Many self-proclaimed handymen believe they have the skill needed to perform roof repairs. Unfortunately, most do not realize the complexity of these fixes until it is too late. Poor workmanship, the use of wrong materials, and lack of experience can all result in major problems down the road. From leaks and wood rot to falling shingles and loose flashing, most DIYers will find that it costs them more money in the long run to make necessary fixes. Here are just a few reasons you should avoid DIY roof repair and why you should always trust your home to professional roof repair contractors.
Not All Roofing Materials Are Quality-Made
When shopping for roofing materials, most homeowners look for products that are cheap and affordable. While this does not seem like a problem at first, the use of inferior roofing materials can cause a number of problems down the road. Roof repair contractors use premium, high-performance products designed to provide long-lasting protection. Many of these premium products are not available at your local home improvement store, making it difficult for DIYers to achieve the same level of quality.
As higher quality roofing materials can be considerably more costly than their cheaper counterparts, you may be concerned about the final bill. Know that professional roof repair contractors are typically able to buy bulk materials at a discount and these savings are often passed down to the customer. If you go to a standard home improvement store in your area, you are not likely to get this same great discount on your roofing materials. Along with good quality products, you will also have access to a wider selection of materials. Most roof repair contractors can offer dozens of different types of shingles in a variety of colors.
Your Roof May Not Be Up to Code
To avoid problems later on, you will want to ensure that your roof is up to code. If you are not familiar with local codes and regulations pertaining to roofing materials and installation, you may bypass important repairs that could land you in trouble in weeks, months, or years to come. The next time that your roof is inspected, it will be found not up to code which will force you to have even more repairs and upgrades completed. Ultimately, this means wasted time and more money out of your pocket.
If you are not sure if your roof is up to code, it is best to call in roof repair contractors before you even begin the project. An experienced inspector can check the roof for gaps, cracks, and weak spots that could become vulnerable to the elements. An inspector will also look for other signs of problems, such as pooling water, loose shingles, signs of wood rot, and possible leaks. If problems are found, the contractor can offer an estimate for the cost of the repairs which may be more affordable than you first thought.
DIY Repairs Means No Available Warranty
Repairing or replacing a roof on your home can be a major investment. Even if you do the job yourself, you can expect to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in materials, not including the price of labor. Due to the amount of time and money that goes into roofing repairs, it is only wise to have your investment protected. Manufacturer warranties are one way to ensure that your roof lasts a long time and that if any problems occur before the materials have reached their life expectancy, you can have the materials replaced.
Manufacturer warranties typically range from 10 to 30 years, depending on the company you choose. Shingle warranties can last even longer, often up to 50 years or more. Contractors usually also offer some type of warranty which can range from a few months to a few years. When you choose to go the DIY route, you typically lose out on the warranty that protects your roof repairs. Manufacturer warranties typically over cover professional roof repair contractors. If you do not use a certified professional, the warranty is often considered void and you are forced to pay for repairs out-of-pocket.
Beginner Mistakes Can Lead to Major Costs
If you have little experience with roofing, you are likely to make common mistakes. At first, these mistakes may not have any effect on your roof. However, in time the impact of your inferior workmanship can result in major headaches, damage to your home, and money loss. Professional roof repair contractors know exactly how to avoid these common mistakes to ensure that the job is done correctly the first time around. They can also spot red flags early on before a small problem turns into a more costly one. If you want to avoid these beginner mistakes, leave roofing projects up to the experts.
Roof repair is not always cut and dried. DIYers will little roofing experience may make common mistakes and not even know it. For example, if this is your first time lying down shingles you may not realize that it is essential to lay down a “starter” section of shingles along the eaves of the roof. Fail to do this and you may find moisture invading the sheathing under the bottom shingles. You may also make the mistake of choosing materials that do not properly match the slop of your roof. This can make your roof more susceptible to water damage.
Call Expert Roof Repair Contractors for an Estimate
Before making the decision to do a DIY roof repair, call in professional roof repair contractors. Most contractors will provide a free estimate so you really have nothing to lose. When putting your hard earned money into roof repairs, you want to ensure that the job is done correctly be a certified professional. When you hire an expert roofer to complete the repairs, you can rest easy knowing that you will receive professional results and have protection on your investment for years to come. Contact roof repair contractors in your area today.