Roofing Your House Yourself - Is it Worth the Risk?

Roofing your house can be one of the hardest and most dangerous home improvements to DIY.

Roofing may be on the list of many folks whose roof is old, tired and probably won’t make it another year. With the high cost of roofing, some people think about doing the roof themselves. I have already had a few people ask me about this, this year.

• Where do I start?
• How long will it take?
• Can I just do parts of the job?
• Is it really worth the risk?
• Can I really save lots of money doing my roof?

Where do I start?

Costing out a job for materials and labor is not as easy as you think. Most people cannot even measure a roof properly. Seeking help from friends and family may prove to be the “blind leading the blind.” You will not only need to know the correct installation process but also the codes from your local building department. Missing products on a job can cost you thousands.

How long will it take?

Depending on your skill level, energy and help, it could take a couple of weeks or more. Most roofing contractors, roofing an average size and pitch roof, will take two to three days to tear-off and reinstall a new roof - remember, these are professionals who have gone through training and certifications to get and maintain their license. I have seen Do-It-Yourselfer’s get into a job and never finish it. I have received calls every season for help to finish up a “start and can’t finish the job.”

Can I just do parts of the job?

Most roofers, including myself, will strongly advise against it. The main reasons why are the safety risk and the schedule. Contractors have insurance for themselves and their crews, not homeowners. Additionally, piecing together the tasks will interrupt the project's schedule. Timing will flow better when one person is in charge.

Example: Mr. Roofer, you do the tear-off, and I want my brother-in-law to fix the dry rot. Then after he is finished you continue the job. How can the roofer plan on the next phase of the job not knowing the skill level of the brother-in-law? Then what happens if there is a surprise rainstorm? Who takes liability for the uncovered roof? It can really get messy all to save a few dollars.

Is it really worth the risk?

The roofing industry is one of the top trades for exposure to injury or death. We as professionals see it on a daily basis and have safety tools and programs in place. Do you as a homeowner? Is it worth the risk if you get hurt and can’t go to work? I spoke to a friend just today who said, “It took me a week to do my roof and I did an over-lay (no tear-off) and I could not move the next week."

Hey, some folks may choose to do their roof and save a few dollars in labor. Some have no choice and have to do it themselves because of their budget. The reason the AskARoofer site is here, is to inform you and help you through the roofing process, so remember to weigh the cost and be honest with yourself when thinking about doing your roof yourself. And ask yourself, "Is it worth the risk?"

Have a question? AskARoofer.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on AskARoofer.com or information sent by emails is the opinion of the writers. It is the responsibility of the reader to check for accuracy in one's own jurisdiction, as there are different codes and restrictions for different parts of the country. AskARoofer.com does not accept any liability for the use of information on this website or email. AskARoofer.com has no controls over product failures, installation, or climate conditions that may change the roofing process in your area. Our information is in general to our area and cannot be the same as your local town or state. It is advised to seek the local Building Department, Licensed Contractor, and local Product Representative for proper installation requirements and code enforcement when installing a new roof.