Whether it’s a restoration job or a new project, the quality and sustainability of the finished job almost always depend on having the right roofing supplies for the job. If you are in the market for a new roof, you may decide to do the installation by yourself or hire an expert. A roofing project can be precious, with several hindrances to take into consideration and prepare for, such as experience, safety, and financial options.
What is your Timeline?
Those seeking the adventure of installing a new roof in DIY fashion make one common mistake by underestimating the amount of time it will take to complete the roof. If you are doing a job by yourself, there are chances of recruiting family members and friends to assist you. If you and those working alongside you are not used to working outside in the heat, then they can quickly tire and delay the expected completing time. Also, if you do not have the specialized tools for roofing and therefore use the common tools such as flat shovels and hammers, a roof tear-off can take a very long time.
Underestimating the time a roofing project will take can be a severe problem, especially if the weather changes or you will be forced to abandon your roof not completely done while you go back to other commitments. It is not a wonder to find a roof flood to the point that you have to replace carpet, sheetrock and furniture, because of doing your job by yourself. This is as a result of wind blowing off the covering, or the roof not being adequately covered in time as an anticipated downpour moves through.
How to Protect Against Rain – Tarping Your Roof
It is not easy to tarp some roofs, as a tarp does not cover the entire exposed area. When connecting tarps to cover the exposed roof, it is very important to overlap the tarps so that no water flows under the tarps and into your home causing damage to the interior. If you are covering a roof you need to have equipment such as kiln exhaust and water heaters as well as sump coolers and chimneys. Wind can blow tarps, so be sure to have them fastened properly or you may end up with an exposed area.
To prevent this, use slats and 8-penny nails throughout the entire area of the tarps. It is advisable to tear down only what you can properly secure by the evening, with the underlay properly applied to all roof penetrations. Keep an eye on the weather forecast throughout the project and watch the satellite images of the weather. A change of weather can indicate a catastrophe for you and your home.
What is your experience level?
Another common obstacle to DIY roofing is lack of experience. Even the best intentions of your friends and family to assist you in your project won’t make up for inexperience. There are several areas of a roof which need to be installed in a particular manner and order, including an ice sheet (after the drip edge) on eaves, valleys, and penetrations. For this reason, it is always a good idea to have at least one experienced expert to help install your roof.
It’s essential to have a suitable ice sheet on your roof, especially in areas of heavy snowfall. This secondary measure against the ingress of moisture and leaks is necessary. Ice shield protects your home while ice dams are located in the valleys and eaves and in front of walls. This should be done by an expert to make sure your house is protected. More information can be found in our Ice Shield Post here.
Also, remember that inexperienced roofers can damage your shingles. If you move your roof with your shoes or tools and scrub the shingles, you can remove granules from the shingles. This granulate shields the asphalt shingle. Without them, the sun may remove the exposed asphalt, where these granules are missing. These situations can be costly and easily avoided with expert help.
Safety Precautions
When organizing a DIY roofing project, you should consider the issue of security. Ensure you use a stable ladder without any damage. If you are on a steep roof, you will need straps, safety nets, and / or crash barriers to prevent falls. Every year, about eight roofers die in the US as a result of falls and many more are injured.
Also, pay attention to power lines near your roof. Keep the conductors away from these power lines and be careful when wearing metallic roofing materials. It is known that power from these lines will bounce or bend for several meters if precautionary measures are not taken.
In addition to the safety on the roof, also pay attention to people, animals and vehicles on the ground, which can be damaged by falling objects.
Are you really saving money?
The most common reason to roof a house by yourself is usually financial. But the truth is… if you ‘DIY’ the project you could end up spending more on repairs during the lifetime of your roof than you would have by working with a contractor in the first place.
If you are currently unable to hire a contractor to install your roof, consider the ability to patch your current roof while saving for the project. If necessary, look for a home loan for your roof and divide the expensive project into appropriate regular payments. Also, consider carrying out the demolition yourself and hiring a roofing company to do the installation. This can help to lower the overall price of your roof.
DIY is Possible – Here’s How
If you have no other option but to install your roof yourself, you should be prepared. Take your time and do extensive research. Read the recommendations of the manufacturer of your shingle or a certified roofer. Ensure your sources are experienced and credible. We recommend CertainTeed shingles they will give you installation instructions for different types of shingles on their website.
Even if you have done the necessary research to familiarize yourself with the installation of a roof, it is still a good idea to consult a competent roofer. If you need some advice or have any queries, feel free to get in touch with us at Thompson Home Improvement. We can advise you by phone or during a planned office visit. When visiting with a contractor about your roof, be sure to bring a picture of the area you are in so that there is a good view of what is happening.
A consultant usually costs about $ 200 per visit. It’s an excellent investment to hire a consultant after you’ve demolished your old roof and just before you start installing your new shingles. This will ensure that you are using the right tools, techniques, and materials.
How to NOT Get Warranties Voided
Most roofing companies and products have a warranty that is voided by anyone other than a qualified roofer. If a warranty covers your roof from the time of installation or the last restoration, this warranty will be void if you open yourself to perform any work yourself. This can lead to a number of problems. At Thompson Home Improvement we grant warranties on our work and materials.
If you are having trouble with your current roof or want to renovate it for a better look, you should consult a professional roofer. A licensed contractor will provide you with top-notch roofing services and will fix various issues related to the roof of your home. Whether you suffer from roof leaks or want to improve the ventilation of your home, an experienced roofer can do the job and repair your roof to improve its condition and durability. The first step is to get your roof inspected thoroughly and get a recommendation from a professional to decide on repairing vs replacing.
In conclusion, your roof is one of the most critical aspects of your home. It protects your entire structure and your entire property from potential damage. If you are considering installing your roof yourself, you should decide with an honest assessment of how reliable the roof will be in the future. Are you searching for the best roofing services? Contact Thompson Home Improvement for roof repair, roofing installation and remodeling services.