A new roof is a significant investment, so you want to make sure you don’t cut any corners when it comes to repairs or replacements. You might consider doing it yourself, but that’s not always the best plan of action.
The truth is that the long-term costs of repairs are going to be much higher than the initial cost of hiring professionals to do the job right the first time. Also, because of the dangers involved in roofing and the general complexity of it, you’re better off leaving the job to a professional. Here are some of the reasons not to DIY your roof.
1) Wave Bye-Bye to Your Warranty
Trying to do a DIY roof repair might void the warranty on your roof — but it’s for your protection. Most warranties explicitly state that work performed by anyone outside of the manufacturer or installer will be voided. This policy is essential for protecting you from shoddy materials and workmanship and means any damage to your roof caused by a DIYer could be your responsibility.
Because DIY repair can result in the loss of your warranty, we don’t recommend undertaking roofing projects at home.
2) Your Safety is Not Guaranteed
Roof repair and replacement should be left to the professionals. If you try to do it yourself, you risk injuring yourself and running up unpaid hospital bills that will cost you more than whatever your insurance didn’t cover for the roof itself. Not only that, but with you injured, you may end up with a partially completed roof job and still have to call on the professional to get you squared away. Trust your roofing job to a professional Long Island roofing contractor like Unified Home Remodeling, who has years of experience and skill with roof installation.
3) You Could Miss Underlying Roof Issues
Many times, homeowners wonder if they can cut expenses by shingling over an existing roof. The installation of a new shingle over an old one might give the home a fresh look, but it’s not a practical short-term solution. Besides, shingling over an old roof almost always voids the manufacturer’s warranty. The failure to address any of the original roofing issues such as water damage, mold, or structural problems will cause you to have to deal with them in the future–and cost you even more money.
4) It Won’t Look As Good As Our Roof Replacement Jobs
The reason you’re thinking of replacing your roof is because it may have been installed over 15 years ago and is killing your curb appeal. Done correctly, a newly installed roof will give your home a facelift and increase its value. A poorly installed roof will stand out immensely. Rippling shingles and other defects will be terribly noticeable.
5) This Isn’t a Quick DIY Project
If you’re reading this blog, it means you’re considering replacing your own roof. How much is your time worth? You may be thinking that this roof replacement project is going to be reasonably fast. It’s not. Even with the help of a few buddies, replacing your roof will still take a while.
The longer you take, the longer your home will be with a half-installed roof. Long Island weather can vary day to day. Are you sure you want your home vulnerable to the elements, insects, or rodents? A vinyl tarp may help, but it won’t do much, especially in a storm.
Because you are not a roofing pro, nearly every part of this roofing project will take at least twice as long–and that’s us being optimistic.
6) Professionals Have The Proper Roof Replacement Tools and Expertise.
Watching a couple of DIY Roof Installing YouTube videos does not make you a qualified roofing installer. A licensed roofing company has experienced professionals who know precisely what they’re doing. They have all the roofing supplies and tools on hand and can handle any unforeseen complications should they arise.
Roofs differ from block to block and need different materials, finishes, and coatings. Specific tools and techniques are necessary for proper installation, and they may not be available to you, nor are they safe for non-commercial use. Even after hours of self-education, you may find yourself left with many questions about installation, the best replacement roofing brands to use, and more.
You may have read our previous blog about the signs that it’s time to replace your roof, and are ready DIY. It is often tempting to try and save a few dollars by doing projects yourself, but this is one task you should leave to the pros. Roofs and other large projects can quickly become very costly—and if they’re done incorrectly, mismanaged, or are simply not done at all, they can cause even more money to be lost. Unless you are highly experienced with roofing materials, it is better to leave the work to professionals like our team at Unified Home Remodeling.
Call Unified Home Remodeling to Schedule a Free Roof Replacement Consultation & Estimate
Is your roof reaching the end of its lifespan? Don’t stress and try to handle it on your own. Using a professional will give you peace of mind that your new roof is expertly installed and under warranty. Trust your roof replacement project to the experts at Unified Home Remodeling in Long Island, NY. Contact us today to get started at 888.631.2131.