DIY Roofing Project

 A roof endures a lot of exposure and often takes a serious beating from mother nature. Regardless of what home improvements, decorating or repairs you have done or are in the process of doing, nothing matters if you do not have a solid and stable roof over your head. Before you take on a DIY roofing project, consider the following:

You should only attempt a DIY roofing project if you have completed a similar project successfully, have extensive knowledge or training, or plan to hire a contractor to help supervise your progress.

You will want to make sure that it is done correctly in order to avoid leaks and other mishaps. After all, it is the only thing between your family and the sometimes harsh weather elements.

When it comes to a DIY roofing project, consider the type of roofing material you want to install or replace. Do you prefer shingles or a metal? Many are selecting a metal if they live in areas that are prone to strong storms, hurricanes, etc.

Shingles are the more attractive option, but are more easily damaged and may require frequent repair and/or replacement. However, many shingled roofs are designed for 40 years or more of service. Keep this in mind when starting out on a DIY roofing project.

When choosing your roofing material, evaluate the manufacturer's warranty and recommendations. For instance, some shingles are fire resistant and some carry a warranty of 40 or more years. In addition, more shingles are designed to withstand high winds. The warranty and type of material you choose will largely depend on the weather patterns in your area and the slope and style of your existing roof structure.

 

Some final points to consider before moving forward with this DIY project is whether or not you are afraid of heights, the weather conditions surrounding the necessary repair or replacement, and your budget.

If at all possible, it's best to complete your project on a fair weather day. Working in the rain or other inclement weather could result in slippery conditions, either on the roof or a ladder. In addition, a contractor is obviously going to cost a little more financially, but hiring a professional could be the difference in spending a few more dollars now or a lot more later if the job isn't completed properly.

So, is a DIY roofing project advisable? Only if you are absolutely certain that you can, in fact, do it yourself.