Roofing Mistakes | DIY roofing is seen as an affordable alternative to hiring a professional roofer. However, just because an option is affordable doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cost-effective. In fact, DIY roofing projects almost always end up costing homeowners more in the long run because of basic—but costly—mistakes that DIY roofers usually make.
The most common DIY roofing mistakes are:
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Installing New Shingles on Top of Old Ones
Some DIY roofers might install the new roofing shingles on top of the worn-out ones to save time. While it’s technically possible to add an extra layer of shingles to your old roof, most contractors wouldn’t recommend roof overlays (roofs with two shingle layers). That’s because the heat and moisture are trapped between the two shingle layers drastically shortens the lifespan of your new roof. Not to mention it does nothing to fix roofing issues that will keep coming back. This is the same reason why it’s standard practice for contractors to tear off the old roof before installing the roof replacement.
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Using Too Few or Too Many Nails in the Wrong Spot
You can find specific installation instructions and other helpful information, like the number of nails each shingle needs and the location where the nail should be driven. In the manufacturer’s manual. However, the instructions can get too technical at times. Which is why it isn’t surprising that DIY roofers are prone to making seemingly basic mistakes.
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Going Over Your Budget and Falling Behind Schedule
It’s hard to get high-quality roofing shingles at the price professional contractors offer. Not to mention it’ll be hard to juggle a home improvement project along with work and your other responsibilities. No matter how you look at it, a DIY roofing project just doesn’t make practical—or financial—sense. In the long run, it’ll be more cost-effective to let residential roofers handle your roof replacement.
For more tips on how to maximize the returns on investment on your new roof, consult a professional contractor.
Atrium Roofing offers professional roofing services, including roof replacement and storm damage repair services, you can rely on. To get a free estimate, call us at (210) 807-6767 or fill out this form.