In Chicago, Can You Install Your Own Roof?

Today, many people love DIY options. They allow us to get creative, as well as save money on hiring someone else to do it. DIY is a great option for creating one-of-a-kind home décor, or making minor repairs to your Chicago home’s interior or exterior. DIY can be a great option for a wide range of activities. However, when it comes to your own roof, DIY is not a great option. Roof repair or replacement is complicated and potentially dangerous.

You may think you are facing an easy repair or replacement, and you may have even watched videos on the topic, but things often look easier than they are. Trying to install your own roof could lead to significant complications that could set you back timewise as well as financially. At the end of the day, you may end up having to turn to a professional anyway. When it comes to new roof installation, it is a job better left to the professionals. In most instances, the benefits of professional installation far outweigh the benefit of saving a few bucks by doing it yourself. Trying to install a roof yourself can void any warranties, impact your safety, increase your time commitment, and cost you more.

Self-Installation Can Void Your Warranty

When a roof is installed, it generally comes with a manufacturer warranty. Warranties help protect you from having to pay out of pocket for repairs or replacements that are directly related to the roofing material. In many instances, this warranty can last a long time with proper maintenance. When it comes to offering a warranty, most manufacturers are strict on their guidelines. If something is improperly handled, a warranty can be canceled, due to a term violation. Repairing or replacing elements of your roof is often a direct violation, meaning any warranty you could have had is out the window.

Most roof warranties insist that the roof be installed or repaired by a certified professional. If you install your roof yourself, and experience issues that are a direct fault of the material, you will still be left covering any repairs or replacements completely out of pocket. A qualified roofing contractor understands the fine print of warranties and will make sure all requirements are met. This can save you a significant amount of money if damages do occur.

Roof Installation Is Dangerous

A professional roof installation crew goes through vigorous training and certification to ensure they can install roofs safely. No matter the size or shape of your roof, it can be dangerous to complete the work yourself in Chicago. You are high off the ground, potentially on a slanted roof, surrounded by tools, materials, and other equipment. One false move and you risk items, or yourself, slipping from the surface of the roof, causing damage or injuries.

Professional roofing companies provide their employees with strict guidelines that require training in safety protocols and procedures. These guidelines protect the employees, the clients, and the roof. Roofers are also insured, which means that if an accident does occur, the cost doesn’t have to come out of your pocket. When you install a roof yourself, there is no safety net. You must completely rely on your own ability to keep yourself, and those helping you safe.

Installing a Roof Yourself Can Be Expensive

Individuals often consider doing things themselves because of money. A full roof installation is a big investment but trying to do it yourself doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll save money. Small-scale repairs may make sense for DIY, but something as large as roof installation just doesn’t add up. In most instances, you’ll end up spending more than what you would have by just trusting a professional to do it for you. If you try to install your own roof, you’ll have to purchase all the necessary tools and materials. These materials can be expensive when purchased at retail value from your local hardware store. In addition to retail costs, you may have to buy certain things in bulk, which can leave you with a lot of unnecessary, wasteful material. When you work with an experienced roofing company, they have all the tools, materials, and experience needed. They can also often get products and materials at a cheaper rate. They will always know how much material is needed, and what material is best for your roof.

You Can Cause Significant Damage

Roofing is complex, no matter how simple you try to go. You have to understand the pitch of your roof, necessary open areas such as your vents and chimney, base material, support material, and the roofing material itself. You also need to understand waterproofing materials and insulation components. Failing to properly install one aspect of your roof can affect the integrity of the entire structure.

Installing a Roof Yourself Is Time Consuming

Even professional installers need at least a few days to get your entire roof properly installed. Even if you have the right tools and materials, it could take you twice as long, if not longer, to get the job done. What you thought would be a few days’ project could turn into weeks. When you trust a professional, the job is done faster and more efficiently.

Risk of Decreasing Home’s Value

The value of your Chicago home is important, especially if you ever decide to put it on the market. One of the top aspects a home buyer investigates is the condition of the roof. If your DIY installation isn’t seamless, or looks damaged, you’ll have a harder time finding buyers willing to pay your asking price. To protect the value of your home, or to increase it, hiring a professional installation company is key. You’ll maintain any warranties, and you’ll have peace of mind that the entire project was done correctly.

Trust the Professionals

Tackling different projects yourself can be fun and rewarding. However, there are some projects that are best left to the professionals. This includes installing a roof. Installing a new roof might sound easy, but that is far from the truth. There are several components that factor into proper installation. When trying to install roofing yourself, you’ll have to deal with retail prices for materials and tools, as well as figure out how to properly dispose of your previous roofing material. You also have to consider your safety. When it comes to installing a roof, the professionals can do it safely, efficiently, and quickly. Odds are you’ll spend less money too, when trusting in a professional.