Considering a DIY Roof Replacement? Read This Before You Start

DIY Roof Repairs | June 24, 2023  | By: John Esh

Is A DIY Residential Roof Replacement The
Best Option For Your Lancaster, PA Home?

A DIY Residential Roof Replacement In
Lancaster County Could Cost You More


A roof replacement in Lancaster, PA is a major home improvement project that often comes with a large price tag. The importance of a residential roof replacement can’t be overstated. A good roof lowers your energy costs and protects everything it covers, including those living below it.

When those people are your family, you want the very best for them. You might wonder if you can provide that with a DIY roof replacement.

People believe that DIY roof installations can often save money. Many think that the online videos will walk them through the residential roof installation process.

But before you decide to tackle your roof replacement, you must know what you’re getting into. There are so many things to consider when replacing a roof. Let’s take a look at some.


The Costs Of A DIY Roof Replacement
In Lancaster County

The cost of materials you need when installing a new roof, like asphalt shingles, nails, and roofing cement, add up. Most non-professionals don’t accurately estimate how much they’ll need.

You will need to buy more than the job requires for some materials. Asphalt shingles often come in a bundle. This means you’ll have to pay more than the project needs. For a professional residential roofer, those overages don’t matter because they can use them on another job.

For a DIY residential roof replacement, you are simply left with extra materials that you have to pay for.

Hidden Costs OF A Residential Roof Replacement

To fully assess whether you should DIY your new roof, you must also consider the hidden roofing replacement costs.

A permit might be required by your local authorities or by your HOA if you have one. If you start the work without a required permit, you could be facing future fines.

Your homeowner’s insurance may also have a hidden cost down the line. Most insurance policies will cover replacements due to fire or weather.

However, they may require a professional roofing company to do the work. Doing your own replacement may void part of your policy down the line.

Many warranties also require that homeowners use professional residential roof contractors in order to honor the warranty. Always check your warranties, policies, and permit requirements before you decide to replace your roof.


The Risks Of A Residential Roof Replacement

Working on a roof project is dangerous. The height is the obvious factor, but there is also the fact that you may be working at different elevations and angles.

You may not be accustomed to working on a slope, especially with tools. You will also be bending, lifting, and carrying heavy, bulky materials up a ladder. Heat and wind also pose risks while you’re on the roof.

When you hire professional roofing contractors like Joyland Roofing, you can keep your feet firmly on the ground while we safely repair or replace your Lancaster, PA, roof.


A Residential Roofing Replacement Is Difficult

A YouTube video may show you how to replace your roof, but it can’t adequately illustrate the strength, dexterity, and knowledge needed to complete the job. You can learn the steps but won’t have the experience and background to identify problems. You may miss signs of structural damage or water damage along the way.

Special attention and care need to be taken through every square foot of your roof. This includes the chimneys, pipes, valleys, drip edging, and wherever a roof surface meets a wall.

These areas require metal flashing, which is difficult to work with and must be installed correctly. There are bends that need to be made at corners and intersections, and these technical details will make or break the roof system.

Overlapping the shingles properly to meet manufacturer requirements is a must. Correct placement of each fastener is important, too. If these things are wrong, a warranty will be void, and you will be at risk of shingles blowing off or leaking.


A DIY Residential Roof Replacement May Take
Up A Lot Of Your Precious Time

Professional residential roofing companies can typically tear off and replace an asphalt shingle roof in a day or two. But they have all the tools, supplies, and expertise on hand to get the job done quickly.

If you’ve never replaced a roof before, you are at a disadvantage that will cost you time. Completing the job quickly reduces the risk of running into poor weather conditions. A rain delay means you’ll need to cover your roof with a tarp or risk exposing your materials to the elements.

And if you’re working or taking care of your family at the same time, you may not have the time to finish the job right away.


Hire Joyland Roofing For Your Residential
Roof Replacement Service

For smaller jobs around the house, DIY can be a great option to save money and learn new skills. But a roof replacement is a major, expensive, and dangerous job that is best left in the hands of experienced professionals.

The cost of materials, the possibility of making mistakes, and the safety concerns just don’t add up to significant savings – the risks are too high.

Call Joyland Roofing for your Lancaster, PA, residential roof replacement. Our crew has the experience and professionalism to get the job done right and fast.