Roof repairs can be tricky because there are several components involved and the added safety considerations to make on top of it all.
Some homeowners are convinced they could do the job themselves while others opt for professional roofing contractors. This article explores the difference between the two and which would be a better pick for most homeowners.
We cover the pre-repair process, the pros and cons of DIY and professional roofing, cost and safety considerations, and the workmanship required. If you’re someone thinking: I want to repair my roof! This is the place to be.
Picking Between DIY and Professional Roof Repairs
Initial Damage Assessment
There are several types of roof damage ranging from slight wear and tear to missing shingles and sagging roofs. Roof damage, if left untreated, can swell into a serious issue that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
Homeowners should look for shingle damage (cupping, cracking, blistering, curling), metal roof damage (punctures, dents, corrosion), or tile damage (missing, cracked, or broken). Knowing the extent of the roof damage helps homeowners decide between DIY or professional help.
The Pros and Cons
This section discusses the most pressing question on homeowners’ minds: Which is better? DIY or professional roofers.
The pros of DIY roof repair include:
- Cost-effective
- Comes with a sense of accomplishment
- Better time flexibility
- Helps homeowners upskill themselves
The cons of DIY roof repair include:
- Riskier
- More time-consuming
- Errors could potentially result in expensive repairs
The pros of hiring a professional roofer include:
- Experienced contractors with essential knowledge
- Using trained professionals to reduce accidents and operational issues
- Efficient job completion
- Professional roofing companies offering warranties
- Ensuring proper roof installation and material usage
The cons of hiring a professional roofer include:
- Professional roofing services can be expensive
- No time-flexibility
Cost Considerations
Professional roofing costs vary depending on location, labor, materials, and scope of work. Minor repairs (shingle repair) would cost between $50 to 200 for DIY and between $200 and $500 for professional work.
Replacing sections of the roof or fixing leaks could range between $200 to $1000 for tools and materials in DIY. Professional roofers could charge upwards of $1000 to get the job done. Major roof repairs would be expensive either way so expect it to be $1000+ whether DIY or professional.
Roof repair costs depend on:
- The roof size and pitch
- Roof materials
- Damage extent
- Labor
- Permit costs, disposal feel, sudden unexpected changes.
Workmanship Quality
The workmanship with DIY repairs depends on how much experience homeowners have with extensive home renovations. Before starting a DIY roof repair, homeowners need to know whether they’re physically fit, can maintain balance on steep roofs, handle tools and materials, and can identify and fix roofing issues. DIY gives homeowners more control over repair work but is exponentially more complex to get right.
Professional roofing contractors will have gone through various processes that ensure roof repairs are done right. These include getting essential certifications such as those by the Roofing Association of America (RCAA). They will have the licenses to offer their services in the area combined with essential experience to do the job right. The roofers will round off their offer with warranties on materials and workmanship.
Trust the Pros with Roof Repairs
Homeownership comes with complex conundrums, roof repairs being one of them. If you’re someone contemplating whether to go with professional roofing or take on a DIY project, there are pros and cons with both choices.
Homeowners must gauge the extent of roof damage and how comprehensive repairs are. They need to account for material costs and the likelihood of the job being done right. Roof repairs are no joke and getting it done right is essential because you cannot repeat it again and again.
It is essential to account for cost considerations that hinge on task complexity, materials, labor, and other components. The workmanship of a DIY compared to professional roofing also influences the final decision.