DIY Roof Replacement vs. Professional Roof Replacement
A roof replacement is a huge undertaking and not a very cheap one at that. You may wonder if you can handle your roof replacement on your own to save some money. It is possible to DIY your roof replacement, though it comes with certain challenges.
Timberline Roofing and Contracting can show you the differences between DIY roof replacement and professional roof replacements. After this, you’ll be equipped to make the best decision for you and your home.
DIY Roof Replacement
If you feel confident enough to consider a DIY roof replacement, then you need to know some very important things. You’ll want to do it right the first time so you don’t end up with costly repairs later. Here’s what you need to know:
Roofing Materials
When doing a roof replacement on your own, you need to make sure you’re getting the right materials for the job. Choosing the right materials will depend on a few factors, such as:
Make sure you do extensive research into the right kind of materials for your local climate, as that is going to protect you against the changing weather conditions. You might have problems during harsh winter weather if you choose the wrong shingles.
When choosing your shingles, you may be unable to decide which one to go with. There are a few types of shingles to choose from. Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice due to their cost and longevity. There are three types of asphalt shingles.
- 3-Tab shingles are the cheapest option and usually come with a 25-year warranty.
- Dimensional asphalt shingles are about 15% more expensive than 3-tab shingles, and with proper ventilation and installation, can last around 30 years.
- Luxury asphalt shingles are made to look like slate and are double the cost of dimensional asphalt shingles. They can last up to 50 years with the right conditions.
As you can see, many decisions need to be made before even starting on your roof replacement project. And that’s not all.
Lay New Roof Over Old One
Now you need to decide if you’re layering your new roof over the old one or tearing off the old shingles first. It is possible to lay the new roof over the old one, but there are a few factors to consider.
If you decide to use asphalt shingles, then adding another layer of them onto your roof can add unnecessary weight on your attic. If it’s too heavy, you may risk overwhelming the framing. Plus, if you get a lot of winter snow, that added weight could cause problems.
You also must check your roof for any irregularities in your roof. If you put new shingles over old problems, the problem will not disappear. You need to repair any problems first.
The Best Time of Year
You also need to consider the time of year when you’ll replace your roof. Late spring through early fall is the best time to replace your roof because the heat is milder, and there are not as many cold days. Working outside of this time frame may potentially cause issues later down the road.
Professional Roof Replacement
If all this seems overwhelming, then you’re not alone. That’s why professional roofing contractors exist. They have the knowledge and expertise to replace your roof correctly and quickly, keeping the burden off your shoulders.
When you choose a roofing contractor like Timberline Roofing and Contracting, you’re getting a professional assessment of your current roof and a detailed explanation of what work needs to be done and how much it will be to replace your roof. When you DIY a roof replacement, you may have extra costs you weren’t expecting as you get into the project. Roofing contractors will know exactly what to do, and the quote you get will be accurate.
Professional roofing contractors are also equipped with all the tools required to replace a roof, and they’re experts with these tools. They can make quick work of a roof replacement, whereas doing it yourself might take much longer if you’re not experienced.
A roof replacement can be done in a day by a professional but might take days or weeks if you do it yourself. Who knows what kind of weather could interfere with your project?
Choose Timberline Roofing and Contracting for Your Roof Replacement
If you live in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota, then Timberline Roofing and Contracting should be your choice for a roof replacement. Skip the trouble of doing it yourself and hire the professionals to get the job done.
With Timberline, you’re getting honest and reputable roofing contractors with over 25 years of experience. We’re also a GAF factory-certified Master Elite roofing contractor, which means you’re getting the best materials installed by the best contractors. Not every roofing company can say that. If you need more convincing, check out our reviews.
Call us today for a quote or more information at 612-284-5329 or send us a message through our website. We look forward to working with you!