The cost to own and properly maintain a home can be substantial. In fact, for many NJ homeowners, their home is their main asset. It is vital to protect the value of this asset with the right repairs and upgrades. To offset those costs, homeowners sometimes take the “do-it-yourself” route. However, that’s not always the most cost-effective path when the integrity of your roof is at stake.
Properly installed, a modern roof system will protect your home, family and possessions for decades. When it comes to installing such a roof, it’s all too easy to overestimate one’s own expertise. For example, do you know about the proper use of nailing strips, or what ambient temperatures ensure proper adhesion between shingles? Do you know about proper drip edge installation and the use of ice/water barriers to counter the effects of ice dams? Fail at any of these tasks, and you may face a future of missing shingles, premature roof leaks or other problems.
Reasons Why DIY Roofing Costs More
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why DIY roofing costs tend to go up while quality tends to go down.
A time-consuming task
What is the value of your time? Don’t forget to calculate the value of time taken away from family activities and other leisurely pursuits. When you install your own roof, it’s not just the time required to do the job. There’s also the time required to learn how to install your own roof to spec.
You also have to comparison shop for all the roofing materials, and you may need to purchase certain tools. By comparison, factory-certified roofing pros already possess the knowledge and tools needed to do a good job.
Lack of volume discounts
During the course of the year, roofing contractors purchase large quantities of roofing materials. As a result, they typically qualify for contractor discounts. The DIY homeowner often pays more for materials because they simply don’t have the clout that volume buyers do.
Safety concerns
Roofing work is often both difficult and dangerous. The best factory-certified contractors repeatedly review safety procedures with their crews to ensure compliance with OSHA and other safety regulations. A DIY individual should realize that a single slip can change everything, particularly if the right safety gear is not in use. The value of any DIY savings vanishes the minute there’s an accident.
Furthermore, falls are not the only concern. Physical conditioning is important. Lifting heavy bundles of shingles may lead to muscle strains and back injuries. Roofing technicians, like football players, are already in “playing shape.”
Warranty differences
One of the biggest differences between a DIY roof and one that is professionally installed is the difference in available warranties. It’s easy to understand that roofing manufacturers are more interested in standing behind a roof system installed by one of their own certified roofers.
What is your peace-of-mind worth? Manufacturer warranties on materials and labor give NJ homeowners who use certified roofing contractors real peace-of-mind. While manufacturers may still warranty DIY materials for a period of time, they don’t typically cover the labor required. Gamble on a DIY roof, and you may face substantial out-of-pocket DIY roofing costs in the future.
By contrast, consider the long-term alliance between an NJ homeowner, a certified roofer and the roofing manufacturer. Your local, reputable contractor and a major manufacturer stand ready to partner with you to ensure the proper performance of your roof system for years to come.
Waste disposal
Professional roofing contractors usually have an edge over DIYers when it comes to the DIY roofing costs associated with waste disposal. This is a particularly important issue when the existing roofing must be torn off prior to the installation.
Active local roofers often have their own waste containers. Even if they don’t, they’ve already researched the most economical way to dispose of old shingles and other roof components. Sometimes there’s a recycling option. In other instances, one landfill may be more expensive than another.
Code requirements
Permitting requirements vary by jurisdiction and by the type of roof work. Local roofing pros know about permit requirements, and they know how important it is to install a code-compliant roof. Today’s updated building codes often require attention to things like roof ventilation, insulation values, and drip edge installation.
Even if your DIY roof installation does not run afoul of the local building inspector, roof defects could cost you when the time comes to sell your home. A home appraiser may note non-compliant roof elements that may have to be corrected before closing.
Consult with a Certified Contractor
When you wonder whether your roof needs to be replaced or simply repaired, it is ideal to consult with a factory-certified roofing contractor. Invite a certified contractor to your home so you can benefit from expertise acquired during years in the business.
It’s easier to trust the recommendations of a contractor certified by one or more of the major roofing manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning. Why? Because these industry leaders require roofers to meet stringent standards before they are certified as Master Elite Contractors (GAF) or Preferred Contractors (Owens Corning).
Contact CRS Today
Since 1977, CRS has met the many roofing requirements of Tri-state homeowners. We are proud to be certified as an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and a GAF Master Elite Contractor. These industry leaders authorize us to offer warranties that DIY roofers do not have access to.
CRS is a true full-service roofing company offering roof inspections, routine maintenance, emergency repairs, upgraded roof ventilation and insulation, structural repairs, re-roofing and complete roof replacements.
The team at CRS would welcome the opportunity to earn your business. Please contact us.
