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If you’re a curious, hands-on person whose first response to any maintenance problem is to roll up your sleeves and figuring out how your house actually works, then DIY projects are probably one of your favorite things about owning a home.
Doing it yourself is rewarding, and it’s fun: not only do you save money on hiring a contractor, you get to solve problems and develop new skills. But some jobs are simply too big or too complicated to handle on your own, and understanding the limits of your abilities is an important part of responsible homeownership.
Roofing is a great example of this. There are plenty of things you can do on your own to maintain your roof and some things you actually can fix on your own. But eventually, you’re going to have to hire a roofing company if you want to handle major repairs in a responsible way.
To that end, here’s a list of the roofing jobs you can take care of on your own, and those you should get professional help with.
DIY Roofing
- Cleaning Gutters: This is an essential part of roof maintenance, especially in the autumn. Gutters that get clogged with leaves can cause ice to build up underneath your shingles, a process known as ice damming. This in turn causes damage to the roof deck and decreases the lifespan of your roof.
- Replacing Shingles: It is common practice for roofers to leave a bundle of shingles behind so that homeowners can replace individual shingles that get damaged. A short roofing tutorial can help you figure out how to replace individual shingles safely and effectively.
- Skirt Roofing: Some house designs include sections of roof that overhang windows and doorways. Known as skirts, these roofs aren’t part of protecting the main living area of your home, so you can re-roof them yourself without much difficulty.
Professional Roofing
Snappygoat
Installing a New Roof: While most active homeowners can replace a shingle here and there, re-roofing your entire house is another matter. Knowing how to layer shingles properly, apply ice and water shield, and lay down guttering to protect gullies is specialized work, and if you do it wrong it can cause serious damage to your property — not to mention the fact that improperly installing shingles can nullify the warranty. Furthermore, installing a new roof is also dangerous, and the last thing you want to risk this year is a visit to the hospital!
Ventilation Repair: Ventilation is a key part of any roof system, and improper or inadequate ventilation can lead to moisture damage and ceiling mold. In extreme cases, it can even cause rot to set into your rafters and roof deck. But effective ventilation installation and repair requires expert knowledge of the roof system, so if you’re having issues related to ventilation, get in touch with the pros.
Skylight Installation: Everyone loves a good skylight, but putting one is a complicated job that involves cutting a hole in your roof, sealing the skylight properly, putting in flashing, and re-shingling around it in such a way that you don’t cause leaks. This is a job best left to Toronto roofing contractors.
Hardcore DIY fans are often reluctant to pass on the opportunity to embrace a new project. But when it comes to complex jobs like roofing, plumbing, and electrical wiring, the damage you can do to your home is significant.
Knowing your limits and calling professional experts who can get the job done quickly, safely, and correctly when you’re out of your depth is part of responsible homeownership, so be sure to get in touch with a contractor for roof repairs that go beyond basic maintenance.
