Okay, let’s get this straight from the beginning…the only pro in fixing your own roof is that you will save about thirty percent in immediate costs. However, it is highly recommended that homeowners never attempt to fix their own roof unless they are a professional roofing contractor. Roof repairs should always be left up to the professionals to do – period.
Now, let’s talk about all the cons, as there are many! Reasons why you should not fix your own roof include, but are not limited to:
- You are not a professional
- You do not have the right tools
- It is seriously dangerous
- Mistakes can be very costly
- You might miss a spot that only professionals will notice
- There will not be a warranty
- Insurance will most likely not cover the repair, and a public adjuster won’t be able to help with this negligent type of case
- A careless roofing job can create larger, more expensive issues later
I happen to know a few stories from people I am close to about how things went terribly wrong when they tried to do a roof repair on their own.
First, I will share what happened to my uncle-in-law. When my aunt (his wife) was visiting us in Michigan, her husband was home with their five children (my cousins) in North Carolina. It is important to note that my uncle-in-law was a CPA (certified public accountant), not a contractor of any sort. In fact, my aunt, who came from a contracting family, would be the one to do minor repairs around their home – he never even changed a lightbulb.
While she was out of town, he decided to replace a few missing shingles on the roof of their two-story home. Unfortunately, one of the worst possible outcomes happened. He lost his balance and fell off the roof! Thankfully, he did not perish, but as a result, he spent the next six months at the hospital in traction because he fractured his pelvis and spine.
Being in traction is not a minor thing, mind you. It happens when severe fracture stabilization is needed in cases such as traumatic accidents, where bones are severely broken or displaced, allowing them to heal in the correct anatomical position. My uncle-in-law did recover, but learned a very hard lesson in the process… never fix your own roof!
What is the most common roof repair?
Some of the most common roof repairs include the following:
- Fixing leaks
- Replacing damaged shingles or tiles
- Addressing flashing issues stemming from weather or age, improper ventilation, clogged gutters, etc.
The next story happened more recently with my friend and neighbor, who is like a big brother to me. He has actually been a professional contractor for many years, mostly pouring concrete for basement jobs. Lately, though, he has been doing handyman-type work around my home since I have been divorced and have not had anyone to give my honey-do list to.
In Southeast Michigan, this year’s winter has been exceptionally snowy, with consistently frigid temperatures causing many ice dams on people’s homes. We happen to live in an area nicknamed “The Lakes Area,” so the cold has been wonderful for those who enjoy playing on the frozen lakes, whether they are ice fishing, skating, playing hockey, or wind sailing, but not so great for homes’ roofs.
Well, my friend’s roof was compromised by the weight of all the snow and ice that had built up over the last four months. As a direct result, the roof started leaking water into their kitchen the other day. Against better judgment, my friend went onto his roof and tried to melt the ice and snow so he could make the repairs to the compromised area of the roof. Afterwards, he got down safely and went to the hardware store for supplies.
When he got back home, he was cleaning out the kitchen before going back on the roof and smelled something burning. It was his attic! He immediately called the fire department, and they were able to put out the fire in a timely manner because he lives close to the station.
However, the house was deemed a total loss and must be rebuilt from the ground up. Now they must live in a hotel for the next nine to eleven months, or however long it will take the professional home builders. Even though my friend is a contractor, he too learned a hard lesson… never fix your own roof – no matter how common or simple the repair seems to be!
What happens if your house is considered a total loss?
Even though my friend’s home is considered a total loss, he and his wife are still waiting to see what their homeowner’s insurance company will cover and how much they will pay out for the damage.
According to experts at South Carolina’s official government Department of Insurance, “In the case of a total loss, where the entire house and its contents are damaged beyond repair, insurers generally pay the policy limits, according to the laws in your state. That means you can receive a check for what the home and contents were insured for at the time of the disaster,”.
In this instance, depending on the policy, insurance typically covers the replacement cost value or actual cash value of the property, as well as a long-term hotel stay or a short-term rental until the residence is legally livable again.
If one owns rental properties, a total loss could mean a complete halt to rental income until the property is rebuilt or replaced, making landlord insurance a must-have for financial recovery.
My aunt and her family had a horrible house fire that burned their home to the ground, not due to a faulty roof repair, but a freak occurrence from a squirrel and an electrical transformer. Fortunately, they all made it out alive and well, but lost a lifetime of memories and the security of their home. It happened about two years after my uncle-in-law hurt himself.
They had to live in a hotel for more than six months before finding a new home. It took a while to find it because my aunt said she would never live in a “stick-built home” again. Eventually, she found a stone home that she felt safer in. Sadly, between my uncle-in-law falling off the roof and the house fire, my aunt and her family suffered from some deep-rooted trauma.
Should you fix your own roof pros and cons
In conclusion, while saving thirty percent on costs may be tempting, the risks of DIY roof repair aren’t worth it. Always hire a licensed professional — your safety, home, and wallet will thank you in the long run.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional contractor advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a professional when necessary.