Can I replace Roof Myself?

A roofing job is hazardous, but anyone with the appropriate installation and repair skills can restore a broken roof. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can find many explainer videos showing you how to fix a cracked tile using standard hand tools. You can replace a roof yourself; however, before deciding to do it, find out first if you have enough workforce support to lift your tools and materials up there.

The Danger of Replacing a Roof Alone

You might end up hurting yourself if you don’t have the appropriate tools and equipment such as nail guns, power roof cutters, drilling tools, circular saws, and hoisting machines to help you out. Not only that, you can’t literally handle the job alone since you will need another warm body to carry these items, plus roofing materials on top. However, it might seem time to fix your own broken roof, provided that you diligently follow all safety precautions before you begin the work.

Another potential drawback of getting your roof repaired alone is the lack of accident insurance to cover your injuries in case something terrible happens to you while you’re working. Most insurance firms don’t provide insurance coverage for DIY repairs or if you hire a self-employed roofer. It will always be advisable to get professional assistance from roofing contractors NYC, mainly if you’re dealing with complicated roof flashing systems and non-typical design variations like mansard roofs and hip valleys. Apart from that, you can’t deny the fact that you need to bear with other potential problems out there, including electrocution, tripping hazards, and health issues due to constant heat exposure.

In any roofing project, homeowners are often left confused about whether to repair or replace an old roof, except for instances when the roof damage becomes visible after a natural disaster. You need to inspect roof components before you decide whether you should proceed with roof replacement or just patching jobs. A minor roof repair may seem appropriate if you only find some gutter cracks, shingle granules, and bent flashing around your roof structure. However, if you’re considering complete roof replacement, determining your residency plans, whether to stay long in your house or sell it after a few years, should form part of your final decision. 

Present Service Life of Your Roof

Roof age is one important factor to consider, whether your roof requires professional services or just a simple DIY repair. From asphalt shingles to metal roofs, every roofing material possesses individual characteristics that may significantly influence your personal decision. Organic 3-tab shingles, for instance, often require repairs, especially if the service life is already beyond ten years. Before you go for DIY, you must check the extent of damage and determine if you can still handle the problem alone or seek professional assistance. 

You may consult a local professional roofer in your area to determine how much service life you may still have left on your current roof. Before hiring an experienced roofer who will inspect your roof thoroughly, look for these apparent signs of roof damage as follows:

• Sustained Roof Leaks
• Defective Gutters and Flashing Systems
• Water Stains
• Basement Flooding of Water Ponding
• Buckling Signs on Your Roof
• Damaged Underlayment
• Signs of Pest Infestation
• Missing Roof Parts
• Scattered Shingle Granules Anywhere in Your Property
• Surface Damage on Metal Roofs and Tiles
• Roof Sagging (referring to roofing frames)
• Roof Damage Due to Tree Libs and Debris
• Moss or Algae Growth
• Exposed Home Interiors

The signs mentioned above will help you determine whether you can handle the roof problem yourself or better hire a professional roofer’s services. If you aren’t sure what to do with the damage, let the professionals take care of the dirty job for your safety. Beware of the roofing contractors who will offer you roof replacement options even if the condition of your existing roof is still workable. Discuss your roofing concerns with multiple contractors for any appropriate suggestions which can help minimize your repair expenses. 

Residency Plans in the Future

Replacing an old roof isn’t advisable if you don’t have prior plans to stay in your house for a long while. When the time comes, you need to sell your home. However, you may find it challenging to attract real estate agents and buyers, particularly if you ignore those roofing issues and fail to address them accordingly. Extensive roof damage will decrease the value of your property while incurring more expenses at your end. 

If your roof has gone through multiple repairs or has been existing for over 25 years, consider hiring professional roofers to have your roof cautiously inspected for apparent damages. A roof inspection may incur an additional cost, so make sure to set a portion of your budget for it. During an inspection, you can find some areas of your roof that may require special attention but can be repaired with ordinary DIY skills.

Formulating a maintenance plan will prolong your present roof’s service life, whether you prefer to fix the problem yourself or ask for professional assistance. Your maintenance strategy must include the following activities to ensure the lasting performance of your roof:

• Removing roof debris, dry leaves, and loose branches from the roof surface and gutters.
• Regular trimming of tree branches. 
• Resealing wood shakes and shingles.
• Replacing missing and broken shingles.
• Resealing the joint seams of your metal roof.
• An annual roof inspection to be carried out by a professional. 

Your final decision whether to fix your own roof or hire someone else that provides roofing services to do it will greatly depend on the present age of your roof as well as the quality of the roofing installation. You can learn more @ManhattanRoofingNyc.com concerning essential DIY tips and roof maintenance.