found in the places where an element is placed through the roof, such as a chimney, skylight, vent or pipe. Also in the group of vulnerable spots are all the areas where flashing is installed to redirect the water. These areas are the valleys, where two rooflines intersect, and the eaves and rakes around the edges of the house.
If you have inspected these areas and determined you can perform a do it yourself roof repair, there are some things to keep in mind as you proceed. The first is always safety. Depending on the slope of your roof and the materials used in the system, it may be very slippery or unstable to walk on the surface.
At this point it would be better to hire a professional. If the conditions are such that you can traverse the surface without taking a trip to the emergency room, then proceed with caution.
Keep in mind as you are on the roof in the midst of your do it yourself roof repair that every step you take can possibly damage the surface. It is not, after all, made to be walked upon! If you see that some of the flashing is misshapen or bent you can use roof cement to repair and reseal the areas.
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Select The Right Material
One of the most important decisions is your roofing material. When deciding on a material, consider the appearance, price and lifespan of each available product. For instance, although asphalt roofing shingles are among the most economical options, their lifespan is one of the shortest for residential roofs. Concrete or metal shingles, on the other hand, tend to last longer and are usually a better choice if you’re interested in making a long-term investment.
Apart from more traditional shingles like asphalt, shakes and slate, you can also buy beautiful metal roofs that mimic the look of other roofing materials and architectural shingles that are superior to traditional asphalt in both performance and looks. While some of these newer materials can be three times the price of standard 3-tab asphalt shingles, they will also last longer and enhance the curb appeal and therefore, the resale value of your home.
If your last roofing installation was 20 years ago, don’t just go with the same material as before take a look at new roof types, too.
Consider each option carefully and think about the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you’re unsure about which material would best suit your home, hire an expert to take a look at your roof and figure out which materials would be the best investment for your house.
Metal Roofing For Other Buildings
Metal is such an eco-friendly, advantageous roofing material that its not only used for large homes and commercial buildings but also smaller structures like sheds, garages, workshops, cabanas, and more.
If you enjoy being your own handyman and are looking for metal roofing panels, youve come to the right place. When you work with London Eco-Metal, we create a custom kit for you. Choose the panels you need to cover your structure. Choose your color and style. Have the metal roofing panels cut and sized accurately, and delivered to your front door. Its easy! The only thing left for you to do is the installation.
Benefits of Metal Roofing For Small Structures
Also Check: How To Patch A Leaking Shingle Roof
Choose The Right Contracting Company
While some ambitious DIYers may opt to install their roofs themselves, most homeowners choose to hire a professional roofing company to handle this project. Sometime early on in the planning process, make some calls to various roofing companies in the area. Request quotes for your project and make sure they can install the type of roof you need. While most companies can install asphalt shingles, for instance, many don’t work with rubber, concrete tiles or other more unconventional materials.
Since you only need a roof installation once every couple of decades, roofing companies don’t need to rely on repeat business. This means customer satisfaction is often not as much of a priority, so many people choose their roofing company based on cost alone. However, this can often be a mistake, as these companies can only deliver low bids because they hire low-wage workers. For these reasons, it is extremely important to be careful about the company you hire. Get references from friends and tradespeople you trust and check websites that list certified installers.
Tip #4 Remove Debris And Moss
Its important to keep an eye out for any green growth on your roof and remove fallen debris. Eventually algae or moss could grow and cover your shingles. Once moss roots, it spreads quickly and can cause shingles to lift. Moss can easily be removed by getting on your roof with some water and a scrub brush.
You should also remove leaves that have piled up. They can absorb moisture and cause rot. Leaves, twigs, and other debris typically pile up near valleys, skylights, and areas behind the chimney. Homeowners often ask how to keep leaves out of roof valleys. To prevent this type of maintenance, a gutter mesh system can be installed for these trouble areas.
You May Cause More Damage
Have you ever tried to clean up a mess only to make an even bigger mess in the process?
When trying to make your own roof repairs or install a roof yourself, the same thing can happen.
For example, if you arent skilled or experienced with nailing down shingles, you could create tiny holes in your roof that take on water and lead to major damage. And if you dont know how to properly walk on your roof or distribute your weight, you could cause cracking to your other shingles and lead more expensive repairs.
You Need Technical Know
Laying shingles requires a lot of technical know-how. There are so many intricate details involved in the process that only a professional would know.
The entire project needs to be finished as soon as possible to limit exposure to the elements.
To complete the job on time and get it done right, it will require a lot of knowledge , training, experience, and a team of skilled workers working together to finish the job.
This isn’t something you can master by watching YouTube videos.
When Should You Call A Professional Roofer
It would be best to engage the services of a roofing contractor to replace your roof in the following scenarios:
- Complete Roof Replacement: As already stated above, always use a roofing contractor when youre replacing your entire roof. If you do it yourself, youre likely to do a lousy job and have to repeat it.
- When Youre Putting Your House on the Market: If youre about to sell your house, then every part of the home must be in good condition, especially the roof. Now, this is something only the best roofing contractor in Greenville can guarantee.
- Your roof is multi-layered, and you cant tell the source of the problem.
- Your roof has multiple leaks, and you can neither find nor fix all of them.
- If your building insurance requires expert care and opinion on building defects, it would be best to call a professional roof replacement company. If you dont engage a professional, any damage you do to your roof will most likely not be covered by the insurance company.
Safety And Insurance Considerations
If youre not sure of what you are doing, even the act of walking on the roof can cause damage to the shingles. Also, keep in mind that some insurance companies will not pay the full claim unless you can show that you have used a professional contractor.
So the answer is yes, you can repair or replace your roof, but we would strongly advise against it. There are too many potential risks for the roof and your own safety. If you dont take the necessary precautions, ultimately, this could cost you far more than the money saved by not hiring a professional contractor right away.
Are you looking to repair or replace your roof? Schedule a a href=https://hansons.com/free-estimate> free estimate here.
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