Why Hiring A Residential Roofer To Repair Storm Damage Is Usually Better Than Making DIY Repairs
If your roof has damage after a storm, you may be tempted to repair it yourself, especially if roofers are busy due to all the damaged roofs in your area. However, it's usually better to leave repairs to a residential roofer. While you may need to throw a roof tarp over the damage to keep out rain, you may want to leave repairs to a professional for the following reasons.
A Roofer Recognizes Damage You Might Miss
If you've not worked on your roof much, you may overlook damage that could lead to roof leaks if it's not caught. You might be looking for missing and loose shingles, and while it's essential to replace shingles, your roof might have other types of damage too.
For instance, impact damage is often difficult to catch. Hail or a falling branch might hit a shingle and leave what looks like a bruise. This type of damage isn't just cosmetic. It leads to roof leaks, and if the damage is widespread, you'll probably need a new roof.
Your Roof Warranty May Prohibit DIY Repairs
If your roof is still under warranty, check if you're allowed to make repairs to the roof yourself. If your roof starts leaking in the future, you want your warranty to help pay for repairs if the problem is covered. Roof warranties don't often cover storm damage, and you need to be especially careful about how you have storm repairs done so your warranty stays in effect.
Working On A Roof Is Dangerous
Walking and working on a roof is dangerous. It's even more dangerous if your roof has a steep slope or if the roof deck is decayed and weak. Slipping and falling off the roof could lead to serious injuries. Plus, you'll be working close to electrical lines where they enter your home, so you have to stay alert and be cautious.
You May Not Have The Equipment You Need
A residential roofer has a variety of tools for doing different types of work on the roof. You may not own any of them, and that means you'll have to rent or buy everything you need, and that drives up the cost. You might need a longer ladder, safety equipment, a nail gun, and hand tools for lifting off shingles or making flashing. You'll also need supplies, such as shingles, roofing cement, roofing nails, sheet metal, and plywood. When you add up the cost of all the materials you need, and the time and trouble it takes to prep for the work, you might find hiring a roofer is a lot more convenient and that it doesn't cost a whole lot more than doing the work yourself.