Top 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Install a DIY Roof

New toilets, new doorknobs, new kitchen backsplashes, hooking up a washing machine — there’s no end to the number of ways a homeowner can be their own handyman. But when it comes to roofing, you’ll want to skip the DIY approach. A roof is always something you’ll want to leave to a professional, and there are several reasons why.

1. Roof Work is Dangerous

Safety is the middle name of any roofing professional, and that’s not just talk. We know all too well what could go wrong when doing any type of roof work. It’s dangerous for many reasons, from being up high to working on a slope to slip, trip, and fall hazards. 

You need good shoes to walk around on a roof and feel stable. Depending on the slope of the roof, you might also need special tools and harnesses to keep you safe. 

Experienced roofing professionals undergo hours of safety training each year to avoid mishaps on the job. We’re continually training our team on safety-related best practices and how to proactively reduce chances of an incident. These things aren’t on the radar of an average homeowner, which makes dangerous roof work even more risky.

2. DIY Work Voids Your Shingle’s Warranty

Most roofing materials must be installed by a professional roofing company in order to activate the warranty. If they’re not and something goes wrong with your shingles or materials, you could be on the hook for the cost.

Even if the issue isn’t your fault, the shingle company can legally void the warranty. This is one reason why DIY roof work isn’t as cost-effective as it might seem. 

3. Your Insurance Company Won’t Like It

Your homeowner’s insurance company expects you to act with diligence when it comes to fixing any roofing issues. This means working with a professional company instead of DIY repairs and installations. If you do take the DIY route and incur an issue that requires your insurance company to get involved, they may be able to avoid paying out. Your insurance policy may be void, and it could be hard to get another policy from another company.

Going without homeowner’s insurance is dangerous in its own right. A roof replacement can cost as much as $10,000 or more, depending on the project complexity. That’s an expense you’ll have to pay for out of pocket if your insurance company cancels your policy.

4. You Might Cause More Damage

DIY fixers mean well, but it’s not always wise. In many cases, you may end up making the original problem worse — which makes it harder and more expensive to fix.

For example, if you don’t wear the right footwear while up on your roof, you could end up damaging more areas of your roof. If shingles are not nailed into place correctly, you may leave tiny holes that lead to roofing leaks. Trust a roofing professional to do the job for you! 

5. DIY Roofing is More Expensive

When you think about the possibility of injuring yourself, voiding your shingle warranty, voiding your insurance policy, and making problems worse, it’s easier to see that DIY roof work is costly. Working with a professional roofer saves you money by keeping you safe and compliant and doing the job right the first time.

Skip DIY Roofing and Call Kapili Solar Roofing! 

Kapili Roofing has been the trusted professional on Oahu for 15 years and counting. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, and do a thorough job you can trust. From installations to repairs, contact our team today to schedule your consultation!

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