Can you fix your own roof? Short answer: No.
An average homeowner who has a damaged roof is probably trying to rationalise a situation that is thought to be not quite as clear-cut: Is a roof replacement a DIY job? Is hiring a roofing contractor necessary? Just how hard can it be to replace shingles on your roof?
While online tutorials are aplenty, it’s not advisable to repair or replace your roof. You may think you’re up to the job and taking on the task can save you money. But, it’s actually quite the opposite—DIY roof replacement will cause you far more trouble than it’s worth.
Why You Shouldn’t Try to DIY Roof Repairs
In Sydney and other Australian households, roofs in serious damage can be expensive to fix and ranks pretty low on the list of repair jobs that you can DIY. Continue reading further for the reasons why it’s better to hire professional roofing specialists than to do the task yourself.
- It isn’t necessarily cheaper
Sure, it’s expensive to pay a professional to repair your roof, given that the cost of materials to cover the job is much less expensive. On the surface, it makes going the DIY route seem practical.
However, when you hire a professional roofing contractor, you’re not merely paying for the materials but for the skills, experience, and equipment that you would otherwise have to buy yourself. Plus, you’re also paying for the guarantee that the job will be done correctly and efficiently the first time. This is unlike in DIY where you run the risk of botching the job and end up hiring a professional anyway.
- It carries safety risks
Installing a roof contend with several safety hazards including heights, sloping surfaces, weather, and equipment. While professionals can make roof repairs look easy, it’s actually dangerous work.
Imagine the risks involved in the job: you will have to haul the materials and tools up to an elevated location, climb up the ladder, and balance yourself on top of the roof. All these steps can put you at risk of falls or slips and considering the repercussions of these injuries, it’s always more sensible to hire a professional to perform roof repairs instead.
- It can void insurance and warranties
When a professional roofing contractor installs your new roof, there’s a high chance that your roof will be covered by a warranty. But, for this to remain valid, you are often required to hire professionals to perform your roofing services. Otherwise, fixing the roof yourself could void your warranty and cost you significantly on repairs.
Aside from warranties, you should also think about your insurance before deciding to install or repair your roof yourself. In many cases, when an insurance company finds out that you have tinkered on your roof, they will cancel your policy and refuse to insure you again.
- It is full of rookie mistakes
There are many ways you can botch your roof repair work and it all boils down to the fact that the work of a professional will always be superior to that of one who merely knows how to nail shingles. First, it’s easy for you to miss a serious problem. Some issues such as rotten beams are not as apparent as leaks and leaving them unaddressed can continue to erode your roof. It may also promote mould and mildew growth, thus putting your health and safety at risk.
Additionally, trying to do roof repairs yourself can potentially create an even bigger problem. If you are not skilled as you thought to be in nailing down shingles, you could create small holes in your roof that can lead to major water damage.
Roof repair is a job that you wouldn’t want to take a chance on, at the risk of your health, safety, and overall integrity of your property. Roof replacement cost in Sydney wide can go as high as $20,000 depending on the scope of the project. However, there is a valid reason for this. Professionals went through training and workshops to ensure the quality of their work without compromising safety.
So, while paying for a local roofing contractor isn’t always high on your priority list, understanding the guarantee it can offer will make it all worth it.
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