The Difference Between DIY Roofing & Professional Roofing

If you are facing major damage to your roof, the expense of repairing it can feel daunting. At Lyons Roofing, we understand that any roofing work probably seems like a major commitment, and oftentimes, homeowners start to wonder whether they can just get the job done themselves. But no matter how handy you are, it is almost always better to let a professional roofer handle that repair. While it may be tempting to at least consider the DIY approach, we can pretty much guarantee you that hiring experts like our team at Lyons for roofing repairs will work out better and save you a major headache in the long run. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between DIY roofing and professional roofing, and do not hesitate to call us for all your residential roofing needs.

5 Reasons to Always Leave Roofing Work to the Professionals

1. Experience: Even if your roof just looks like a bunch of singles, it’s important to remember there are a bunch of layers underneath what you are actually seeing. All these pieces work together to create a cohesive roofing system, and most homeowners don’t have the experience that a professional roofer does in terms of knowing how these pieces work together. While more experienced individuals may be able to make certain patches to their roofs, you can end up doing a lot of damage if you don’t know about all the parts you’re working with. You’ve got to consider the flashing, the siding, the roofing membrane; not being familiar with all these components means there is a greater chance you are going to make a mistake that could affect the aesthetic value of your roof and larger property, and cause you more problems in the future.
2. Liability: Your homeowners insurance is unlikely to cover any damage you do to your roof while walking on it. You can of course file an insurance claim for other damage that your roof has sustained, but if you end up exacerbating that damage or causing more problems, don’t expect to receive compensation. Professional roofers are trained to spend time on top of roofs, but while you may have gone up on your roof once or twice before, the longer you are up there, the greater chance there is that you will do serious damage. And remember, with a professional roofing company, you are usually covered by limited warranties on both manufacturer’s parts and the roofer themselves. With DIY roofing, you don’t get this kind of coverage, leaving you more open to being held liable for damage.
3. Cost: You may think you can save money by attempting a roofing repair yourself, but in actuality, the opposite is usually true. In addition to costs you may incur by causing more damage, you also probably do not have the tools necessary to complete a proper roof repair. By the time you get all the safety equipment, materials, and tools you’ll need to get started, you could be out just as much or more as the cost of hiring a roofer. For instance, you will likely need to purchase an extension ladder, harness, and safety helmet just to get started on a roof repair.
4. Time: Roofing repairs can take a good amount of time, but they almost always go faster when you hire a professional. In addition to the time it takes to perform the repair itself, you will have to take into account the time it takes to put a tarp over your roof in order to shield it from the elements. After all, the average person cannot complete a roof repair in just one day, and when you have to set up and take down equipment all by yourself multiple times, you may waste days you could’ve saved by calling a roofer in the first place.
5. Safety: At the end of the day, the main reason to hire a roofer comes back to the safety of yourself and your family. DIY roofing work may cause you to fall off your property, or even cause a cave-in in your home. In addition to the damage this will cause to your house, you will also end up incurring a ton of medical bills if this happens, and maybe even needing physical therapy if your injuries are bad enough. And then there are all the dangers that come with handling nails and roofing cement and all the other tools you need to make the repairs on your roof. And if weather conditions are not ideal, there is an even greater chance you will injure yourself. Remember, every year, a ton of people visit the emergency room just for trying to put up Christmas lights on their roof. That’s why for serious repairs, it’s always better to hire a professional—especially if you want to avoid serious injuries.

To schedule your next professional roofing repair, just call Lyons Roofing at (520) 447-2522. You can also click here to send us a message online.