Is it time to re-shingle? Have you detected a leak that needs patching? If you’re at all handy, you’re probably wondering, can I do this myself? While plenty of homeowners fix their own roofs here and there, there are many more who choose to go pro. Before you break out the ladder, here are the pros and cons of tending to your own roof.

 

The Pros

When we DIY home improvement projects, the biggest pro always is – and always will be – money. You can save hundreds, perhaps thousands, when your roof repair costs the exact price of materials only.

We also love the flexibility of a DIY project. Contractors, especially good ones, can take their time fitting you in. Nothing feels better than getting a job done as quickly as you like, on your own schedule.

DIY projects also contribute to our overall self-sufficiency. We learn best by doing, and when you successfully repair or replace your own roof, you’ve gained knowledge that can take you far during future home repairs and maintenance.

 

The Cons

The pros of DIY roofing, while valuable, are unfortunately not as numerous as the drawbacks. The biggest of these would-be injuries and even death; it’s one of the most dangerous construction-related jobs you can take on. When you hire a professional, they’ll be carrying some form of roofing insurance, which can soften the blow in the event someone is injured.

Then you must consider the life of your roof. Most materials you buy to repair and replace will come with some kind of warranty. The catch is, these warranties are often only valid when the material is installed by a professional. So, if you do a less-than-professional job, and the materials don’t stand up as a result, that warranty won’t have your back.

And while we love the benefits of learning on the job, an essential structure like the roof of your home probably isn’t the best teacher. It’s too easy for inexperienced DIY roofers to miss a critical part of repair related to, for example, water damage or the source of a leak, and end up making matters worse.

Roofs are practical and functional above all else, but they also contribute a lot to the overall aesthetic of a home’s exterior. Replacing your home’s shingles may seem straightforward, but when you come down off that ladder, there’s a chance your roof will have a wavy, uneven look that you definitely weren’t going for.

 

The End Result

The truth is, roofing is harder than a lot of people think going in. It takes longer for those who aren’t very experienced, and unless you’re accustomed to heights and only working during beautiful weather, it can be quite uncomfortable.

How much time and money will you have to sink into fixing your own DIY disaster? If anything goes wrong on your DIY roofing job, it immediately cancels out the biggest benefit – the decreased cost. Save money by hiring a professional to do the job right the first time, and you won’t be stuck paying for additional materials or medical bills.