Top Risks of DIY Roof Repairs

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Thinking of fixing your roof by yourself? Here’s why it isn’t such a good idea. 

Say your roof is leaking or you need to fix some broken shingles, but you don’t want to shell out the money for a professional roofing contractor. You think taking on the challenge of repairing your roof on your own is a much simpler process. You might even see it as a fun weekend, DIY project that will end up saving you money in the long run. But here are some reasons why this couldn’t be further from the truth: 

It’s a major safety risk 

Cotney Attorneys and Consultants say that roofing as a profession is the fourth-most dangerous job in the country. The most common injuries are caused by slips, trips and falls, and the consequences of these accidents can be much worse.  

Because of this, roofing professionals take special precautions to work safely, precautions you might not be aware of. You could take some time to research guidelines and purchase the necessary equipment, but this would be a lot of time and money spent on something a professional could fix easily. 

It could affect your insurance or warranty plan 

If you were to damage your roof in the process of repairing it, your home insurance would likely not cover the cost of further repairs. Your insurance company could easily deny your claim for negligence and you’ll have to end up paying for the rest of it yourself. If your roof has a warranty plan, much like your insurance, you could void your warranty should you damage your roof making repairs yourself. 

IKO states that professional roofers are not only less likely to make mistakes, but if they do, they have special insurance to cover any damage. And because insurance covers them, you usually don’t have to pay any additional costs if a second repair is needed. They also say that roofers have warranties from the roofer for labor and from the manufacturer of the products used. 

It’s more expensive than you think 

On top of having to spend more money than necessary because you were denied a claim or your warranty was voided, there are even more additional costs to DIY roof repairs. You might have some of the tools to get the job done, but probably not everything you need. Spending money on tools you might not even be sure how to use safely is just not worth it.  

Mistakes from DIY roofing projects can also hurt the value of your home. Inspectors have a keen eye for damages, and they will tell any prospective buyers if your roof needs repairs. Thus, your home becomes harder to sell until you completely fix it. 

So next time you think about grabbing your tool belt and getting up on that ladder to fix a broken shingle, give it a second thought! It could save your roof and even your own life. 

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