Do-It-Yourself Roofing in Southern Maryland
If you’re handy with a hammer and comfortable working high off the ground, you might be thinking about turning your next home roofing project into a DIY job – and for good reasons! There are plenty of benefits that come from “Do-It-Yourself" roofing, provided the project's scope is within your abilities and you've got the right equipment to tackle the job.
In this guide, we'll take a look at some of the pros and cons of doing your own roofing work, along with a few cases where it might be best to hire an expert to ensure the job gets done right. Reach out to our professional team at Simple Solutions today for more information!
What is DIY Roofing?
Like other home DIY projects, "Do-It-Yourself" roofing is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of working with a roofing contractor to handle projects like roof repairs or replacements, homeowners with the skills and know-how can try to take care of some of these tasks themselves. The type and scale of DIY projects will depend on your personal abilities and tools; for example, while some homeowners might feel confident replacing a few old shingles, not everyone is ready, willing, or able to take on a complete DIY roof replacement!
While DIY roofing has its advantages, it’s important to be realistic in your assessment of your capabilities. If you make a mistake or do more harm than good while trying to do your own work, any benefits to DIY roofing will quickly be outweighed by expensive additional repair costs.
Can I Repair My Roof on My Own?
While most types of roofing projects should be completed with the help of a trusted and licensed roofing contractor, there are a few jobs that handy homeowners are able to take on. In general, it’s best to leave large-scale or heavily involved projects to the professionals; most DIY projects tend along the lines of replacing old shingles or basic DIY roof repair like fixing damaged gutters or a few pieces of worn or damaged roofing materials.
Pros of DIY Roofing Projects
If the job is within your skills and you’ve got the right tools on hand, there are a few benefits to taking care of your next roofing project on your own. It’s important to note, though, that if you’re feeling at all unsure or unconfident about the work, err on the side of caution and contact a qualified roofing contractor. The following pros of completing your own DIY roofing projects are great, but if something goes wrong, you'll be on the hook for additional repair costs, downtime, and more of a headache than you started with.
Cost Savings
One of the primary benefits – and the reason most homeowners are interested in doing their own DIY roofing project – is the savings that come with doing the job on their own. Not only do DIY projects cut out the labor costs that come with working with a roofing contractor, but you also eliminate any markups on the roofing materials, whether purchased in bulk or per square foot, you need to complete the job. For more straightforward roofing projects, cost savings alone are often enough to justify going the DIY route.
Flexible Timelines
When you work with a roofing contractor on a home project, you are more or less working on their calendar. This can be great if your contractor is available and can commit to completing the job in the timeframe you need, but it might be less than ideal if you have unique scheduling needs or other time constraints. On the other hand, most DIY projects work on your timetable; if you want to start tomorrow, nothing’s stopping you besides getting your hands on the material you need! If you need to stop work because you’re hosting a grad party or a similar event at your home, you don’t have to worry about coordinating with a contractor. The flexibility offered by doing your own work is another reason many homeowners opt to handle their own small roofing projects.
Drawbacks to DIY Roof Repairs
DIY roof work can be rewarding and save you the upfront cost of hiring a roofing contractor, but if you're unprepared or inexperienced, the job can go south in a hurry! In the worst case, mistakes made from lack of expertise can lead to repairs that are even more expensive than it would have been to work with a roofing company in the first place. Before committing to your DIY roofing project, consider the following drawbacks.
Lack of Expertise Can Lead to Further Problems
Roofing, just like electrical or plumbing work, is a skilled trade that is often best left to experienced professionals who fully understand the ins and outs of both the industry and the job at hand. Unless you have experience working in the roofing industry, it’s a safe bet that there are aspects to the job that you may fail to consider or plan for – some of which can lead to more problems than you started with!
Aside from knowing what kind of work requires permits, code inspections, and other regulatory considerations, a lack of experience can lead to mistakes that may cause more damage than you set out to fix. One wrong step or misplaced roofing nail can start a roof leak and lead to water damage, and the wrong choices for materials and installation methods could lead to problems throughout the entire roof.
