Any problem concerning your roof should be addressed as soon as possible. Ignoring it can worsen its condition, resulting in further issues like water damage that may soon pervade your home’s interior. Premature replacement is a possibility, especially if the damage is too severe and extensive that it has eaten away into the structure. Thus, investing in high-quality repairs and maintenance from a reliable roofing contractor is imperative to ensure your roof’s optimal performance.
When the time comes it needs to be repaired—or replaced if the roof is near the end of its lifespan—you just may be tempted to handle everything yourself. After all, a plethora of DIY tutorials is available online, such as replacing your damaged siding. Unfortunately, not all home improvement projects have viable DIY solutions, and that includes those that involve the roofing system.
Today, we discuss some of the most common DIY roofing fails. We’ll also tackle the various reasons why hiring a professional roofer is a better, more worthwhile option than taking on the project yourself.
Why Some Homeowners Choose DIY Roofing
Before we advance further into the discussion, we first have to establish why many people choose DIY roofing. It all boils down to one thing: savings. Purchasing a new roof alone can be expensive, but there’s also the matter of labor, which is a separate expense. As a result, many homeowners try their hand at roof installations, believing that this kind of home improvement can help them save on labor costs.
However, any roofing project, whether it is a repair, replacement, or maintenance, can present numerous challenges if not done right. A single mistake can lead to issues that tend to be more costly and tedious to fix. You may need to spend more money correcting errors in a faulty installation—much more than you would’ve spent had you hire a contractor to do the job. Roofing jobs indeed require specific skills and knowledge, as well as appropriate training.
The Dangers of DIY Roofing
Still not convinced? Check out these common fails some homeowners commit when doing DIY roofing.
- Using Low-Quality Shingles
Not all roof shingles are created equal. Although you can purchase standard shingles from a nearby hardware store at a low price, there’s no guarantee that they’ll hold up for a long time after installation. Keep in mind that low-quality roofing products are often cheaper. If they’re not made by the top manufacturers, you risk buying shingles that’ll likely last a few months or so.
- Ruining the Roof While Installing Shingles
There have been many instances where DIYers accomplish roof repairs only to realize the fatal mistakes they’ve made. Some nail new shingles over old ones, which will only shorten the lifespan of the new roof. Others commit nailing errors, from using the incorrect type of nails to the wrong placement of nails on each shingle. It’s a disaster waiting to happen, especially when the rainy days come.
- Taking More Time to Work on the Roof
Most DIYers rely on online tutorials, videos, and articles detailing the step-by-step process of repairing or replacing a roof. Consulting them from time to time prolongs and extends the actual project. All will be for naught if the roof eventually shows signs of failure.
- Disregarding Safety
Working at a considerable height poses numerous risks. Climbing up the roof using a ladder alone puts an inexperienced individual at risk of getting injured because of a fall. The lack of harness and other protective equipment increases this likelihood. Conversely, being too careful while on top of the roof can lead to that individual failing to perform important tasks. These omissions put the roof in danger of letting moisture into the home or even collapsing.
- Not Expecting the Unexpected
Many DIY homeowners lack the foresight to anticipate some unexpected things while they are performing their roofing projects. Inclement weather while the roof is vulnerable, the discovery of asbestos on the roof and other findings prolong the project’s timeline. Worse, they end up hiring the professionals after scrambling to take action.
Reasons to Hire a Trusted Roofing Contractor
Everything listed above goes to show that DIY roofing isn’t worth the time, effort, and money, especially in the long-term. To avoid these pitfalls, make sure you leave this significant undertaking in capable hands so you can be assured of a quality job well done. Here are some of the reason to entrust your roof repair, replacement, or maintenance to the pros:
- Access to High-Quality Materials
Many roofing contractors are certified by the top manufacturers to install their products. When you work with one, you can gain access to a full line of high-quality materials specifically designed to suit your needs.
- Workmanship
Roofing contractors have highly skilled and trained professionals who are well-versed in the latest in roofing, including product innovations and techniques. Expect them to perform projects while meeting manufacturer and industry standards, using every tool and the right equipment required for the job.
- Safety
An expert roofer can ensure the necessary safety practices are properly observed from start to finish. They wear personal protective equipment, use harnesses if working on steep-sloped roofs, and practice basic safety while inside your premises. They also adhere to local building codes and regulations to protect you and your family’s safety, health, and welfare.
- Fully Insured
Professional roofers are fully covered by worker’s compensation and general liability insurance coverage. With these, you can rest easy knowing you and your investment are protected. If you are planning to hire one, be sure it is one of the primary criteria to look for.
- Prolonged Roof Lifespan
DIY roof repairs and maintenance are subject to numerous mistakes that can worsen the existing damage and require additional but costly repairs. Working with a reputable roofer, meanwhile, will successfully restore your roof and ensure its longevity and performance. In doing so, you extend the roof’s service life and get the most out of it.
For your roofing needs, turn to CQ Roofing. Since 1999, we have been providing high-quality roofing solutions in Crestview and the surrounding communities. Whether it is new construction, inspections, repairs, maintenance, and replacement, our team of professionals is committed to getting the job done right the first time.
Call us today at (850) 683-4169 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
