Roofing Mistakes That Can Cost You (And Your Roof)
It’s true that DIY repairs can save you money around your home, but there are some instances where it’s better to hire a professional, and roofing is definitely one of them. Think about it: your roof protects everything inside of your home. If you attempt a DIY roof repair and something goes wrong, not only are you at risk of damaging your home, but you can also endanger the lives of your loved ones and pets.
YouTube handymen might make it seem like it’s easy to replace a shingle or two, but there’s a lot more to the job than that. Here are some costly mistakes you can avoid by hiring a professional roofer:
Risk of injury
The first and most obvious risk of doing DIY roof repair is injury. Falls accounted for over 40% of fatal workplace injuries in the construction industry in 2022, making roofing one of the most dangerous occupations. That’s with training and safety equipment. Attempting to do roofing work without these protocols presents an inherently higher risk.
Using the wrong materials or technique
When it comes to roof materials, cost isn’t the only factor to consider. You need to buy the right materials that fit the needs of your project. There are many different types of shingles and roofing materials available, each with its pros and cons. Selecting the right material is critical to the success of a roofing project and requires a certain level of industry knowledge. They also need to be installed correctly get the maximum benefits and use out of them.
If your roof isn’t fixed properly the right way or the correct materials are used, there’s a chance your roof won’t last as long or will need more frequent repairs. We’ve all seen those DIY horror shows on the home and garden channel – roofing is no exception.
Overlook other problems
Another pitfall of DIY roof repair is overlooking damage. Roof damage can be more complicated than it looks. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to overlook deeper issues. For example, let’s say you see a few shingles missing from your roof and decide to replace them. But you didn’t realize your underlayment had been exposed and developed a minor leak, which led to mold. The outside damage to your home may be fixed, but the internal damage is still there and will continue to get worse until it becomes a bigger problem (with a bigger price tag.)
Not getting the right permits
Unfortunately, you can’t just build whatever you want, wherever you want. Without the proper knowledge, a DIY roof repair can put you are risk of some hefty legal fines, not to mention the wrath of the HOA board. Local building codes vary widely from state to state and even neighborhood to neighborhood. Even if what you’re building is legally allowed, you still need the right permits. Professional roofers are well versed in what is allowed, where and what type of paperwork is needed to start construction.
Electrical or other types of damage
There’s a lot more to your roof than slapping on shingles. Not only does a roof need to be attached to the structure of the home the right way, but it also needs to work around key systems like electrical, ventilation and plumbing. A misplaced nail or incorrectly attached piece of flashing from a DIY roof repair could cost you thousands if it damages one of these systems.
Losing your homeowners insurance or voiding your warranty
Insurance claims don’t look kindly on unlicensed repairs. If your home incurs damage after making a DIY roof repair, there’s a high chance it won’t be covered, even if the damage resulted from something unrelated. DIY repairs can cost you your insurance coverage or void any warranties with the roof or materials. Insurance companies know that professional roofers are licensed and have the proper training, so it’s a safe bet to back up their work, but you and a trip to Home Depot aren’t as reliable.
It’s understandable to want to be budget conscious when it comes to home repairs. They don’t always come cheap. But keep in mind when you hire a professional roofer you aren’t just paying for labor and materials, you’re also paying for expertise and experience.
If you think your roof needs repairs or replacement, click here to find your local RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors brand.