Can You Do a DIY Roof Replacement?

Is it time for a new roof? Are you considering a DIY roof replacement to save money?

A roof replacement is an expensive investment. And with roofing prices continue to rise, it's not surprising that some homeowners try to go the DIY roof replacement route. 

I own a roofing company, so of course, I recommend contacting a professional. But I understand that it’s never been easier to find ways to do things yourself with DIY videos and articles.

So, before deciding if a DIY roof replacement is a good idea, there are some things to consider. 

For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand everything roofing related, from what a roof replacement is to how a roof is installed. So, let's look into if you can do a DIY roof replacement and what to know before starting. 

By the end of this article, you'll learn:

• Can you do a DIY roof replacement?
• What should you consider before a DIY roof replacement?

Can you do a DIY roof replacement?

Yes, you can absolutely do a DIY roof replacement. In today's age, there are plenty of instructional and how-to videos you can watch. 

But the question isn't really can you do it, it's should you do it. As a roofer, my professional opinion is that no homeowner should even attempt a DIY roof replacement.

Now, you may think that of course a roofer is saying not to replace a roof yourself. However, hiring a professional is the by far the best route to go. 

But at the end of the day, it's your property. Just make sure you understand the project you're about to undertake. 

What should you consider before a DIY roof replacement?

So, I do not recommend a DIY roof replacement. But if you're still on the fence leaning towards doing it yourself, there are unavoidable facts you must consider. 

Let's look at the following things you should consider before a DIY roof replacement:

• Working on a roof is extremely dangerous
• A roof replacement is a large home improvement project
• Replacing a roof is a messy and chaotic process 
• Replacing a roof correctly takes years of knowledge, training, and skill
• You need the right tools to do the job
• A roof is a puzzle of materials and components
• Local and national building codes have to be followed
• You have to fix your own problems
• Clean up is just as important as the roof replacement

Working on a roof is extremely dangerous

Probably the most important thing to consider before a DIY roof replacement is your safety. Roofing contractors have the safety training and knowledge required to properly work and walk on a roof.

Roofing contractors also have safety equipment to work on a roof safely, like ropes and harnesses to tie off on steep roof pitches. You also need to think about your comfort level on a ladder.

If you don't feel 100% climbing on and off a ladder or walking on a roof, you shouldn’t be up there. Even with all the experience, accidents still happen to roofers.

So, there’s an even higher chance it can happen to you.

A roof replacement is a large home improvement project

A roof replacement is completely tearing off your old roof down to a clean deck and installing brand-new roofing components and main roofing material. Unfortunately, most homeowners don't understand just how big of a home improvement project getting a new roof is.  

Normally, there are plenty of crew members on the ground and the roof that each have their own job. Whether it's tearing off, picking up trash, getting the new materials on the roof, or anything else, they all work together as one. 

That's why most roofing crews can finish a standard roof in a day, from tear off to cleaning up. Well, without a crew, you'll most likely be looking at multiple days working on the roof. 

And because DIY takes longer, you also need the skill and know-how to dry in places to prevent water from getting into your home in the areas you haven't completed. 

Replacing a roof is a messy and chaotic process 

A roof replacement is a big project, but it's also messy and chaotic. A professional roofer ensures everything is controlled and your home is protected during all the chaos. 

They do this by creating landing zones for debris, having a dump trailer, covering areas around the roof line, and crew members constantly picking up trash during the project. 

But if you do a DIY roof replacement, you'll be doing this all by yourself or a few friends. This just increases the likelihood of damaging your property, leaving trash, missing nails, etc. 

Even worse, you could get the neighbors knocking on your door with trash, damage to their property, or a hospital bill from stepping on a nail. 

Replacing a roof correctly takes years of knowledge, training, and skill

Replacing a roof properly requires years of knowledge, training, and skill. A roofing contractor and their installers have years of roofing experience under their belts. 

