Replacing your roof can get expensive, and there is a multitude of do-it-yourself resources out there that make roof replacement look easy. But is it really that simple? Roofing work is difficult, and it takes a lot of time, patience, and attention to detail. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, things can get overlooked, and can leave things in worse shape than they were before. Using the right roof installation service can ensure peace of mind that the project will be done correctly.
Of course, with the proper knowledge, tools, and know-how, practically anybody can get up on their own house and start pounding nails to replace their roof. But should you? There are a multitude of ways to damage your roof if you don’t know what you’re doing up there, and injury is also a concern.
Benefits of DIY Roof Replacement
Replacing a roof by yourself is likely going to be less expensive. You’re eliminating the labor costs by using your own time, and you’re not paying anybody else for materials. If you have the proper tools and knowledge, this can be a good option – especially if you’re only looking at replacing a few shingles. Replacing an entire roof can be a daunting task, as it’s intense manual labor that requires precision, as well.
It might be less expensive to do it yourself, but that cost-cutting comes with its own price tag, as the time it takes to complete one of these projects is the biggest factor. A lot of research needs to be done on your roof. What types of shingles are required? Will you need to replace the entire roof? What do I have to do to maintain ventilation? Making sure you get all of these boxes checked before you do the job yourself is paramount, or you could end up with a roof that’s less effective than the one that needed to be replaced.
Benefits of a Qualified Contractor
Repairing or replacing a roof by yourself is going to be less expensive, simply because of the labor costs. However, finding a trusted, qualified contractor that performs roof installation services can be much more beneficial. Enlisting an experienced, qualified contractor can likely do the project in less time, and will have the proper knowhow for any type of roof. It’s important to note that not all roofers have the proper licensure. Checking with the Better Business Bureau before hiring – and especially before paying – any potential roofer is a critical first step.
Another concern is your insurance company. The contractor can alleviate these woes, as well. A lot of insurance companies will not pay a claim if the roof work hasn’t been done by a qualified contractor. That could mean that your do-it-yourself project could end up being far more expensive than if you would have gone with the contractor in the first place.
Replacing your own roof is a daunting task, but there are those out there handy enough to pull it off. In most situations, a contractor is probably your best bet. For more information on the pros and cons of replacing a roof yourself, or to find out the complexity of your own roof repairs or replacement, contact the experts at Advocate Construction today.