Is it a Good Idea to Perform Roof Repair Yourself?

Your roof requires maintenance and repairs just like the rest of your home. While roof repairs can be expensive, you cannot afford to make a mistake when repairing your roof yourself, since it plays an essential role in protecting the rest of your home. The risk varies based on the size, scale, and complexity of the work to be done.

Is it a good idea to perform roof repair yourself? Let’s look at a few of the factors that can determine the answer to that question.

Scheduling Issues

The average homeowner can spot a leak and try to cover it, and you could do this yourself as soon as a storm clears. However, large projects like replacing multiple lost shingles or replacing the entire roof should be done by the pros. We say this because most people don’t have the necessary skills and equipment to do it right. If you have the necessary knowledge and skill, however, you could complete a roof repair yourself and won’t have to wait for a contractor to come in and do the work. Furthermore, you’ll be able to determine when the work takes place. This will ensure that maintenance and construction work doesn’t inconvenience your family.

You can do things like cleaning your gutters and checking the roof for damage when it fits your schedule. You can inspect the roof while you’re up there and perform additional cleanings when they’re required. In contrast, you may have to schedule periodic professional inspections of your roof, and you have less control over when they repair those missing or damaged shingles.

Safety Concerns

Safety should be your first concern when working on your roof. So, you should consider using as much fall protection equipment as possible. This means looking at things like a safety harness that will be attached to a lanyard and roof anchor. You could also look at guardrail systems for extra protection. Working on a roofing project requires a certain amount of physical strength and dexterity. You may want to leave the physically demanding work to others if you want to reduce the chance of injuries or accidents.

The Liability Concerns

Any roofing repair or roof replacement is a major investment in your home. If you hire a professional to do the work, their insurance should cover the damage caused by their mistakes. Their insurance will also cover any accidents that occur. If you do the work yourself and make a mistake, you have to pay for the necessary repairs and you may end up voiding your home insurance.

Also, building material warranties are generally only available if the materials are installed by a professional. This is the only way they can guarantee proper installation. After all, the professionals understand the finer details of installing shingles and other roofing materials. While there are several advantages to performing roofing work yourself, this is only if you’re 100% sure about your abilities. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and leave it to the professionals.