Is your old roof getting you down because it looks shabby and is forever developing roof leaks? If that is the case, you may find yourself without the budget for a roofing company and ask yourself, “Can I install my roof myself?”
Conducting a DIY roof installation on your roof can be very tempting, primarily if you are used to conducting the odd roof repairs for shingles now and then.
However, even if you feel you will be able to install a new roof on your own, the real question is should you do it rather than can you install a roof yourself?
Is DIY roof replacement the better option when you have lots of professional roofers to choose from?
Before climbing onto your dangerously steep roof to tackle the old shingles that have become an eyesore, consider hiring a professional contractor.
Water Damage and Roofing of Cedar Park are just one call away!
Do I Need a Permit To Replace My Roof Myself?
Yes, many states require a permit before anyone can install a new roof or replace an old one. It would be best to look into this before working on your home.
How Hard Is It To Install Your Roof?
Some DIY roof replacement jobs are much easier to tackle than others, depending on how prepared you are for the job and the necessary tools’ availability.
Each job has to be looked at individually to determine how hard it could be to complete. The following are some of the important factors to consider:
Installing an Entire Roof vs. Minor Repairs
Common sense should tell you that knowing how to join two sandwich panels or shingles to care for a small leaking area is nothing compared to stripping down an entire roof and, for example, replacing ordinary asphalt shingles with architectural shingles.
Before trying to install your roof, consider the following:
- The size of the roof
- How steep is the roof slope?
- Does your roof have skylights?
- What is the height of the tallest peak from the ground?
- How do you intend to get your roofing materials up there?
- Do you have solar panels or a Starlink satellite antenna installed?
The Roofing Process
You need to consider the scope of the roof replacement job before committing to the DIY project. The following are some of the common things that are part of the roofing process:
- Tearing off the old shingles
- Sealing your work
- Installing the drip edge
- Capping the ridge
- Applying the underlayment covering
- Sealing around pipes and vents
- Covering the roof with felt paper
- Installing dormers and vents
- Installing flashing
- Waterproofing valleys and edges
- Trimming edges
- Installing and securing the shingles
- Maintaining proper overlap to prevent leaks
- Inspecting the wood and plywood under your shingles for damage and other issues
Availability of the Right Tools
Do you have the right tools and safety equipment for the job? The following are some of the tools needed for roof work:
- Air compressor and air hose
- Work gloves
- Roofing nailer
- Safety harness and fall arrest system
- Hard hats
- Circular saw
- Straightedge
- Caulk gun
- Roofing nails
- Tin snips
- Utility knife and blades
- Stapler
DIY Roofing Experience
If you have never attempted DIY roof replacement, even over a small portion of the roof, there are many things that you may overlook, such as:
- The necessary safety precautions needed to ensure you work safely without any incidents
- How to save money by buying material from the cheapest suppliers
- The added labor costs that may come when you need help with, for example, hoisting the roofing materials
- How to prevent human error, which is common when people install their roof
- The best way to make your roof as energy efficient as possible
- How to cut corners safely to make the job easier
Pros and Cons of DIY Roof Replacement
Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of trying to replace a residential roof:
Pros
- You can cut back on labor costs.
- It can be a rewarding experience to build your home with your own hands
- You can learn a new skill
Cons
- You can void your homeowners’ insurance policy or roof warranty if the company does not allow DIY roof replacement.
- It can be hazardous because the risk of falling off your roof is very high
- Certain areas of the roof, such as chimneys, may be too difficult for you to handle alone
- You may end up doing a poor job that will lead to expensive situations, such as getting water damage in your attic
How Can I Roof My House Myself?
If you insist on replacing your roof, take the following steps:
- Research as much as you can about the best roofing material for your needs
- Consider your budget and your goals for your project
- Get all the necessary tools together and hire the expensive ones that you do not have
- Consider the building codes and get a permit if one is needed
- Talk to the insurance company about your intended project
What Is the Easiest Roofing To Install?
The following are two of the easiest materials to install:
Metal Roofing Materials
While a commercial metal roof can be quite complicated to install, if you use large flat sheets of corrugated steel on your home, you will find that these are the easiest galvanized materials to fasten onto your roof deck.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are easy to fit together, and once you get into a good rhythm, you can quickly cover large sections of the roof.
Choose the Safer Option and Call Water Damage and Roofing of Cedar Park!
The risk of installing your roof vs. hiring professional roofers is too high, considering that you have an experienced roofing company at your doorstep. Call Water Damage and Roofing of Cedar Park right now!