When thinking about the costs associated with roof work, who among us hasn’t thought, “Couldn’t I just do this myself?”
The answer: maybe! While roof repair or replacement shouldn’t be undertaken lightly, with the right tools and knowledge, it is a task that can be safely done on your own.
Keep reading to learn what you need to keep in mind to do your DIY roof replacement well.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of getting your roof replaced varies widely depending on the size of your roof, the complexity of your roof, and the roofing materials you decide to use.
Most contractors quote $10,000-$15,000 for a standard roof replacement with architectural asphalt shingles. This price encompasses everything involved in the roof replacement process, including:
- Purchase of your materials
- Labor costs
- Upkeep of tools and equipment
- Removal of your existing shingles
- Disposal of the torn-off shingles
- Any roof repairs that need to happen during your roof replacement (roof decking is a common repair that happens during this time)
As you can see, most of the costs of the project are related to tools and materials. When you replace your own roof, you save money on labor costs, but you’ll still be responsible for the rest of the costs of your project. So, expect your DIY roof replacement to still cost you several thousand dollars.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin tearing down your old roof, you need to gather your supplies and materials for the project:
- Tools for measuring your roof
- Safety equipment (protective eyewear, a shirt with long sleeves, pants, gloves, a ladder, and a harness to anchor yourself to the roof)
- Your roofing materials (shingles/metal panels/slate tiles, plus any additional fasteners you need for the pieces)
- Any auxiliary pieces you plan to replace or repair (could be flashing, gutters, or roof decking)
- Tarps to protect your yard and roof
- Tools for installing your roofing materials
It’s also not a bad idea to find at least one friend to help you with the project and to wait until you have a stretch of days with favorable weather before you begin your project.
6 Steps for Roof Installations
1. Measure Your Roof
Climb onto your roof and use a tape measure to measure each side of your roof. Get the length and width of each side, and use these measurements to calculate the total square footage of your roof.
2. Order Supplies
Order the appropriate amount of supplies to cover your roof, plus 10-15% extra in case of mistakes and for waste. If you have a large hardware store near you, you should be able to order your supplies from them, or you may be able to order roofing materials directly from your manufacturer of choice.
3. Prep Your Property
Take all necessary precautions to protect your property from damage during your roof installation:
- Cover all landscaping surrounding your house with tarps.
- Board over vulnerable windows.
- Move outdoor furniture and accessories as far from your roof as possible.
- Lay down tarps in your yard where you can throw your old roofing materials.
- Warn neighbors and the occupants of your home when and where you’ll be working.
- Consider finding another place for your pets and kids to be during the roofing project.
In addition to preparing your property, secure all necessary building permits and other permissions from your city, county, and state to do construction on your home.
4. Demolition
Get rid of the old materials on your roof. If you need to replace your roof decking, take that out now as well. Throw the waste materials into a dumpster placed either in your driveway or in your yard.
5. Install New Materials
Next, put the new materials in place on your roof. While the exact process will vary depending on the kind of material you choose, you’ll generally start with your roof decking, then lay down your materials row and row, and finish with your flashing and gutters.
6. Clean Up
Restore your property to the way it was before you began the project. Properly dispose of all roofing materials by taking them to a designated construction waste disposal site.
Key Considerations
While the steps listed above may seem straightforward, replacing a roof is a complicated job, and there are several things to keep in mind to ensure that you can complete the project successfully:
- 🦺Safety: Do you have the proper skills, experience, and training to know how to do this job safely? Do you have someone around to help you complete the project?
- ⛈️Weather: You’ll need clear weather and low winds in order to safely do your reroofing. If it rains during your project, be prepared to cover your roof with a tarp until the skies clear. Never climb on your roof when it’s wet, windy, or icy.
- ⏰Time: Completing an entire roof replacement on your own will take longer than it does for roofing contractors to do the same job. Anticipate that a simple roof replacement may take you several days or even weeks to finish.
- ✔️Warranties: Some manufacturers only provide warranties on their products when they’re installed by licensed and credentialed contractors. So, if you don’t have the necessary credentials, you may be robbing yourself of the opportunity to take advantage of prime warranties offered by your product manufacturers.
DIY Roof Replacement vs. Working With a Professional Roofing Contractor
While it’s very possible to complete your roof replacement on your own, there are many benefits to working with roofing professionals on the project. Not only will their work come with coverage provided by professional licenses and insurance, but they’ll also be able to advise you on the best product choices for your home. They’ll complete the work quickly and well, and you’ll have an established relationship with a professional roofing company in town that you can rely on whenever you need a roof repair in the future.
Get Your New Roof Today
DIY roof replacement is a great project for any homeowner experienced in home maintenance. However, if thinking about doing the roofing process on your own fills you with dread, it’s best to reach out to a general contractor to help you with the project.
Here at Shingle and Metal Roofs, we want to be your go-to contractor for all your roof repair and replacement needs! No matter what kind of residential roof you have, we’ve got the right materials and the right expertise for the job.
Ready to find out if we’re the professional roofers for you? Give us a call today to learn more!
