Hello World! Welcome Friends! A whopping $5,300 to $10,600 — that’s how much a new roof or roof replacement costs in the US.
As such, it’s not surprising that many homeowners gravitate towards DIY roof replacement. After all, this means that they don’t need to pay for labor. Especially since labor costs in the US already rose by 2.7% by the third quarter of 2019.
However, a roof replacement is one of the roofing jobs that you should never DIY. That’s because such jobs involve a lot of safety and financial risks.
The question now is, what exactly are these risks that come with a DIY roofing replacement? Why should you leave your own roof replacement in the hands of professionals?
We’ll tell you all the risks and reasons in this post, so be sure to read until the end!
1. A Roof is a Dangerous Place To Fall From
In 2018, 2.8 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses occurred in private workplaces in the US. Of these occupational hazards, over 199,100 cases occurred in the construction industry. Yes, this industry includes the roofing sector.
This shows just how risky a roof can be, even for professionals. So, imagine how much more dangerous it is for someone who doesn’t have the same kind of training that roof experts do.
That said, replacing your roof on your own puts you at serious risk of falling from a high place. Falls are very common in US homes, with 7 million fall injuries taking place each year.
Slipping or tripping on a tool while on the roof can lead to a fall. The risk of injury is even higher if you don’t have the special safety gear that professional roofers use.
This should be enough reason to hire licensed professionals for your roof replacement.
2. Broken Bones Aren’t the Only Fall Injuries You’re At Risk Of
A fall may not only cause broken bones — it may also lead to more serious brain injuries. That’s on top of the cuts, lacerations, and bruises that a fall is likely to result in.
3. Your Roof May Be Too Worn to Support Your Weight
From the outside, your roof may appear to be safe to walk on. However, it’s possible that the roof underlayment already has severe rotting. Placing more stress (as in your weight) on these decaying sections can lead to their collapse.
Even if your weight isn’t enough to cause a huge hole to fall in, the weight of your foot may be enough to create a small hole. Your foot may then fall into and get stuck in this hole. Moreover, the sharp edges of the damaged roof parts may cut or puncture your skin.
Roofing experts have the skills, tools, and know-how to spot these dangerous situations. They use special equipment to detect areas of the roof that may collapse under any extra weight. They also don personal protective equipment that safeguards them from potential injuries.
4. A DIY Roof Replacement May Void the Materials’ Warranty
Almost all roofing material manufacturers void their warranties if installed by a non-pro. As such, installing these materials on your own means you’ll lose their warranty.
This can prove to be a financial disaster if you make a mistake and damage them during installation. In this case, you likely need to get replacements for the damaged parts. Since the damaged components no longer have a warranty, you’ll end up spending even more money.
5. The DIY-Installed Roof Itself Won’t Have Warranty
Professional roof contractors offer long-term warranties on their installation services. These warranties protect your investment (and wallet!) in case something goes wrong with the roof. So long as the warranty is in place, you don’t have to worry about paying for roof repairs.
Whereas replacing a roof on your own means you won’t get any of these benefits. You’d have to shoulder the cost to repair or replace all parts of your roof that will sustain damage over time.
6. Installing A New Roof Often Requires Many State-Issued Permits
Depending on the state you live in, you may need new roofing or re-roofing permits. Many cities, such as Sarasota, FL, even require these permits and inspections for any roof work. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the suspension of the project.
That said, applying for these permits can take a lot of time for an average DIY-er. You may also get confused as to which permit to apply for. Getting the wrong permit can also be a form of non-compliance, and this can also lead to penalties.
Save yourself from the hassle of applying for all these permits. A licensed roof contractor will take full responsibility for acquiring all these documents.
7. A DIY Roof Installation May Not Meet All Building Codes
Building codes exist to ensure that a building meets all energy code requirements. These codes vary from state to state, but in general, they ensure that installed roofs have no air leakage. These requirements also protect homeowners from unwanted heat loss and gains.
If you replace your own roof, you may not be able to meet all these building codes. This may then result in government penalties. More than that, incorrect roof installation can make your home less energy-efficient.
Air and water leaks are common problems with poorly-done roof replacements. Worse, these leaks can also cause interior damage to your home.
Licensed roofers understand and abide by all federal, state, and local building codes. That’s why it’s always best to leave roof replacement jobs in the hands of professionals.
8. DIY Roof Replacements May Cost More in the Long Run
The safety risks that come with DIY roof replacements should be enough to make you think twice. There are also the possibilities of making mistakes during the installation. These errors, such as air leaks, will cost you a lot in the long-term.
All these prove that DIY roofing replacements are not worth your time and effort.
Leave Your Roof Replacement to Licensed, Professional Contractors
There you have it, all the reasons that make a DIY roof replacement a bad idea. The thought alone of falling and sustaining injuries should be enough reason.
Whereas professional contractors know what they’re doing. They also have all the tools needed to complete the task safely and in the least amount of time possible. That makes them the best choice for your roof replacement job.
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