Many DIYers Don't Have the Right Tools or Materials
Whether you’re replacing some asphalt shingles or trying to keep an old roof in shape for another season, picking the right tools and materials for the job is a crucial step to success. When it comes to any roofing project, using the correct materials (such as matching shingles, the proper roofing nails, etc.) can mean the difference between a job well done and an expensive failure. Similarly, not having or choosing to use the correct tools for a task can end up hurting more than it helps.
Roofing Can Be Extremely Dangerous
One of the many reasons most homeowners are encouraged not to perform their own DIY roof repair is the inherent danger associated with most kinds of roofing work. Professionals trained to work at height are able to mitigate fall risk through proper PPE and experience – things most homeowners do not have! One wrong step can send you through the roof deck or over the roof edge, both of which can lead to personal injury and further property damage. If you choose to perform your own work, take extreme caution and call an expert if you have any doubts.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Roofer for Your Home
Even if you think a DIY project is within your skillset, there are still plenty of reasons to consider hiring a professional contractor to keep your house in good shape. Besides the peace of mind that comes from working with an expert in the industry, roofing contractors can cover parts of the project you might not have been aware were necessary, from permit applications to warranty coverage and more.
Ensure the Job is Done Right the First Time
Whether your next project involves simple repairs to your existing roof or a new roof installation, working with a pro roofing contractor is the best way to ensure the job gets done properly the first time around. Roof work, even seemingly small or simple jobs, often requires the skilled hand of a professional roofer with the experience necessary to know how to get the job done right and set your roof up for success in the long term.
Pros Have the Necessary Permits and Know Building Codes
Depending on your project, there may be several legal and regulatory hoops you need to jump through in order to ensure everything is above board. This can include applying for a building permit with your city, adhering to specific local building codes, and more. When you work with a professional roofing contractor, you can rest easy knowing that these parts of the job are being handled from start to finish.
Professional Installation is Often Needed for Warranties
Many brands and manufacturers of roofing materials specify in their warranties that the products must be installed by a professional, licensed, or certified roofing contractor in order to receive full warranty coverage! Some manufacturers may offer severely limited or reduced warranties if you choose to install their products on your own, but the trade-off usually isn’t worth it when you stack the two against each other.
Simple Solutions is a Top-Rated Maryland Roofing Contactor
Simple Solutions has been a leading roofing contractor throughout Maryland since 2016! Our commitment to industry-leading roofing services, combined with our outstanding customer service and dedication to craftsmanship, has earned us a reputation with both our residential and commercial clients throughout the state. Whatever your next roofing project is, contact Simple Solutions for a free estimate!
Localized Experience Since 2016
For the past seven years and counting, Simple Solutions has been a go-to roofing company for undeniable results and best-in-class local service! Our years spent living and working throughout Maryland have helped us develop roofing strategies that address what our clients need most to keep their homes and businesses standing strong year after year.
Schedule A FREE Roof Inspection Today!
Don't wait until it's too late - schedule your free estimate and roofing inspection with Simple Solutions today! Call us or send us a message to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a well maintained roof that will protect your house for years to come.
Certified, Insured, and Accredited Roofers
Our team of professional roofers are certified, insured, and accredited by some of the top names in the industry. Our wide range of residential and commercial roofing services is backed by these qualifications, which are continuously maintained so you can have full faith that we’ll get the job done right!
Trusted Solutions for Residential and Commercial Roofing
At Simple Solutions, we offer a comprehensive range of roofing services for both residential and commercial properties, including roof repairs, roof replacement, and new roof installation. Our industry-leading roofing solutions are trusted by each of our clients throughout the state, and we stand by our commitment to excellence with each project that we take on.
Utilizing the Best Materials in the Industry
Whether you’re investing in new shingles for an aging roof or want to explore other roofing options, we make use of the best materials on the market to ensure you get the full value of your purchase. The roofing materials we purchase and install are proven tough, long-lasting, durable, and efficient, and can be adapted to meet any of your roofing needs!
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Free Estimate
When you’re ready to start your next roofing project, call the pros at Simple Solutions for a complimentary inspection and free estimate for our services. We’ll work with you from step one to identify your roofing needs and develop a plan to meet them head on.