Why Should You Avoid Doing DIY Work On Your Roof?
Allstate Exteriors • October 4, 2021
Make no mistake about it – roofing is hard work. You cannot be afraid of heights, and there is no hiding from the elements. Sure, you can skip much of the heavy lifting of your new roofing materials by hoisting the materials onto your roof. However, you still have to tear off the old roof – all two layers of old shingles. Many homeowners who attempt to DIY their roof replacement believe it will cost them less. Besides, there are tons of DIY advice and instructional videos online to turn any layman into a professional – or so some may think.
However, you still have to buy all the tools and materials you will need. For the latter, even if you have a reliable supplier, you need to know the different qualities available in the market. Some roofers’ tools you will need include an air compressor, air hose, chalk gun, extension ladder, roof harness and other safety equipment, staple, scaffolding, utility knife, roofing nailer, tin snips, etc.
Finally, decide on the type of roofing materials to install. The common choices for residential roofing are asphalt shingles and metal. This article focuses on asphalt composition shingles, the most common type of roofing in the US.
How to Replace Your Roof (DIY)
After learning how to replace your roof and getting all the materials and tools you will need for the project, it’s time to start construction. First, you must decide whether to tear off the old roof or add a second layer. In central Ohio, you must remove the old layers before installing a new roof. The state also requires a building permit for a roof replacement.
The overall roofing process goes like this:
- Remove all existing layers of shingles along with old or damaged valley flashing and drip edging. Professional roofers will use tarps to protect your lawn and yard and magnetic tools to pick up metal objects and nails.
- Make repairs on the roof. Check the decking and replace worn or rotten wood with new plywood sheathing.
- Install ice dam protection.
- Lay down quality asphalt roofing paper over the entire surface of the roof sheathing. Overlap rows of roofing paper as you progress toward the peak and use enough staples to tack them in place.
- Apply metal drip edging over the roofing paper and ice guard and around the roof edge, both the gable and eave sides.
- Apply a new valley flashing on any areas where two or more roof planes meet.
- Apply tab shingles. Start from the eaves and work upward toward the peak.
- Apply flashing around possible areas where leaks might get into your home – for example, around skylights, stack vents, or against the chimney.
- Install the ridge vent to help the air circulation within the attic space, prevent winter ice dams, and exhaust hot air during summer.
- Clean up after your work and haul away the debris.
Cons of DIY Roof Replacement
It is not advisable to replace, repair, or even get up on your roof to inspect it. DIY roof work can be dangerous and can cause more harm than good in both the short and long run. Here are some reasons to leave roofing work to the professionals:
- It could cost you more: While cost is the most significant factor behind opting for DIY roofing projects, a sub-standard job could cost you more. You will face high setup costs for starters because you will need to buy or rent tools for the job. Additionally, if you do a shoddy job, you could end up hiring a roofer to fix your roof. Finally, an experienced roofing contractor can ensure you stay within your budget.
- Wrong calculations: Roofing requires making exact calculations to enhance your roofing system’s integrity. Any inaccurate estimates could prove disastrous or leave your roof and home exposed to the elements.
- You risk injury: Roofing is dangerous work, especially for inexperienced people who lack specialized tools and skills. You also face the risk of falling and injuring yourself. Expert roofers know the dangers involved, how to navigate your roof, and have the safety equipment they need to get the job done.
- Improper installation warrants a do-over: It is easy to make a mistake on your first or even second DIY roofing project, which could cost you more if you have to re-roof. Additionally, you may void your new roof’s warranty.
- You might not like the results: At the end of the day, your roof affects your property’s aesthetic appeal, and you will have to live with the results. Professional roofing work guarantees the roofing style and the outcome you had in mind.
Trust the Roofing Professionals at Allstate Exteriors & Restoration
Allstate Exteriors & Restoration Services, LLC is a trusted roofing contractor in Central Ohio. We work with licensed, certified, and insured roofing technicians to get you the results you want. We also use the industry’s best materials in all our work and are a Platinum Preferred Contractor. Contact us today for your next roofing or exterior restoration project.
Your home is more than just a place to stash your stuff; it’s the place you’ve poured your life into. Living here in Westerville, we’re lucky to have such a great mix of tight-knit neighborhoods and quick access to everything we need. Whether you’re grabbing coffee near Uptown or taking the kids to spend an afternoon at Inniswood, you know this area is special. But let’s be honest: Ohio weather isn't always kind to our houses. Between the brutal freeze-thaw cycles in the winter and that sticky humidity we get living near the reservoir, your roof takes a beating. It’s the first line of defense for everything inside your walls. If you’ve been spotting a few stray shingles in the yard or just have a nagging feeling that your roof is getting a bit long in the tooth, you’re in the right place. As a local roofing company, we’ve been up on enough Westerville rooftops to know exactly what makes them tick, and what tends to go wrong. Why "Local" Actually Matters There’s a big difference between a national franchise and a crew that actually lives and works here. We aren’t just reading a manual; we’ve dealt with the same storms you have. The Ohio Reality Check We don’t have mild winters here. We have "ice dam" winters. When your attic isn't venting heat properly, the snow on your roof melts, runs down to the eaves, and freezes again. That cycle can force water right under your shingles and into your insulation. If you’ve ever seen water spots on your ceiling after a winter thaw, that’s usually the culprit. On the flip side, our summers can be relentless. All that heat and humidity can lead to moss or algae growth, especially on the north side of the house where the sun doesn't hit as much. If you let that stuff sit, it eventually eats away at the grit on your shingles. Matching the Neighborhood We’ve worked on everything from the historic homes with unique angles to the newer builds in the suburbs. Every home needs a slightly different strategy. A quick patch might be fine for one house, but a total re-roofing might be the smarter, cheaper play for another. We’re not here to upsell you; we’re here to tell you what your specific roof needs to last another 20 years.
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