Here’s why you shouldn’t repair your roof yourself.

Do you like self-renovation projects? This way of doing things can be very rewarding in addition to saving you money. However, you should think twice before taking on a roofing project on your own. Unless you are a professional roofer, you are probably not adequately equipped or trained for this type of project. This puts you at risk of making costly or dangerous mistakes on your roof.

In addition, the result of your self-renovation project may disappoint your expectations. According to a  survey  of more than 2,000 homeowners, more than half found their project longer and more difficult than they expected. Even though the survey looked at simple renovation projects, like repainting walls or installing a backsplash, 8% of homeowners damaged their home doing it themselves. In addition, 16% of them were injured. The proportion of injuries and damages is certainly even higher when it comes to roofing projects.

In some ways, roof installation is similar to gardening. Those who have never done it often think it’s simple, but when they bring their first plant home, they realize that just putting it near a window isn’t enough for it to grow. flourishes. The same goes for roof installation. Professional roofers are equipped with equipment, knowledge and know-how that make their job seem easy, but it is not.

There are several reasons to hire a professional rather than undertaking roof repairs yourself.

1. Knowledge and know-how of professionals

Did you know that your roof has several layers of material under the shingles?  Is a roof a complex system superimposing different components ? All of these elements must be properly connected to allow water to flow off the roof rather than into the house.

Professional roofers are qualified to understand roofing systems and install components according to manufacturer standards and current building codes. In North America, state, provincial or professional association certification may also be required. Some roofers also obtain certification from a manufacturer to increase their expertise and know-how.

Their training allows professional roofers to protect your home from the elements in ways you may not notice. For example, while carrying out a repair, your roofer could detect a roof problem that you would not have detected.

Can I repair my roof myself?

Although you may gain  knowledge about your roof , it’s unlikely that you will have the time to learn everything it takes to complete a repair. Even if you are only replacing a missing shingle, there are many opportunities for errors.

Maybe you don’t know how to fold the shingles over the one you just installed. Perhaps you’ll leave the nail heads exposed to the elements or use the wrong gauge nails? You could also drive the nails in the wrong place or improperly. Very often, homeowners don’t notice when their underlayment also needs replacing. Any of these small mistakes could cause a new leak.

It is difficult to understand the complexity of a roof unless you invest a lot of time into it. Think about the specialized knowledge you have acquired in your own career. Would you expect a professional roofer to be able to learn this knowledge in a timely manner and complete your job adequately in a weekend?

The importance of aesthetics

When a professional roofer takes care of your roof, they must consider its beauty as well as its function. After all, the roof is an essential part of your home’s appearance. It takes a lot of experience and know-how to  install a shingle roof  that looks good and even charms your potential buyers.

To obtain the best possible result, a professional roofer will install the shingles in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Liability and insurance

Your home insurance probably doesn’t cover damage you could cause to your roof by walking on it or repairing it without the proper knowledge. Your insurance company could deny your claim on the grounds that it was negligent on your part to undertake the repairs yourself. You will therefore have to pay out of your pocket to repair the damage.

A professional roofer is less likely to make mistakes, but if they do, they will likely have insurance that covers damage to your roof or other property. A roofer concerned about his reputation will also come back to correct his errors without additional costs. By hiring a professional, you are protected by their insurance and you save yourself the worries and expenses that a refused claim can cause.

If your roof was damaged by a storm and your insurance company has already agreed to cover the repair costs, can you undertake the work yourself? Insurance claims laws differ slightly from state to state. It is therefore best to obtain the advice of an attorney and your insurance company before using funds obtained from an insurance claim.