The do-it-yourself process can be empowering and cost-effective, but there are some parts of your home that you shouldn’t try to remodel or maintain on your own—and your roof is one of them. When it comes to repairing your roof or even just updating it to be a little more modern, you’ll be much better off consulting a roofing expert.
Fixing your roof on your own can be time consuming, tedious, and dangerous—and if you don’t do it properly, you run the risk of damaging it even more. Hiring a roofer is critical to keeping your home’s rooftop in good condition. If you’re still not convinced, here’s some more information about the benefits of calling in the professionals.
Experience
The process of repairing or replacing your roof can get complicated quickly. Without the help of a professional, you may end up missing critical aspects of the job, or even making things worse. Depending on what your day job is, you probably won’t have the specialized level of knowledge that a roofing expert does. A professional roofer brings key skills that allow him or her to assess your roof, how much material you need, how long the project will take, and expected costs. No matter how much you study up on roofing, you won’t be able to measure up to the experience and training of a professional.
Time and Costs
If you end up trying to DIY your roof repair, you are most likely going to be putting in a lot of time into the project. If you do everything right the first time around, you could end up saving money—but even one small mistake can cause your efforts to backfire. Say you meant to patch a hole but ended up making it bigger, or you wanted to replace a few tiles but wound up cracking more than you replaced. Whatever the situation, you’ll end up having to call a professional anyway, which will end up costing you more than if you’d just made that call before striking out on your own.
Safety
Working high up on a sloping roof isn’t the same as replacing a toilet or redoing your kitchen. Repairing your own roof can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing while operating on dangerous terrain. A roofing company employs professionals who are trained in proper safety procedures and will know how to minimize risks on the job. As a non-professional, you not only run the risk of harming yourself by falling; you could also damage the inside of your home!
When to Hire a Roofer
Determining when to have a contractor come out and assess your roof’s needs can be tricky. Luckily, there are certain signs you can watch out for to help determine when to call in some professional help.
- The shingles on your roof are curling. This is a clear sign of weathering and could lead to potential issues down the road.
- Shingles are missing. Missing shingles don’t necessarily indicate whole roof damage, but they can be quite displeasing to the eye. A contractor can assess whether you need some new shingles or an entire new roof.
- Shingle granules are in your gutter. Check your gutters regularly, and pay attention to what you find there. When you find shingle granules in your gutter, it typically means that they are coming to the end of their life cycle. This is a good indicator that it’s time to replace your roof to prevent further damage.
- Your roof is over 20 years old. A typical roof will last anywhere from 20 to 25 years with reasonable wear. This lifespan drops in areas exposed to harsh temperature and weather patterns. If your roof is 20 or more years old, it needs to be looked at! Have a roofing professional come out and assess the quality of your roof to determine whether or not it’s reaching the end of its life.
Roof Repair in Minneapolis
When it comes to an essential feature like roofing, the do-it-yourself option just doesn’t cut it. You need professionals who know exactly what they’re doing and who will get it done right the first time. Whether you you’re looking to repair a damaged roof or give your home’s exterior a new look altogether, let Honey-Doers take over the stressful process of dealing with your roofing needs. We install the highest-quality roofing materials to ensure long-lasting results and customer satisfaction. Call or contact us online for a free roofing estimate!
