This do-it-yourself (DIY) movement has been spawned by the rise in popularity of large home improvement retail stores, television shows and publications dedicated to DIY, and a strong desire to stop paying the sometimes exorbitant fees associated with using a professional contractor. For most homeowners, the projects that they feel comfortable tackling are often smaller renovations inside the home. But for some, even the job of roofing is within their grasp – especially when it comes to using roofing materials that are easy to handle. For this reason, DIY home metal roofing has become a trend that has grown in popularity.
Metal roofing is a material that is often chosen by homeowners today as much for its durability as its incredibly long lifespan. Metal, by nature, is impervious to fire – and will not promote the spreading of fire, as well as being completely water resistant. This resilience allows metal to hold up in a variety of environments and climates as it can easily withstand weather conditions of all kinds. Even more incredibly, metal roofing can last just about double the lifespan of traditional roofs; homeowners who install metal roofing can expect it to last approximately fifty years – unheard of in the world of roofs. While homeowners may spend more in their initial investment to install metal roofing, this financial commitment more than pays for itself down the line. In fact, you get far more bang for your buck with metal roofing than you would with traditional roofing material. With these statistics at hand it’s no wonder that DIY home metal roofing has become a growing trend in the world of home improvement.
But another reason that DIY home metal roofing has grown in popularity is because of the ease in handling the metal sheeting required to install the roof. Homeowners that might hesitate to tackle a job that required hoisting and manipulating heavy pieces of shingle are much more inclined to handle lightweight sheeting. Of course, with any do-it-yourself job, there are things that must be considered.
First and foremost in DIY home metal roofing, it is necessary to determine exactly how much material you will need. If you have never done a roofing job before it may be best to consult a professional – or at least someone who has worked on their own roof – to determine the size of your roof and the material that you will need to cover it.
Your local home improvement store can be a big help when it comes to DIY home metal roofing. They can help you select your material and all of the tools that you will need to complete the job safely and successfully. Further, these retailers often have do-it-yourself instruction available at their locations; if you choose to tackle this job yourself it is important to arm yourself with as much information as possible.
DIY Roofing - Is It Advisable?
Whether it’s snow, rain, sleet or hail, our roof endures a lot of exposure and often takes a serious sting from mother nature. Regardless of what home improvements, decorating or repairs you have done or are in the process of doing, nothing matters if you do not have a solid and stable roof over your head. Before you take on a DIY roofing project, bare the following in mind:
You should only attempt a DIY roofing project if you have completed a similar project successfully in the past, have extensive knowledge or training in roofing or plan to hire a contractor to help supervise your progress. When it comes to your roof, you will want to make sure that it is done correctly in order to avoid leaks and other mishaps. Afterall, your roof is the only thing between your family and the sometimes harsh weather elements.
When it comes to a DIY roofing project, you will need to consider what type of roof you want to install. Do you prefer shingles or a metal roof? Many are selecting a metal roof if they live in areas that are prone to strong storms, hurricanes, etc. Shingles are the more attractive option, but are easily damaged and may require frequent repair and/or replacement. Always be sure to keep this in mind when starting out on a DIY roofing project.
When choosing your roofing material, take the time to consider the manufacturer’s warranty and recommendations. For instance, some roofing shingles are fire resistant and some carry a warranty of 40 or more years. In addition, more shingles are being made that are said to withstand high winds. The warranty and type of roofing that you choose will largely depend on the weather patterns in your area.
Some final points to consider before moving forward with a DIY roofing project is whether or not you are afraid of heights, the weather conditions surrounding the necessary repair or replacement and your budget. If at all possible, it’s best to complete roofing projects on a fair weather day. Working in the rain or other inclement weather could result in slippery conditions, either on the roof or a ladder. In addition, a contractor is obviously going to cost a little more financially, but hiring a professional could be the difference in spending a few more dollars now or a lot more later if the roofing project isn’t completed properly. So, is a DIY roofing project advisable? Only if you are absolutely certain that you can, in fact, do it yourself.