Why Opt for Professional Roof Services Instead of DIY?
Are you a fan of DIY projects? While they offer a sense of accomplishment and potential cost savings, tackling a roofing project on your own is a different story. Most homeowners don’t realize their roofing projects are harder and more time-consuming than expected; they end up damaging their homes. The risks soar with roofing, as it demands specific skills, tools, and experience.
Many DIYers injure themselves, and the likelihood of mishaps increases with roofing tasks. Professional roofers make the job seem effortless with their specialized equipment and training. But don’t be fooled - roofing is challenging. So, consider hiring professional
roof services to ensure safety, efficiency, and quality results.
Professionals’s Skills & Experience
When it comes to your roof, beneath those shingles lies a complex system with many layers and components. It’s this system that ensures water flows off your roof, not into your home. With their in-depth training and experience, professional roofers are adept at installing these systems. They skillfully balance the manufacturer’s guidelines with local building codes to ensure everything is up to standard.
Can You Repair Your Roof On Your Own?
You might consider repairing your roof, but pause and think. Roofing is a specialized field requiring knowledge beyond just replacing a shingle. It’s easy to overlook details like proper shingle placement, nail size, and underlayment repair. These seemingly minor mistakes can lead to major issues like leaks. Learning roofing is a time investment – much like gaining expertise in any profession. It’s unlikely for someone to master another’s career over a weekend, and the same applies to roofing.
Liability & Insurance Claims
When dealing with roof repairs, it’s crucial to understand your home insurance policy and its limitations. Typically, home insurance doesn’t cover damages from DIY roof repairs. If you try fixing it yourself and something goes wrong, the insurance company might reject your claim, labeling it as negligence. This leaves you responsible for all repair costs. Getting professional roof services is a safer choice. They’re less likely to make errors, and if they do, their insurance usually covers the damages. Plus, reputable roofers often fix their mistakes without extra charges, saving you the stress and expense of a denied insurance claim.
Regarding DIY repairs under an insurance claim, like after storm damage, the rules vary by location. It’s wise to consult a lawyer and your insurer before using the insurance payout for self-repairs. If you mess up, your insurer might refuse to cover further damages, arguing that you took on the repair risks yourself. This could lead to bigger roofing issues without any financial backup.
Quality & Limited Warranties
You benefit from two limited warranties when you hire a certified roof company: the roofer’s labor warranty and the manufacturer’s product defect warranty. However, if you choose DIY roof repair, you’ll lose both. Manufacturers’ warranties are valid only if their products are installed as per their guidelines and building codes, a task best suited for professional roofers.
While DIY roof repair might seem tempting, it’s risky when you do it yourself because an incorrectly installed shingle can lead to water damage throughout your roof and home. Unfortunately, a professional cannot reinstate your lost warranties if you damage your roof while attempting repairs. They might offer a new limited warranty for their repairs, but claiming it can be tricky. If problems arise, they could attribute them to your initial DIY attempt rather than their workmanship. They deliver quality work and provide valuable warranty protection for both their labor and the roofing materials used.
Costs Effectiveness & Tools Availability
DIYs seem like a cost-saving option, but DIY roofing can be more expensive than hiring experts. Small errors can lead to big, costly damages later on. Homeowners often misjudge the extent of work, leading to incorrect or insufficient material purchases. Skilled roofers bring experience and specialized tools to the job. For instance, renting a nail gun or safety gear like harnesses and helmets can add up quickly, not to mention the essential training for working safely at heights. Skimping on these can compromise your safety.
Remember, DIY repairs can also affect your home’s value. Home inspectors can spot mistakes and damages, which may deter potential buyers, especially if the home’s warranty is compromised. A poorly repaired roof can reduce your property’s market value and make it harder to sell. So, before climbing that ladder, weigh the risks and costs. An expert’s help might be the wiser, safer, and more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Save Your Time with Professional Roof Services
When tackling roof repairs, you may be underestimating the importance of time. Unlike other home projects, delays in roofing can lead to significant problems. This is because, during the repair process, parts of your roof are left exposed to natural elements like rain, wind, and snow. While using a tarp can offer some protection, it’s not foolproof against potential damage from weather conditions. Sunlight exposure alone can deteriorate certain roofing materials.
It’s not a task you can simply postpone until the following weekend if you’re unable to complete it. Weather is unpredictable, and a sudden change can exacerbate the situation, increasing the risk of damage. This is where the expertise of a professional roofer becomes invaluable. They have the skills and experience to complete the job much quicker than a DIY enthusiast. By hiring them, you significantly reduce the time your roof is exposed to potentially harmful conditions. Remember, in roofing, time is not just a factor; it’s a protector.
Understanding the Safety Hazards
Roofing is a high-risk job, with 107 roofing specialists losing their lives in the U.S. in 2017 alone, primarily due to falls. The risk is even higher for homeowners, as many lack proper training and equipment for ladder use and working at heights. Walking on your roof isn’t recommended, especially if it’s damaged. It’s not just about the fall risk; you might also damage the roof further. Every year, numerous accidents occur from falls, often when homeowners try tasks like hanging Christmas lights.
Even if you’re comfortable with heights and ladders, don’t underestimate the added dangers of carrying heavy equipment like shingle bundles or plywood, which can be unwieldy and cause imbalance. Bad weather adds to the risk. DIY roofing involves more than just fall hazards. Using specialized tools like nail guns can be dangerous without proper guidance and handling. These tools operate under high pressure and can cause serious injuries. Similarly, buying safety equipment like harnesses doesn’t guarantee safety if you don’t know how to use them correctly.
Wrapping Up
Overall, It’s wise to opt for a professional roofer over DIY. Trying to repair your roof can damage it and your home, too. Also, you can even risk voiding the warranty, which might result in greater costs than what you would have paid an experienced roofer. Before you start with your DIY, if you’re stuck with the question, ‘How do I find a reliable roofer? Then Roof America is your answer. We are a reputable roof company and are here to help you with all your roofing needs, from repair to maintenance. Contact us and let our experts save you from your DIY roofing and give you the best roof services of your life in less cost and time.
Having An Emergency?
