The average age of an American home is 42 years, with the exception of some of the earliest settled states, like New York, where the median home age is 62. With statistics like these, the large number of roof replacements taking place is no surprise, as they currently make up 94% of all roofing projects.
When you’re faced with such a project for your own home, you might be contemplating between doing the replacement yourself or hiring a roofing professional. Consider this:
Pros and Cons of DIY Roof Replacement
Pros
Saves Money
Labor costs are saved since you don’t have to incur the additional expense of paying a licensed professional contractor and workers. The only costs you’ll have to contend with are those associated with the roofing materials, and the purchasing or renting of all the necessary equipment you don’t already own.
Work on Your Terms
Taking on a roof replacement yourself allows you to replace the roof at your own pace. You’d have to adhere to someone else’s schedule and timeline when you hire professional contractors, which could clash with commitments or other responsibilities.
Cons
Risky and Dangerous
Replacing your roof encompasses a variety of tricky tasks such as climbing up and down ladders carrying roofing materials, working on high and steep roofs, and if there’s even the slightest dew or rainfall, a slippery surface. The high risk involved in performing a roof replacement is why the injuries and death of roofing contractors are ranked the fifth highest of all work-related accidents in the construction industry.
Additional Damage
Roof replacements require great skill, so it’s not a simple DIY project. You must be knowledgeable and qualified to complete the task without damaging the roofing structure or materials, and/or to address any potential hiccups along the way.
Time-Consuming
It may seem quick and easy, but it can take some time to complete a roof replacement, especially a complex design. Proper planning, scheduling, and executing is necessary in order to avoid the possibility of leaving your home exposed to the elements.
Pros and Cons of Professional Roof Replacement
Pros
Guarantees
Hiring a professional roofing company guarantees a higher quality craftsmanship and faster turnaround time than doing it yourself. Most professional roofing companies have knowledgeable and experienced roofers that know how to maneuver around your roof and resolve any potential issues that might arise during your roof replacement.
Low Risk
When replacing a roof, things can go wrong, such as smashing a window or damaging the lawn or your deck. Professionals know what preventive measures to take when replacing your roof to avoid property damage. And in the event that something unfortunate did happen, a reputable roofing contractor would have the proper insurance to cover the cost to fully repair any damages.
Warranty and Support
Hiring a professional contractor to replace your roof provides you support services for repairs, and warranties your roofing materials in case damage occurs after the job’s done. This helps you save a lot of money in the unlikely event that repairs are needed.
Cons
Cost
Hiring the services of a qualified, licensed roofing professional can be costly, but worth it in the long run, as the quality work is guaranteed, and your risk from DIY, nonexistent.
Conclusion
The cost-benefit of doing your roof replacement on your own might be tempting, but unless you are one, it’s in the best interest of you and your home to hire a professional roofer. Roof replacements are dangerous, labor intensive, and beyond the skill level of most DIYers.
A professional roof replacement contractor will know and follow building code, have undergone safety training, and have proper insurance in case anything goes awry.
If you’re in need of a roof replacement and looking for qualified experts in or around Northville, Michigan, Horizon Roofing and Construction has over two decades of experience in delivering customer satisfaction and roofing projects that exceed expectations. For cost-effective roof replacement, call 743-585-7160, or click to schedule your free roof evaluation today.