Roofs will ultimately face severe weather or damage from pests, and eventually need repairs. A roof is designed to protect a home from these harsh elements. But over time, a roof will age and need repairs. It can be tempting to think about repairing your roof yourself, so let’s take a closer look at the costs and risks of DIY vs professional roof repair.
Top Costs and Risks When Choosing DIY or Professional Roof Repair
When it comes to a damaged roof, certain repairs can certainly be done by a homeowner who is handy, possesses the right tools and supplies, and is undaunted by ascending a ladder to reach a roof as well as tackling a home project like this in the first place.
Depending on the seriousness and complexity of the damage and roof repair necessary, a homeowner needs to evaluate if they have the specific knowledge and skills to properly complete the repair, and that’s if they are willing to get up on the roof to do so.
If ascending a ladder, or finding that the roof area is temperamental, unstable, or unnerving, moving right to a call with your roofing pro is your best move regardless of the simplicity of the repair needed.
Should I Repair my Roof Myself?
There are a couple minor roof repairs that a DIY-friendly homeowner could consider handling themselves. And remember, serious and perilous damage to a roof should only be addressed by an expert roofing professional.
- Nail Lifting – This can lead to a roof leak inside a home. Repairing this type of issue can be as simple as fastening the nail back down and applying proper roofing sealant to the location. This can ensure the nail remains in place and any remaining gaps are sealed.
- Torn or Missing Shingle – If you have extra shingles stored in your garage or attic, replacing a shingle can mean installing a new shingle panel section or reattaching an existing shingle that is still present. Simple supplies like a hammer, pry bar, roofing adhesive, and roofing nails might be all that is necessary to make a shingle repair.
- Flashing or Vent Leaks – Replacing flashing or ventilation materials is often more involved and a more advanced type of repair. It might be doable for a very handy homeowner, but if done improperly, can lead to other issues with your roof. Typically, for flashing or vent repairs, and anything greater than that, it’s best to call your local Austin roofing team as soon as you identify the issue.
Can You Save Money Doing a Roof Repair Yourself?
Understand, these are just basic suggestions and a roofing professional is going to have the expert repair knowledge, tools, and skills to fix your issue properly. Attempting to do the roof repairs yourself can lead to more issues, too. Making a call to ensure the repair is done right the first time is often the best – and most cost-effective – move you can make to save money and reduce risk.
If the list of repairs above reveals larger problems like holes in the roof through the underlayment or wood structure, having larger repairs performed by a roofer is your best option and again actually reduces your costs and lower your risks because it will be done right and safely.
Is DIY Roofing Worth It?
If a homeowner is capable of ascending to a roof structure safely and using the right tools, then saving some money in repair costs can be feasible if the roof repair is minor. Much past these minor repairs, the fix necessary is probably going to require more expertise, knowledge of local codes, and skills best left up to a roofing professional.
We often recommend a review of your roof after a large storm and yearly to confirm the safety and integrity of your roof. Any repairs can be addressed during this inspection or as they come up.
Your Local Austin, TX Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a prominent roofing company in residential roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.
