Your roof is an integral part of your home and should be taken care of well. The decision of whether to repair or replace your roof is one that you should make based on the condition of your current roof. The first step in deciding whether you need to repair or replace your roof is taking a good look at the state of your current one. If there are only minor problems, then it may be better just to have those parts repaired. However, if the entire thing needs replacing or severe damage from storms or other natural disasters, it’s probably best to consider a complete replacement job instead!
Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?
This is a question that every homeowner, sooner or later, will need to answer. Minor repairs may warrant just fixing those parts instead of going through the expense and effort of a complete replacement. But if your roof has taken hard hits from storms or other natural disasters, then you will need to consider replacing it with something newer that can withstand much more than what you currently have in place.
Pros and Cons of DIY Roof Repair or Replacement
Cost
Pro: It’s less expensive. You have the power of doing it yourself, and you don’t need to rely on a contractor or professional for their services.
Con: If you’re not careful, you may damage your roof even further with improper tools and techniques (which will then require an even more costly repair). On top of that, you may not have any experience with roofing, and it can be a lot of work.
Timeline
Pro: You can do it on your own convenient timeline – not having to wait on a contractor, school is out during the summer months, and you’re looking for some projects. You get to do it whenever you want and at your convenience, don’t have to wait for contractors or worry about when they’re available because of work schedules, etc. You also save on labor costs by doing it yourself.
Con: You may need to take time off of work if this was in an area where you live or return home from vacation early. This can interfere with your plans for that day or week at best, or also could be more costly than hiring a professional in the end.
Accomplishment
Pro: As a homeowner, you will have a sense of accomplishment and a sense of pride knowing that you saved money by doing the project on your own.
Con: You could end up spending more money or time than you had planned on. Or worst, you could possibly be injured because of a lack of experience and proper knowledge to use particular tools.
Types of Roof Repair to Avoid Doing Yourself
While DIY roof repair is a good idea when a homeowner is trying to save money, there are some types of repairs to refrain from DIY since it can be riskier costly than hiring a professional. If you are not experienced with roofing, your best bet would be to hire professionals for the following:
Shingle Replacement
This is a dangerous job, and it can be cost-prohibitive as well. Also, if you have an asphalt roof or a metal roof, this will not work at all for the repair. If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, for instance, the job can be more complex than if it were a metal roof that needs to be replaced because of hail damage.
Tile Replacement
This is not recommended because it can be complicated. If your roof tiles are severely damaged or need to be replaced due to age, it is best if you hire a professional.
Skylight Repair
If you are inexperienced, this can lead to expensive mistakes and also a difficult job for the homeowner.
Leaky Roof Patching
You should never do leaking patches yourself unless you have been trained in that field. It’s too risky.
Window Installation
This can be a difficult job to do and is not recommended for amateurs.
Gutter Repair
If you are inexperienced, this can lead to expensive mistakes and also a difficult job for the homeowner.
Sealing Leaks
It’s also best to hire someone who has experience with sealing roofs because they know the best ways to do this.
Rain Sensor Replacement
This is not recommended because you can simply buy a new one for less money, and it’s much more manageable.
Chimney Repair
If you are inexperienced, this can lead to expensive mistakes and also a difficult job for the homeowner.
Snow Removal and Ice from Roof
Removal of large or smaller amounts of snow and ice on roofs can cause water damage to the roof over time if not removed properly.
Roof Damage Caused by Storms
Repairs are needed for any damages caused by storms, such as broken shingles or tiles that have been blown off.
Rusty Metal Roofs
If the metal roof is rusty and has a lot of holes in it, this will cause water to leak into the house and can lead to expensive mistakes and also a difficult job for the homeowner.
If you are not experienced with roof repairs, it is best to consult a professional contractor who has the knowledge and skills necessary to repair your roof correctly. They will assess your situation and let you know if it’s something that can be done easily or not. It also depends on the type of roofing material, the age of the roof, and other factors like insulation in the attic. If any leaks or water damage is already occurring, this could lead to mold and other issues.
If your roof is under warranty, the company will usually reimburse you for a portion of the costs if any repairs are needed within five years from installation. Even if it’s not covered by a warranty, hiring someone with experience who has been in business for many years can save money on both.
In conclusion, it’s always best to hire a professional for anything that involves repairing or roof replacement. They have the experience and knowledge needed to avoid any issues with water damage or other concerns that could be avoided by having someone else do the work for you.
