Roofing can be a risky and tedious task. No matter what your roof looks like from the ground , it’s probably steeper than you think! there’s no railing, and it can be pretty high off the ground! So when something goes wrong, whether you’ve got a leak, a few shingles blew off in the last storm, or your roof needs serious repairs, it’s hard to know if you should buckle up and do it yourself, or call a professional.
Here’s a few pros and cons to DIY vs hiring a professional contractor.
Do It Yourself:
- Pros – If it’s a simple repair, like applying some sealant over a small roof leak or replacing a shingle or two, fixing it yourself might be a good alternative to hiring a contractor. If you built your own home or recently replaced your roof, you might already have leftover shingles, so you save on product costs, and you’ll also save the cost of hiring a contractor.
- Cons – No matter what job you’re doing, walking around on the roof can be dangerous. Roofing contractors spend almost every day up on the roof, so they know how to safely navigate the dangers, and have a high level of experience with every sort of issue. Additionally, if you aren’t exactly sure what to do, you risk making a small problem a lot bigger. What was just a small leak before could become a major structural issue if it’s not properly addressed.
Hiring a professional roofing contractor:
- Pros – Number one: you don’t have to get up on the roof. That saves a lot, just in peace of mind! Also, when you hire a professional contractor, you know the job is more than likely going to be done right, and done fast. A roofing contractor is also able to tell you if there are any other issues going on with your roof that you may need to know about. Many professionals offer a quote or consultation so you know exactly what’s happening with your roof, why it needs to be fixed, and how much it will cost. If you have a professional repair your roof, you’ll know the problem was taken care of properly and permanently. BONUS:If you’re replacing your entire roof, hiring a professional usually means there is a manufacturers warranty available if installed by a certified professional. This can save you a lot of headaches in the future.
- Cons – If it’s a simple task, it might cost more to have a professional do it than to just fix it yourself. The added cost won’t always outweigh the benefits. There’s also the hassle of making sure you can get a professional out to your home when it’s convenient for you, both when they do the inspection, and later when they come back to finish the repairs. Finally, if you have a repair you need done right away, you might have to wait to get a trusted professional to do it. Depending on the time of the year, some roofers may be booked for weeks.
In the end, you have to decide if you know what you’re doing, if it’s safe, and if you’ll actually save money. If you have an issue with your roof, just give Lyons Roofing Company a call at 812-294-3595 or schedule your free no obligation quote online today.
