Most people love to handle home improvement projects all by themselves, and it’s easy to see why. Not only can DIY projects save money, but they can also turn into fun hobbies. However, some take it a step further and decide to try and repair their own leaky roof. But is it a good idea, or should they contact a local roofing company? Let’s find out by taking a look at the pros and cons of repairing your own roof.
Pros
There’s no doubt that handling roof repairs by yourself can be beneficial. Whether you plan to save money or want to schedule the repairs according to your daily routine, DIY projects can be a good idea.
No Labor Costs
If you have the necessary skills and knowledge to repair your roof, you’ll be able to save money by not having to pay for labor costs. Sure, you’ll still have to purchase materials and protective equipment, but they should cost significantly less than a full-scale professional roof repair.
Flexible Schedule
Performing the repairs yourself allows you to schedule the workload however you want. Thus, you can work on the roof while your family is at work or school. With a DIY roof repair, you don’t have to adjust your daily routine based on the contractor’s schedule.
Cons
Unfortunately, there are a few noteworthy cons that you should consider before deciding whether to repair your leaky roof by yourself or not.
Time Commitment
Let’s be honest — roof repairs can be very lengthy, depending on the condition of your roof. Your experience with roof repairs can also affect how much time you’ll need to handle any existing leaks. As a result, you might want to hire a professional and save yourself time.
Expensive Equipment
Even though DIY repairs don’t involve labor costs, you’ll still have to purchase roofing materials. Furthermore, you’ll need protective equipment and tools, which can be quite expensive. All of these costs can add up, quickly depleting your savings. Therefore, requesting the help of a roofing company might be more budget-friendly.
Safety Concerns
Roofing inspections and repairs are dangerous, especially if you don’t have the necessary expertise. From slipping on loose shingles to falling, there are many ways you can hurt yourself. You can even do more damage to your roof by trying to fix it if you are not careful. And worse of all, you don’t have insurance as most professional roofing companies do. So, if accidents do occur, you’ll have to handle the medical expenses by yourself.
No Warranty
Last but not least, warranties on parts like shingles are dependent on proper installation. In other words, manufacturers might decide to void your warranty if they find out that you’ve installed them incorrectly. And while you might not notice the difference, an expert can quickly determine if a roof has been repaired by a professional or not.
DIY Roof Repairs: The Verdict
It’s hard to recommend DIY repairs. Although it’s true that they might be a viable option for some people, the cons of homemade repairs can heavily outweigh their pros. That’s why most experts advise against DIY roof repairs and advocate hiring a local contractor. So take some time and analyze the benefits and drawbacks in order to make an informed decision.
