If you're considering fixing your own shingles, the common roof repair mistakes below could make this a wasted effort.
As the Round Rock, TX, roofing experts, Longhorn Roofing knows you're on a tight budget. We offer competitive prices for quality work. You can protect your home and your finances – and avoid all the mistakes we’ve listed below.
What Are the Most Common DIY Roof Repair Issues?
Many homeowners underestimate the challenge involved in fixing their roofs. Amateur repairs almost always lead to roof leak repair errors and flashing installation mistakes. It’s a one-way ticket to leaks and costly damages, especially if you make the following errors:
Overlooking the Need for Professional Help
Working on a roof is dangerous and complicated without the right training and equipment. You can experience a severe injury that results in a hospital stay or chronic condition. For instance, a roof slip may herniate a disc in your back, causing long-term pain and reducing your mobility.
An accident on the roof can also damage your property, as falling shingles harm landscaping or failed cleanups hurt lawn mower and other equipment. Improper shingle placement also leaves your home vulnerable to significant water damage (and thousands in repairs!).
Cutting Corners on the Quality of Materials
Choosing the wrong roofing materials is one of the most common roof repair mistakes for homeowners. Trying to save instead of picking premium shingles and other components like flashing and underlayment means you get what you pay for. When it comes to protecting everything you hold dear for decades to come, don't settle.
Other than damage from severe weather, the two most frequent reasons people replace a roof early are low-quality materials and roofing installation problems. Quality shingles can last up to 25 years, but if you install them as part of a DIY project, they’ll fail in a fraction of that expected time. A new roof costs thousands, even when you do it yourself, but why pay every five to 10 years if you can invest more upfront and save significantly in the long term?
Forgoing an Inspection To Find Existing Problems
When professionals install a new roof or repair an existing one, they always perform a meticulous inspection. This close look catches minor issues homeowners often overlook because they're not causing visible problems yet. For example, many property owners don't know they should check the decking for rot that could cause support issues for a new roof.
When you forgo an inspection, it's much like treating the symptoms of a sickness without looking for the underlying cause. The problem always comes back. If so, it requires more time and money than if you inspected the roof before the installation.
Lacking a Plan For the Roofing Process or Budget
Do you go with the flow? DIY roofing is not the place to test your adaptability.
Roof projects need meticulous planning to avoid significant budgeting problems. A set plan also prevents you from wasting materials or measuring wrong. Placing even one shingle incorrectly could make the entire project a total waste of your time and money.
The Benefits of Hiring Professionals for Replacing a Roof
You can avoid roof repair mistakes by hiring professional roofers. Consider it an excellent investment, especially since roofing expertise grants the following benefits:
Optimal Use of Resources and Reduced Waste
Professional roofers know how much material you need and how to measure stuff. They can complete the work in a fraction of the time, saving you time, money, and effort.
Guaranteed Quality and Peace of Mind
When you work with certified roofers, you'll never worry about unseen leaks or question the quality of the work. Rest easy at night knowing your roof can protect you in severe weather and it has quality insulation. You won't have to feel the constant stress of wondering whether you'll have to pay thousands in preventable emergency repairs.
Warranty and Regulation Compliance
Many roof warranties stipulate that only professionals can provide repairs. Overstepping that condition can mean voiding the warranty and paying significant money for something that the roof manufacturer would otherwise have covered. Some cities also have regulations regarding roof-related repairs.
Call Longhorn Roofing To Skip All the Common Roofing Errors and Enjoy Peace of Mind
To avoid common roof repair mistakes, partner with Longhorn Roofing. Whether you need help learning the roof repair signs or need to find the source of a leak, we can help. We've served the area since 1985 and have a strong reputation for excellence.
Call Longhorn Roofing today at (512) 478-2500 to request your quote.
