While replacing your damaged shingle roof yourself may be cheaper initially, it could also cost you more in the future and pose safety risks if poorly installed. Here’s why it’s best to hire professionals instead.

Shingle Roof Replacement: When Should You Go Pro?

Looking to replace your faulty shingle roof yourself? Doing so without the right expertise could do you more harm than good, as expenses could quickly stack up. That’s why it’s best to leave it to the pros.

Picture this. You’re a proud DIY enthusiast, and handling your shingle roof replacement yourself sounds like a great way to save a few thousand bucks. You grab your supplies from Home Depot, binge-watch YouTube tutorials, and tackle it over the weekend.

You finish, and it looks like a great job to you, but you didn’t notice that you hadn’t installed the underlayment properly. A few weeks later, a summer storm causes the roof to leak, destroying the drywall and insulation inside. 

Now, the repair costs have exceeded the money you initially saved. Even worse? You’ve lost insurance coverage for the roof work because it was a DIY project. 

Devastating, but this is precisely why you should always hire a professional for your shingle roof replacement. This article will teach you when to replace your shingle roof, why you should invest in a roofing contractor for the job, and even how to extend your roof’s lifespan.

Spotting the Red Flags: Signs You Need a Shingle Roof Replacement 

A thesis from the University of Illinois Library has divulged that, as your roof ages, you will notice increasing damage regardless of any secondary characteristics. This means that as your roof nears the end of its lifespan, you should continually assess it for indicators signaling potential replacement needs.

However, the most noticeable indicators that your shingle roof needs urgent replacement can also signal the need for mere roof repair. These signs include: 

• Curling, buckled, cracked, or missing shingles
• Frequent water leaks 
• Granule loss
• Sagging roof

Thankfully, professional roofing experts can provide a detailed assessment of your shingle roof condition to determine whether a complete roof replacement is necessary. They also detect hidden issues in your shingle roof that you might have easily overlooked and provide replacement cost estimates based on your home’s size and dimensions. All these ensure you don’t spend more than necessary on roof replacement.

Risks of Replacing Your Shingle Roof Yourself

The urge to cut shingle roof replacement costs might tempt you to attempt DIYing it, but before you give in, here are a few serious risks to consider:

Safety Hazards

Roofing can be life-endangering. Without proper training, equipment, or safety knowledge, you risk slipping, falling, or worse, death. 

Even roofing professionals with all of their safety gear aren’t totally immune to accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has discovered that the construction industry suffers the highest amount of fall-related deaths, primarily as a result of falling from heights such as roofs.

Now, imagine what that means for untrained and under-equipped hands like yours.

Voided Manufacturer Warranties

When you DIY your shingle roof replacement, you risk losing your manufacturer’s warranty. This is because most roofing product manufacturers strictly require that installations and replacements of their products be handled by licensed professionals only. 

When hiring a contractor for your job, ensure you ask essential questions regarding the licence they possess to ensure you don’t lose your warranty when they work on your roof. 

Lack of Tools and Expertise

Professional roofers possess the necessary tools, technical skills, and experience to handle every aspect of a shingle roof replacement. You probably don’t have access to many of these technical tools, and that’s why your chance of achieving a successful roof replacement is low. 

Advantages of Hiring a Professional Roofer for Your Shingle Roof Replacement

Now that you know why you shouldn’t DIY your roof replacement, here are the perks of actually hiring a roofing contractor:

Expertise and Experience

Licensed and insured roofing companies are equipped with experienced crews, certified professionals, and the right tools to complete the job efficiently and accurately. Their expertise saves you time, effort, and the added cost of fixing DIY mistakes. 

When it comes to expert evaluation and complete roofing solutions, Trenton Roofing and Siding is a top choice for many homeowners. Over the last 43 years, we’ve built a strong reputation for providing impeccable roofing services from repairs to replacements. Hundreds of homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania trust us to handle their roofing needs. All you need to do is book a free roof inspection to get started. 

Safety Measures

Roofing is a high-risk work activity that requires strict adherence to safety measures. Trained professionals follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fall protection guidelines and utilize safety equipment, including harnesses, guardrails, and protective gear, to prevent falls and injuries. 

Cost-Effectiveness

While it may not seem like it initially, outsourcing your roof replacement to professional roofing services can save you money in two ways. Firstly, they complete the job correctly the first time, with no need for rework. Secondly, they know the right sources to get quality materials for your roofing job at cheaper rates. 

Warranty Protection

Besides manufacturer warranties, professional roofing replacements often come with warranties from the roofing company, providing additional protection that DIY projects can’t offer. For example, Trenton Roofing & Siding offers a 10-year workmanship warranty, providing long-term protection for your investment.

Tips to Extend Your Shingle Roof’s Lifespan  

What’s better than having a professional replace your roof? Maintaining a healthy shingle roof. Here are some quick and easy tips to make your roof last longer and save you the stress of replacement.

• After intense weather such as storms, always inspect your roof or call a professional for a check-up. Intense storms can loosen or crack shingles, create leaks, or cause almost invisible structural damage.
• Ensure your gutters and drains are always clean to prevent moisture decay and debris buildup. 
• Trim overhanging branches and periodically wipe out leaves, twigs, and sap that could trap moisture on your roof. 
• Allow for proper attic ventilation. Poor attic ventilation allows heat and moisture to accumulate under your roof, which could cause your shingle roof to age prematurely. 

Save Money with Roofing Experts 

Treating your shingle roof replacement as a simple DIY job can be alluring due to the cheap initial investment. However, you risk incurring unwanted expenses if it fails. That’s why it’s a more brilliant move to leave it to the pros. We recommend you consult a professional roofing service because it guarantees:

• Expert shingle roof replacement 
• Long-term cost savings
• Elimination of injury risk
• Protection of insurance and warranties

If you think your roof might need replacing, don’t risk your life and your money. Instead, call a roofing professional immediately!

Trenton Roofing & Siding is a top roofing company satisfying clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with comprehensive roofing services, including installations and replacements. Contact us today to replace your roof the expert way.