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Fixing roofing problems can cost a lot of money depending on different factors, such as the square footage, slope, pitch of the roof, and the materials used for the repair process. All of these are reasons why people usually opt for DIY roof repairs and, in some cases, roof replacement.
However, doing the work yourself goes beyond hammering down nails and replacing shingles. Roofs are made of layers that interact with air insulation and circulation. DIY roofing repair approaches can go wrong; with that, homeowners will have no other alternative than to call a professional roofing contractor, which can cost you even more.
Therefore, before you perform DIY roof repairs, it's vital that you know the dangers involved, including what you should and shouldn't do. In this article, we have highlighted some of the dangers of DIY roofing.
Dangers of DIY Roof Repairs
Here are some of the common ways that DIY roofing repairs can go wrong:
Safety is not put first
Safety is the most important thing for any repair work, but it's important to note that, in most cases, DIY repairs don't put safety first, which can be very dangerous. Professional roofing contractors and companies adhere to safety guidelines for safety reasons. An average homeowner is unlikely to know these rules and guidelines or have the safety equipment required for the repair work.
The cover-up
It might sound easier to simply nail new shingles over old ones, but it's essential to recognize the fact that roofs have different layers for a reason. Therefore, overlaying shingles over each other can lead to severe problems.
This includes degradation of the old shingles, causing fly-ups, the new shingles not laying correctly, or nails not working properly. Basically, all these problems will cause your shingles not to function correctly.
Nails, nails, nails
In most cases, DIY roof repairs involve using many nails, but these nails are not always placed in the precise spots. If too many or too few nails are used or set incorrectly, it can cause the shingles to rip off the roof or cause early failure of the roofing system. Another thing to note is that nails can be under or over-driven, and this can cause water to leak through the shingles.
Things are heating up
The attic ventilation, insulation, and roof all work as a system. Therefore, if the ventilation is not correctly installed or calculated, your home will not regulate temperature properly, and this can cause your energy bills to increase. It can also lead to severe problems. This is a common issue associated with DIY roof repairs, and homeowners sometimes cover their existing ventilation because they feel the airflow is bad.
Ignoring insulation
Like with ventilation above, ignoring the insulation in your home can also lead to problems. Even in cases where the insulation is not part of your roofing system, it's essential to ensure that the insulation functions appropriately when it comes to regulating temperature in your home. You can effectively avoid high energy bills and extreme temperature conditions.
Faulty flashing
Flashings are roofing components installed around other roofing elements, especially those that intersect with the roofing system (one example is the chimney), and they are designed to offer protection against rain and other similar weather conditions. If the flashings are not correctly installed, they expose areas on the roofing system, and this can lead to the unwanted growth of mold, mildew, and other water damage.
Exposed to the elements
Roofing professionals always emphasize that project delays are usually inevitable. However, this is multiplied in the case of DIY projects. Something will always go wrong, and you might not have the solution, unlike professionals who always have answers, irrespective of what goes wrong.
Some everyday things that could go wrong include the need for a different tool or an unexpected change in the weather conditions. With that, you might be forced to delay the project for an unforeseen time.
Passing on permits
Roof repairs usually require a local permit, and you might not know about these permits if you do the job yourself. However, a professional roofing company will know the local rules and regulations that apply and will be able to help you get the permits you need.
Forfeiting warranty
The requirements for most manufacturer's warranties usually involve installing materials in a particular way; in most cases, this can only be done by a licensed professional. Therefore, DIY roof repairs can cause your warranty to be voided, and you might not be able to claim these warranties.
Cutting costs
Most homeowners choose DIY methods to fix their roofing system because they want to cut costs. It's usually tempting to opt for cheap materials, which can cause issues. However, that's not the case with professional roofers, as they ensure they use quality materials for your project. Therefore, even if you cut costs, you might only end up performing the roof repair with low-quality materials, which can cause serious issues down the line.
Essential Things to Ask Your Roofing Contractor
With everything above, it's always best to seek professional advice and hire a qualified roofing contractor for your roof repair. However, to ensure that you get the best services, there are a few key things that you should ask the contractor, and this includes the following:
Name and address of the company
You must have the complete information of the roofing company, which should include the company's name and address. This is a great way to determine whether you can easily access the company. Also, hiring a local contractor will help you get the work done quickly.
Is the company insured?
The next thing to ask is whether the company has comprehensive liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. This is an easy way to ensure you are protected, mainly if a roofing accident occurs during the repair process.
Is the company licensed for roofing work?
In addition to insurance, you also need to be sure that the company is licensed to perform roof repairs and that their license also permits them to work legally within your region.
Years of experience in the company
Knowing the company's level of experience is excellent for stability and credibility. For this, you should get references and reviews from people who have used the company's services before.
Workmanship warranty
The ability and intent of the contractor, especially in terms of warranty, is also an important thing you should consider before anything else. You can consult with previous customers to be sure you can trust the roofing company and their roofers.
Track record
A good and reputable company should feel comfortable sharing their track record with you. You must also know how they handle crises and unplanned events. You can also get this information through feedback from previous company customers.
Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
There are risks and dangers associated with DIY tile and metal roofing repairs, amongst others, and the best way to avoid these dangers is by hiring a professional roofing contractor. What's more is that hiring a roofing contractor comes with many benefits, among which include the application of their experience to your storm damage project and the use of sophisticated tools to carry out the project.
Another essential consideration is the warranty of your roofing materials. DIY repairs can often void the warranty, leaving you responsible for future damages or repairs. By hiring an expert roofing contractor, you can ensure that the repairs are done in compliance with the warranty requirements. This gives you peace of mind and protects your investment.
Overall, hiring a professional roofing contractor offers numerous advantages. Their experience, access to specialized tools, and adherence to warranty requirements ensure that your roof repair is carried out with high professionalism. By entrusting the job to experts, you can have confidence in the durability and safety of your roof.
