What Should I Know Before Starting a DIY Roof Replacement Project?
A roof replacement project is a significant undertaking for any homeowner. And it comes with a hefty price tag. The importance of a roof cannot be overstated as it provides crucial protection to your home and everyone living within it. While it may be tempting to replace your roof using some DIY techniques to save money, make sure to consider all aspects of the task before starting.
Despite a plethora of instructional resources available online, you must understand the complexities and potential risks associated with replacing a roof before deciding. So, with that in mind, let's examine some key considerations that you should consider before embarking on a DIY roofing project.
1. Cost
The expenses associated with roofing a house can quickly accumulate thanks to the variety of materials required such as shingles, roofing cement, and nails to name a few. Accurately estimating the amount of required material can be challenging for non-professionals. This, in turn, can result in the purchase of more materials than necessary.
For instance, shingles are usually sold in bundles, and buying more bundles than required can lead to excess material that is not needed for the job. Professionals can utilize these surplus materials for future projects. However, DIY roofers are left with the additional cost of excess materials that they will not use.
2. Hidden and Underlying Costs
Before beginning any work, you need to determine if your homeowner's association or local authorities require a permit for the project. Failing to obtain a necessary permit can result in costly fines down the line. In addition, you need to carefully analyze your homeowner's insurance policy. While most policies cover replacements resulting from inclement weather and fire, undertaking a DIY replacement may void a portion of your policy in the long run.
3. Potential Risks
Installing a new roof poses several inherent risks that you should never overlook. The most apparent of these risks are elevated height, which increases the chances of a fall. However, additional factors, such as multiple levels and varying angles, can make the job even more challenging, particularly when handling specialized tools. Working on a sloped roof can also be a daunting task, especially if you are not experienced. Furthermore, carrying bulky and heavy materials on a ladder can lead to physical strain and serious accidents.
4. Roofing Tools and Equipment
It is important to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment for the roofing job at hand. Renting or purchasing specialized tools may be necessary, as a roofer typically requires up to 30 different tools for the best results. While a few tools may be found in an average home, others may be missing. Essential tools for roofing jobs may include a caulk gun, an air compressor, an extension ladder, an air hose, a ladder hoist, circular saws, a magnetic sweeper, roof brackets, roofing shovel, tarps, shingle tear-off tools, snips, among others.
5. Consider Professional Roofers
When it comes to replacing a roof, there’s a significant difference between DIY jobs and the work of experienced professionals. While DIY projects can help you learn new skills and save money on smaller household tasks, a total roof replacement is a risky and costly project that requires a high level of expertise.
The risk of getting severely injured, the safety hazards, and the exorbitant cost of roofing materials make it clear that attempting to replace your roof on your own is simply not worth the risk. This is why we recommend turning to experienced roofing professionals at Legend Roofs for this important task.
Conclusion
At Legend Roofs, our team of exceptionally skilled and experienced professional roofers has a flawless track record of success in completing roofing projects of all sizes and complexities. We leave no stone unturned and provide our customers with the highest level of professionalism and efficiency, ensuring that every job is done right and fast.
To learn more about our services, don’t hesitate to call Legend Roofs at 405-352-7307 and get a FREE no-obligation estimate today. We service areas in Shawnee, Noble, Tecumseh, Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, and Duncan, OK.
