For many of us, fixing small leaks and DIY roof repairs seem like a no brainer. Ideally these fixes would save you time and money. However, inexperienced DIYing is often dangerous and can lead to roofing mistakes and possibly further damage your home. As a Wichita based roofing company, Dingers Roofing & Construction completely understands that fixing roofing problems yourself is tempting. While some minor repairs are DIY-able, the vast majority of roof repairs are best left to licensed roofing contractors. This list explains the DIY roofing mistakes that can lead to costly damage.
The Dangers of Ignoring Roof Problems
Seemingly small roofing issues can quickly escalate given Wichita’s harsh weather. Ignoring those problems now can create extensive repairs down the road. For example, storm damaged shingles may allow water to trickle down the structure of your roof into the foundation or cause fungi and mold growth.
The Importance of Roof Repairs
Unfortunately, many DIY repairs only focus on the symptoms of the underlying cause. The result? Bandaids for repairs that won’t last long.
Benefits of Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Licensed Roofing Contractors are trained to diagnose and address roof damage before it gets out of hand. We typically use checklists and equipment to inspect a roof for damage. get an idea of the damage.
Common DIY Roofing Mistakes
Underestimating the Complexity of Roofing
DIY-ers often underestimate how complicated roofing systems are; as a result, they frequently overlook parts like the underlayment, flashing and ventilation when making repairs. Underlayment acts as a moisture shield between your shingles and roof deck. If it’s not installed correctly, water can seep in, damaging your roof deck, insulation, and even your ceilings and walls. Flashing is equally important, as it seals the joints between different elements on your roof, like a chimney or vents. Improper repairs to these components can create roof leaks, reduce energy efficiency and even contribute to roof collapse.
In most cases, it may be easiest to choose a roofing company. Not only do they have the equipment and materials ready, but they also have the years of skill, knowledge and understanding to make accurate repairs.
Overlooking Safety Hazards
Managing the Wichita weather while balancing on a slanted roof and hammering nails is more than dangerous, so don’t compromise on roofing safety. Cutting corners not only puts your roof and home in danger, but it can also impact your health. According to This Old House, in 2020 alone, more than 56,000 individuals fell during a roofing related project. No matter the project or the scope, focus on safety first. If you ever feel unsafe, always contact a professional roofer.
Using the Wrong Materials
When you’re focusing on DIY repairs it’s tempting to cut corners and choose cheaper materials. We’ve seen DIY homeowners opt for the cut-rate roofing materials only to need a full roof replacement months later. On the surface these materials, like 3-tab shingles may seem like they’ll work. The reality though is that those less durable shingles may be ripped off by brutal Kansas winds, or allow hail to puncture the surface, leaking water into your home.
Using the right materials for your DIY repairs like the proper nails, underlayment and new flashing is crucial because it impacts the longevity and safety of your roof. In general, the proper materials also maintain visual consistency and protect your home’s warranty by following manufacturer guidelines.
Improper Installation
DIY repairs typically leave very little room for even tiny mistakes. Many roofing materials such as impact resistant shingles, require you to use specific nails for installation. On top of that, those nails need to be placed in precise places. If done incorrectly, exposed nails may corrode over time and create small entry points for moisture to creep in. Unfortunately, a lot of DIY homeowners make this mistake when repairing their roof.
Manufacturers across the board stress the importance of proper techniques even for DIY-ers. For instance, GAF recommends replacing flashing whenever possible to help fight and prevent water damage. Remember though, insurance claims often require licensed roofers for storm damage repairs.
Ignoring Ventilation
With Wichita’s extreme weather, proper ventilation is a must for a long-lasting and healthy roof. Your attic needs to breathe to stay healthy, just like you do. But DIY roof repairs often neglect proper attic ventilation, which is especially important in Wichita’s climate. Proper ventilation prevents mold and mildew in the summer by removing hot, humid air. It also helps prevent ice dams in the winter by regulating attic temperature and allowing snow to drain properly.
Neglecting Maintenance
Roofing maintenance is still crucial even if you focus on DIY repairs. Although, if you rely too heavily on DIY care you may miss warning signs like small leaks that could eventually turn into extensive water damage or even worse; roof collapse. Regular professional maintenance helps you catch small problems early, preventing them from turning into expensive repairs down the road. We recommend regularly inspecting your roof, especially after storms and scheduling professional roof inspections at least once or twice a year to catch those problems you might’ve missed.
When to Call a Professional Roofer
At first glance, DIY repairs may seem like a great idea. But, picture this: you’re teetering on top of a ladder 20 feet up and a gust of Wichita wind nearly sends you flying. Dropping from a ladder doesn’t sound fun. Hiring a roofer means you get safe, experienced repairs, saving you priceless time and fixing your roof the right way the first time. Next time you’re thinking about DIY roofing in Wichita, consider choosing Dingers Roofing & Construction instead. Backed by a labor warranty and over 20 years of experience, we provide stress-free, reliable roofing services in Wichita. Contact us today for a free estimate on roofing installation, repairs or replacement.