LePage and Sons Roofing LLC

While there are a lot of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects around the home that you can complete without much hassle – such as installing backsplash and painting cabinets – roofing is not one of them. When your ceiling begins to leak or the shingles on your roof get blown off by the wind, the best thing to do is call a reliable roofer. 

Today, we shed some light on the reasons why it is not ideal for an average homeowner to perform roof repairs.

Why You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Roof Repairs

You Could Misdiagnose the Problem

Cracks, splits, dents – these are only a few of the myriad roofing issues you might encounter as a homeowner. These various forms of damage typically require different solutions. For someone who has very little knowledge and experience in roofing, misdiagnosing the problem is a real possibility, and this could cause more harm than good. Trained roofers, on the other hand, do not only possess the technical know-how; they also deal with all sorts of roof-related issues on a daily basis. Because of this, they can detect and fix a small issue before it gets the chance to spiral out of control. For example, a roofer knows that loose flashing around a penetration can allow water to seep into the structure, causing leaks and rot along the way, which is why they will recommend to have it fixed or replaced right away.

Roof-Related Work Can Be Dangerous

When working on your roof, you need to use ladders or scaffolding in order to access the roof surface for repairs. As you know, being at elevation increases the risk of accidents, especially when you consider the fact that most regular homeowners do not have access to the needed safety equipment and protective gear – such as body harnesses, safety glasses and steel-toed boots – that would otherwise be used by roofing contractors. A one-story home averages about 14 feet high, and a fall from this height could be life-threatening. It is best to leave any roof-related work to those who have been trained to perform such dangerous tasks.

It Could Cost You More

For many homeowners, resorting to do-it-yourself projects is a great way to save money. This is accurate to a degree. However, conducting roof repairs on your own could actually end up inflating your expenditures in the future. At times, DIY roofing even leads to multiple haphazard attempts at fixing a leak or replacing a curled shingle, which consumes a lot of time and effort. Plus, any errors you make will eventually need to be fixed by a professional. For example, incorrectly nailing shingles increases the chance of said shingles being blown off by the wind. Finally, keep in mind that DIY roof repair work will not likely be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, leaving you high and dry in the event of an emergency roof repair.

Material Costs Are Significantly Higher

Another downside to conducting do-it-yourself repairs is increased material prices. Because roofing contractors generally get bulk discounts and take advantage of high-volume purchases, they get the best possible prices for a range of roofing materials like asphalt shingles, roofing underlayment and flashing membranes. When you decide to purchase those materials in remarkably smaller quantities from the market, you have to pay premium commercial prices, which, when you break it down, drives up your project costs significantly.

You Do Not Get a Roof Warranty

Some roofing companies offer a warranty on roof repairs they perform to show complete confidence in the quality of their workmanship. For customers, a workmanship warranty gives them peace of mind that there is a safety net in case issues stemming from subpar work arise in the future. On the flip side, attempting to perform repairs on your own gets you no such guarantee. If your roof fails for any reason, you will have to pay out of pocket to correct the situation you brought upon yourself.

Finding the Right Roofing Contractor for the Job

So, you are looking for a professional roofer to patch up leaks, eliminate standing water, get rid of clogs in your gutters, etc. Here are some tips for choosing the right one for the job:

• Check their license and insurance. Professional roofing contractors should have up-to-date licenses and permits for the services they provide. They should also carry all the required insurance for their workers, which will provide coverage should someone get injured while working on your roof.

• Look at their previous work. Do a little research before you entrust someone with roof replacement or repair. Ask for a list of references from the contractors to get an insight into how they work and communicate. Check online for relevant information about the company, such as their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and customer testimonials on their official website.

• Ask if the contractor is an authorized installer. Make sure the contractor you are considering is a preferred partner or an authorized installer of the products they use. This is a critical consideration as manufacturers will not recognize warranties on roofs that were installed by an unqualified contractor.

• Get multiple estimates from different contractors. It is incredibly beneficial to obtain at least three estimates from different companies before making a decision. You can compare their scope of work, whether or not they will handle the cleanup and disposal, as well as the costs of materials and labor. However, remember that price is not the only thing that matters. You also have to take into account the number of years the contractor has been in business as it reflects the quality of work they put out.

Get the Professional Help You Deserve!

Leave roofing in the hands of professionals. Whether you need to conduct routine inspections, perform emergency roof repairs or get a new roof completely, our experienced team at LePage and Sons Roofing LLC can deliver the results you expect. We provide top-of-the-line products and services at reasonable prices. Schedule a no-obligation appointment today by calling (508) 295-6483 or filling out our convenient online form.