While there are videos and articles to educate you, there’s a massive difference between watching a video and trying to do it yourself. Not only the skill to install materials correctly per manufacturer instructions, but the actual labor required to avoid lazy work or cut corners. 

The quality of a DIY roof replacement versus a certified contractor is drastic. If you’re not 100% confident that you can pull off a roof replacement, just call a professional to ensure you’re not throwing your money away.

You need the right tools to do the job

A roof replacement requires a variety of tools and materials to do the job. You may already have a hammer and measuring tape, but there’s much more you'll need for a DIY roof replacement. 

(Tear off fork)

Some of the things a roofing contractor needs to replace a roof are:

• Roof nails
• Tear off fork
• Chalk line
• Pneumatic nail guns
• Air compressor
• Generator
• Button caps 
• Staples and staple hammer
• Tarps

These are just some of the standard tools that roofers use to replace a roof, with even more needed to do more intricate work. So, you'll be buying a lot of tools you may only need once, and I guarantee you'll be making multiple runs to the hardware store throughout a DIY roof replacement. 

A roof is a puzzle of materials and components

While tools are important, having all the right materials is more important. However, a roof is puzzle with a lot of pieces. 

Below are the main materials and components needed for a roof replacement:

• Roof decking
• Roof flashing 
• Underlayment 
• Drip edge 
• Ice and water shield 
• Shingles (or other roofing material)
• Ridge capping 
• Roof vents 
• Pipe boots

Every single material and component above must be part of a roof replacement. You may think you can get by leaving something off, but each one plays a crucial role to keep your roof leak-free. 

You also need to know where and what order to install all the components and materials to prevent leaks. Something as simple as not changing out rotten roof decking before installation can lead to big problems down the road.

Local and national building codes have to be followed

A roof is subject to building codes set forth by the IRC. So, your DIY roof replacement must adhere to and follow Chapter 9 (Roof Assemblies) of the 2018 International Residential Code book. 

The codes that matter revolve around following installation instructions, crickets, drip edge, pitch requirements, roof valleys, and replacing decking. Failure to follow these codes will lead to a failed home inspection, insurance claim denials, and leaks. 

While the national codes are important, every state, city, and/or county has different codes. So, you also need to check local installation codes and if any paperwork is required to ensure your roof is replaced in compliance with your state’s requirements. 

You have to fix your own problems

A new roof from a professional roofer comes with two types of warranties: one on the roofing contractor’s workmanship and another on the roofing materials.

Well, if you do a DIY roof replacement, you obviously won’t have a roofing contractor’s workmanship to fall back on. This means any mistakes you made during installation that lead to leaks will be on you to fix. 

These problems can show up right away with the first rain or 5 years down the road. Either way, you’ll have to take care of it yourself or pay a roofing contractor to fix the issue. 

Clean up is just as important as the roof replacement

Once a roof is replaced, the job isn't finished. In fact, I consider clean up one of the most important parts of the entire roof replacement process.  

Normally, the crew spends a couple of hours on the ground rolling up tarps, getting their tools, and cleaning up any missed debris in the yard and landscaping. They'll also make multiple passes with a strong magnet in grassy areas to ensure there are no loose nails sitting around.

Well, a DIY roof replacement requires doing all of this by yourself. And I guarantee, you won't be in the mood to clean up for a two or so hours after working on a roof all day. 

What does a professional roofer's roof replacement process look like?

After reading this article, you know that you can do a DIY roof replacement. I always recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor, but like I said, it’s your property,

However, you must take the considerations seriously before starting anything. If you’re unsure about just one, call a professional roofer and get it done right.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide if you have the skill, attention to detail, and patience required to do a DIY roof replacement properly. But whatever you decide, it's important to understand the entire roof replacement process. 

Not only the process, but how a professional roofer does it. That's why I wrote another article breaking down the step-by-step process of getting a new roof. 

Check out The 8-Step Process to Replace Your Roof to learn how a reputable roofing contractor goes about a roof replacement project.