DIY Roofing Repairs vs. Hiring a Professional: Making the Right Choice for Your Home

In general, a roof lasts between 20 and 30 years, but when it needs fixing, the dilemma between tackling the repairs yourself or calling in a professional is a common one.

On one hand, DIY roofing repairs can be tempting due to the potential savings and the satisfaction of completing the work on your own. On the other hand, hiring a professional ensures expertise, safety, and peace of mind.

Making the right choice for your home involves weighing the pros and cons of each option. Let’s explore what you need to consider to ensure your roof gets the care it needs, whether you pick up the tools yourself or decide to go with a pro.

Common roof issues that require immediate repair

Roofs handle a lot of wind and rain, inevitably resulting in wear and tear over the years. However, some issues require immediate repair as leaving them will increase the need for a replacement. They include:

• Leaks: General wear and tear or wind damage can result in leaks, which compromise a property’s interior.
• Flashing damage: Flashing forms a tight seal on the roof edges and joints, and when it fails to perform, your property can incur water damage.
• Ponding: All roofs require drainage systems to divert water from the surface. When they don’t function properly, the water ponds place extra weight onto the roof.
• Missing/broken shingles: When shingles are missing, the roof’s underlying structure is put under more pressure, causing gradual deterioration.
• Sagging roof: Weak rafters and rot can cause the roof to sag, which is a sign of severe structural damage.
• Tree damage: One of the biggest causes of roof damage is tree branches. When they strike the roof, they can puncture it.

Now that you know which repairs you might need, it’s time to consider whether DIY or seeking professional help is the best solution.

DIY roofing repairs

Roofing repairs can be expensive; there’s no getting around it. However, leaving any issues to worsen could cause irreparable damage to your property’s interior and exterior. Tackling the repairs alone could offer many benefits but also some drawbacks.

The pros of DIY repairs: 

• Save money: Everyone likes saving money, and DIY repairs cost less than hiring a professional. You’ll need to budget for roofing accessories and materials, but there won’t be any labour fees, which enables you to keep the costs down.
• Convenience: Hiring a professional roofing service means you’ll need to accommodate their schedules and ensure children are out of the house. However, managing the repairs yourself means you can fit them around your schedule.
• Skill building: Many DIY enthusiasts love learning new skills and feeling accomplished when they complete a project. Roof repairs are a great skill-building journey.

The cons of DIY repairs: 

• You need expertise: While many jobs suit those with basic DIY knowledge, roofs are complex structures requiring specialist skills. If you’re not an experienced roofer, the project might be too large to tackle.
• Time investment: Sure, saving money is great – but handling roof repairs alone means investing a lot of time and effort into the task. You’ll need to research materials and perform the repairs alone.
• Safety hazards: Working on the roof without adequate training can compromise safety. There’s a risk of falling from a height and suffering severe injuries.

Professional roofing repairs

Professional roofers regularly deal with repairs and replacements, so they have the skills and knowledge to tackle your project. Of course, using a roofing service also means you’ll spend more money.

Let’s explore the pros and cons in more depth.

The pros of professional repairs:

• Experience: Professional roofers are highly trained and knowledgeable. They offer a full-service solution when diagnosing and repairing problems.
• Speed: Most companies have teams of roofers that work on projects together, ensuring you can benefit from speedier repairs. A project that might take you three weeks could take a company one weekend.
• Safety: Roofers can promote safety with their extensive training and knowledge of best practices.

The cons of professional roofers: 

• Costs: Using a professional roofing service means you’re paying for labour and time, which means the expenses will mount up. Some people have to use their emergency savings or take out a loan.
• Less flexibility: When you choose a professional roofing service, you’ll have to accommodate their schedules, which might mean taking time off work or getting up early.
• Limited control: Some people like having control over their repairs and might find it hard to trust an external party.

Things to consider before making a decision

Both DIY and professional repairs have their advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing which aligns with your needs, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• Scope: How severe is the damage? A couple of broken or missing shingles are relatively easy to repair, but sagging roofs require expertise and professional contractors.
• Budget: Your budget doesn’t just refer to the initial costs but how much you’ll spend over time. For example, you might save money on DIY, but if those repairs don’t last, it will cost more in the long run.
• Safety: How confident are you with extensive repairs? If you have no roofing knowledge, it might be best to call professionals. Also, you’ll be working at a height, which might prove challenging for some people.
• Time: If you’re not a professional roofer, the repairs might require a significant time investment. Make sure you can complete the task before beginning repairs.
• Gut feeling: Never listen to your gut when deciding which route is best for you. If something tells you to call the professionals, it might be worth shopping around for a quote.

The bottom line

Roofing repairs are a necessary expense, but how you handle them is entirely up to you. Whether you call a professional service or perform DIY, taking care of your roof prevents the need for complete replacements.

If you’re looking for high-quality roofing supplies, we have products available from reputable manufacturers. With fast UK delivery and a dedicated team of experts, you can save money and time with E-Roofing.