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Roof issues, especially leaks, are common and can be annoying. Seeing water dripping from your ceiling on a rainy day or walking on a slippery puddle when you enter a room after a storm can try anyone’s patience. Despite that, you’ll likely have to deal with a couple of roof issues throughout your life, and when they arise, you may linger in the DIY vs professional roof repair battle. 

DIY home repairs can save you time and money. Choosing to paint your child’s room yourself instead of hiring a professional can turn into a fun family weekend and save you a few bucks on labor, but when it comes to roofing repairs, you should think twice before embarking on the DIY route. Unless you’re a roofer by profession, these kinds of projects lead to a lot of common roof repair mistakes that end up costing more than hiring a contractor. 

A recent survey of 2,000 homeowners nationwide revealed that eight percent of homeowners damaged their homes during DIY projects, even when the tasks seemed as simple as painting the walls or installing a backsplash. Although you may find roof cement anywhere to patch a leak, the decision between DIY vs professional roof repair has more to consider than just obtaining the materials. 

Most homeowners will be tempted to go the do-it-yourself route due to the possibility of saving money and addressing the issue almost immediately, but the reality is that the cost of DIY vs. expert repairs often ends up leaning the balance towards the professionals. Besides costing you more money in the long run, DIY mistakes can also hinder your well-being.

1. Roof repairs require experience and specialized knowledge

Your roof is more than shingles lying on a plywood structure. A standard residential roof has at least nine different layers from bottom to top to ensure it withstands the rainy and humid climates of cities near Florida’s coast, such as Port Saint Lucie. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional roof repair, consider that you would have to know what each layer is and how to repair it, in the event of a problem. 

Likewise, you must consider the manufacturer’s standards and your local building codes to ensure that the roof is sturdy and compliant with legal requirements. Most roofing work in Florida requires a license, and performing it without a valid one can be considered a first-degree misdemeanor, which may result in jail penalties and a $1,000 fine. Hence, if you’re not sure of when to hire a roofer for a repair, consider seeking legal advice to see if your repairs require a license.

2. Voiding warranties

Warranties are crucial factors in determining DIY vs. professional roof repair. When you choose to work with expert roofers, you are protected by an additional warranty on their labor, providing you with added peace of mind in case you need to contact them again. With a DIY, you don’t have that safety cushion, and if you need to repair the roof, everything will come out of your pocket.  

Additionally, most roofing manufacturers stipulate in their warranties that professionals must install their materials following their instructions and the applicable building code requirements for the warranty to be valid. Choosing the DIY route will likely void your material warranty, as inexperienced work can result in common roof repair mistakes, leading to additional expenses down the road.

3. Liability and insurance

Insurance is another concern to consider when deciding between DIY vs. professional roof repair.  Your insurance company will likely not cover any damage to your roof caused by DIY repairs, which often lack proper training and skills. They can argue that you were negligent and deny your claim, leaving you to cover the new damages by yourself. 

Moreover, it won’t also cover any damage done to neighboring properties, or even the passerby if they get injured, and you’ll likely be held liable for these incidents. On the other hand, professional roofers are less likely to damage your roof or any nearby house, and if they do, their liability insurance will cover them. 

Thus, when considering the cost of DIY vs. expert repairs, take into account the likelihood of accidental damage and who will be responsible for it. 

4. Time and effort

Time plays a crucial role in the debate over DIY vs. professional roof repair. Roof repairs can be more time-consuming and physically demanding than expected, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the roof and don’t have all the required tools. Even fixing a leak can become a herculean task if you don’t know how to identify the roof issue. Is it a cracked tile? A worn-out washer on a screw? A dislodged shingle? You could spend days before finding the leak. 

And these delays don’t only consume your time and energy, they also compromise your roof’s integrity. The longer your roof is exposed to the weather, sun, rain, and wind, the more serious the issue becomes as materials start to deteriorate. 

Hence, consider that professionals will complete your repair more efficiently, saving you time and effort while safeguarding your roof’s integrity, when weighing the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional roof repair. 

5. Total cost and tools

When people plan the cost of DIY vs. expert repairs, they often focus on labor. While DIY roofing may save some money on labor fees, it will likely add up in terms of materials, equipment, and safety gear. 

Few homeowners can accurately estimate roofing jobs and will likely purchase the wrong materials or insufficient quantities. Miscalculating how many screws you need to replace two shingles will delay your repair and lead to frustrations going back and forth to the hardware store. 

Additionally, you may need to rent the necessary equipment, such as extension ladders, nail guns, and safety gear, as well as receive training, to ensure the repair is done correctly and avoid accidents. All of this adds up, and it is less expensive to choose professionals when debating over DIY vs professional roof repair.

Are there any advantages to DIY roof repairs?

Now, DIY roofing is not doomed to fail every time, and it may have some advantages over professional roofing, such as:

Immediate action 

DIY repairs score a point in the DIY vs. professional roof repair debate when it comes to addressing minor issues. You may repair them without having to wait for a contractor’s availability. Still, with many homeowners resulting in injuries from DIY projects, it’s better to wait a bit for professional help than risk your safety by climbing on your roof.

Which is better: DIY or professional roof repairs?

Though DIY may have some short-term benefits, there are more risks associated with do-it-yourself roofing repairs that can compromise your safety and finances in the long term. While it is true that repairing your roof can help you save time and some money, the likelihood of accidents, common roof repair mistakes, and loss of benefits such as insurance coverage and warranties outweigh the DIY benefits. 

For these reasons, and to protect your well-being, it’s always recommended to hire professional roofers when determining between DIY vs. professional roof repairs. It may seem a bit costlier upfront, but with time, you’ll end up saving more.

High-quality rapid roof repairs to beat DIY temptation

At Rapid Roof & Home Repairs, we pride ourselves not only on the quality of our work, which avoids common roof repair mistakes to ensure a sturdy roof, but also on our commitment to safety. We’re OSHA certified to prioritize yours and the crew’s safety every time they get on your roof, whether to fix a leak or to replace the whole roof. 

If you’re dealing with annoying leaks, worn-out shingles or tiles, or any other roofing issue in the areas of Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Palm City, Fort Pierce, or Jupiter, don’t compromise your safety and warranties by fixing it yourself! Call us and get a free estimate today!