Why DIY Roof Repair Is Never a Good Idea

The DIY movement made quite the splash a few years back and shows no sign of stopping as a popular trend of getting a project or job done yourself. While DIY can be an excellent option for several activities, one place it doesn’t belong is roof repair. Roof repair can be quite complicated. What you may think is a straightforward, quick fix could be a deeper, more destructive issue that could set you back financially and require the help of a professional anyway. When it comes to roof repair, turning to a professional from the start is the safest, most effective way to approach the situation. There are several reasons why DIY is never a good idea for roof repair, including your warranty, safety, time, and money.

DIY Repair Voids Your Warranty

When your roof was installed, it came with a manufacturer warranty. This warranty protects you from having to cover any costly repairs that were caused by a fault in the roof material. This warranty can last a long time when your roof is maintained correctly. However, manufacturers tend to be extremely strict when canceling a warranty due to term violations. Repairing the roof damage yourself is a direct violation, meaning your warranty will no longer cover any costs, even if the material caused the damage. An experienced roofing contractor will ensure that no terms of your warranty are violated.

Roof Repair Is Dangerous

No matter the size or shape of your roof, it is dangerous to be up that high with no proper training or safety measures in place. Professional roofing requires a lot of training, especially in safety protocol and procedure. Roofing companies have strict guidelines their employees must abide by. These guidelines are in place to protect both the employee and the roof. A professional roofer will be able to handle working in the elements and approaching the situation in the safest way possible. If you try to handle a repair yourself, you run the real risk of falling or hurting yourself while on the roof.

DIY Can Cost More

The appeal of most DIY projects is that you can save money by making something yourself. On a small scale, this can make a lot of sense, but with large-scale projects like roof repair, you’ll end up spending more than what you would by hiring a contractor. When you decide to tackle a roofing project yourself, you have to purchase all the right materials and tools. This means a trip to the hardware store, where you will pay the full retail price for everything you need. Many of these items also come in bulk, leaving you with material and products that could mostly end up being wasted. Experienced roofers are going to have the tools they need. Roofers can also get many products and materials at a cheaper rate. With a professional roofer, there also won’t be any mistakes in purchasing the right tools and materials for the job the first time around.

You Can Create More Damage

Roofing is complex. When you consider the material options alone, there is a wide variety of factors that need to be considered. For example, if you have an asphalt shingled roof, you’re dealing with layers of shingles, roofing underlayment, any waterproofing material, and insulation components. These different components all play a significant role in the overall integrity of your roof. If one component gets damaged, it can impact all the others.

One of the most common causes of creating more damage is falsely assuming you’ve found the problem. For example, you may have a leak presenting itself in one area of your home, but the cause of the leak originates on the other side of the house. If you only fix any issues directly above the leak, the real source will continue to create unseen damage. Instead of thinking you know what the problem is, a professional roofer will better understand the complex system that your roofing components create. They can inspect and determine the cause of the problem, providing quick repair the first time around.

Roof DIY Is Time-Consuming

Even a “quick-fix” can take hours when it comes to your roof. Your roof is a complex system that requires suitable materials and tools for a successful repair. Even if you know what you are doing, a roofing project could take hours. If you are new to roof repair, this can turn into an entire day’s project. However, even a quick repair can be completed faster by a professional, and if it is an extensive repair, you’ll have the peace of mind it is getting handled correctly, and you can better spend your time doing something you enjoy.

Potential Decrease in Home’s Value

Your roof plays a major role in your home’s resale value if you choose to sell. Prospective home buyers are more interested in paying more for a home that has a quality roof that won’t need major repair or replacement anytime soon. If your DIY isn’t seamless, if it looks damaged, or isn’t holding up, you’ll have a more challenging time finding buyers willing to pay full price. When you hire a professional roofing contractor, they have the skill and experience to ensure a seamless transition between repaired areas and existing ones. A professional will also make sure that the job is done right and can withstand the test of time.

Let the Pros Handle It

DIY can be a tempting option, especially if the repair seems easy. However, it is important to remember that roofing is much more complicated than it looks. You’ll have to properly assess the issue, research the right way to do the job, purchase all necessary tools and materials, then spend a chunk of your time trying to do the repair and hoping it is the correct repair. When you look at the different factors involved, hiring a professional makes the most sense. A professional knows how to provide a safe, professional, and seamless roofing repair.