5 Reasons to Avoid DIY Roof Repair

DIY roof repair, as tempting as it may or may not be, is not the way to go. Firstly, doesn’t it sound like a lot of work? Climbing up on your roof, throwing out best guesses as to what looks good and what needs to be repaired, all to have to climb back up there to fix any mistakes you’d made. You’re a homeowner, not a home builder.

Perhaps you fancy yourself a bit of a handyman. Maybe you enjoy working on and fixing your house yourself. Admirable. But unless you are, in fact, a home builder or professional roofer, repairing your roof isn’t something you just “give a go.” 

Your home’s roof is its primary defense against all the forces of mother nature. To keep your loved ones and belongings safe, it’s important that roof repairs are done correctly. To that end, here are five reasons you should avoid DIY roof repair.

Reason 1: DIY Roof Repair is Dangerous

Plain and simple, it’s dangerous to walk around on your home's roof. The roofing industry has the fifth highest rate of work-related fatalities – nearly completely resulting from falls. (eclosh) Professional roofing contractors undergo countless hours of safety training, and still, accidents happen. No amount of money saved is worth this risk. 

Reason 2: It Doesn’t Actually Save You Money

Roof maintenance, both repairs and replacement, can be expensive. The average cost of a roof replacement in the United States ranges from $5,693 - $12,256. While these costs make it tempting to opt for DIY roof repair or replacement, be mindful that these costs are for more than just a completed and functional roof.

Reputable roofing contractors have the training and experience to repair your roof correctly. They know how to spot damage and how to make appropriate repairs to save you from having to pay for a new roof prematurely. Attempting DIY roof repairs will surely leave issues unaddressed and your roof vulnerable to the elements.

Reason 3: You Don’t Really Know What You’re Doing

Unless you are, in fact, a roofing contractor, and you probably aren’t if you’re reading this, no amount of YouTube training can ensure you’ll repair your roof correctly. While you may be able to spot obvious damages, remove debris from your roof and gutters, and provide temporary repairs for your roof, handyman accolades aren’t worth the potential cost of a job poorly done.

There’s more to installing new shingles than just wielding a hammer. Improperly installed shingles can leave tiny holes from nails in your roofing material. You wouldn’t notice this until it became a much messier situation. Simply walking on a roof requires training. One misstep can damage the structural integrity of your roof. Keep you and your home safe; stick to walking on the ground.

Reason 4: You May Void Your Roof’s Warranty

Roofing contractors offer warranties for their work. This is on top of the manufacturer's warranties. Manufacturers of roofing materials require a licensed roofing contractor to install their materials for said material to qualify for their warranty. On the off chance you were to tackle your DIY roof repair successfully, you’ll have missed out on these warranties. If and when your repairs go bad, you’ll be stuck paying for more materials or, worse, for a completely new roof.

Reason 5: Peace of Mind

Reasons one through four support this claim. DIY roof repair isn’t worth the accompanying headache. Call a licensed roofing contractor to safely perform biannual roof inspections. Allow trained eyes to spot unseen wear and tear. Rest peacefully knowing that your roof is in good shape as it endures season after season. The peace of mind from a qualified licensed contractor’s genuine interest in your well-being is abundant.

We’ve accumulated the best of the best when it comes to quality Colorado roofing contractors. The Colorado Roofing Association’s goal is to help homeowners make informed decisions about replacing and maintaining their roof systems. Find the roofing contractor right for you and save the DIY roof repair for the professionals.