DIY roofing… Is it worth it?
We need to remember working on a roof is a very dangerous task. It’s high enough to seriously injure yourself.
That said if you’re thinking about doing roofing work without a contractor we suggest you weight the pros and cons.
If you have small leaks or need to replace a couple of shingles, you might be able to complete the work yourself. But, if things go wrong you could end up costing yourself more time and money in the long run.
So we would always suggest getting a quote from a certified roofing contractor first. They will be able to diagnose the problem and tell you how much work is required. You may think it’s a small leak but could be a bigger issue.
Let's weigh the options, shall we?
How urgent is your roofing project?
For those looking to get their hands dirty and install a new roof themselves you may downplay the amount of time and energy that goes into a project as big as a re-roof.
From the property owners, we've spoken to they usually call up a few family and friends to get them to help with the venture. And as most of us know that can be a disaster. Especially in Bakersfield, CA where it gets to be 100 degrees by 1 pm and if your helpers are not used to labor they'll most likely quit on you before noon.
This obviously will delay the project and if a roofing project is delayed at a critical point it could mean severe damage to your home due to a change in weather. For example, if you've just torn off the roof and your deck is exposed and it doesn't get covered before a wind storm you're looking at serious issues to deal with.
What's Your Degree of Expertise?
The usual reason a DIY roofing job comes to a halt is the level of experience. It doesn't matter how well you've preplanned or how strong and motivated your helpers are if you don't understand the intricacies of a roof replacement, it's going to bring obstacles you're not cut out for.
This again can cost more time and money in the long haul.
Ask yourself if you're competent in all these areas?
Tear outs
Roof decks
Inspections & permits
Underlayment
Drip edge
Valleys
Gutters
Fascia board
Shingle installation
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other factors that you need to grasp to install a new roofing system.
Keep this in mind as well; unskilled and wannabe roofers can cause serious damage to your attic and roof deck if they are not trained and skilled in installing shingles.
Superior Roofing prepares our installers under manufactured guidelines to install shingles. We are not up there just winging it. There's a science and strategy that goes into our roofing projects and we take our customer's investment seriously.
Overlay vs Re-Roof
Many homeowners we consult with believe they can simply add another layer of shingles to their roof and call it a day. However, in 2020 this will not past building codes and if you ever try to sell your home it could be difficult to get it certified.
The reason for this is inspectors of the city of Bakersfield and the county of Kern need to inspect the roof sheathing to be sure it's strong enough to withstand the shingles and other equipment mounted on the roof.
That said your only option may be a complete re-roof. Although this may cost more upfront, it could save you massive amounts of trouble and money in the future. Especially if you decide to hire Superior Roofing. We offer the best warranty in the Bakersfield region which guarantees no leaks or other problems for years to come.
You'll have peace of mind and confidence your home is protected for the future and we're sure you'd agree it's hard to put a price tag on that.
Additionally, your overlay roofing job won't last long. The reason for this is because the extra layer traps heat in between the shingles and degrades the organic lifespan of the shingle material.
You'll end up having to replace the roof in a few years and be charged extra to tear off the additional layer by a roofing contractor in Bakersfield, CA.
Your best option is to do the job correctly and avoid more stress and problems in the near future.
DIY Roofing is dangerous even if you're physically fit
Not too many people understand the risk our roofers go through day in and day out. Roofing is a dangerous job. You're tearing off old roofing material on a sloped roof and dealing with power tools that have the potential to harm your body if not used properly.
An article in Time mentions roofing as one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S.
We would never recommend sending family and friends up on a roof to help without proper training and the right safety equipment. This can be a life-threatening venture and we highly recommend against it.
Recruiting and hiring a certified roofing contractor is your best option. Period.
Re-roofing your property without a contractor can make sense on the surface. You may save money on labor but if done wrong can put you in a financial bind.
There may be a few of you out there that have the ability and resources to replace your roof and if you're confident we can give you some pointers.
But for the majority, it's a bad investment to take this on yourself. Yes, we are biased with our advice but if you ask around and do the research we're confident you'll come to the same conclusion.
Superior Roofing has been helping property owners around Kern County for over 10 years carry-out successful roofing projects. Our process is built on a basic formula that delivers exceptional results.
If paying upfront is an issue ask about our financing options. We work with the CA REEL program that helps homeowners get affordable financing for certified "cool roofs".
Contact our office for more information 661-679-6923 (Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM).
https://time.com/5074471/most-dangerous-jobs/