You theoretically CAN replace your home's roof, if you have the proper knowledge and experience, but the time and tools it would take, as well as the risk involved, are likely not going to be worth the money you would save by hiring a roofing company.
The average expenditure for having a pro replace your roof is $10,530, vs $5,682 to do it yourself, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's latest American Home Survey. Therefore, doing it on your own can save you almost half the cost.
While every roofing material has its unique benefits and drawbacks, two types of roofs are generally considered the easiest to install: these are metal tiles and asphalt shingles.
While roofing can be hard to learn, with dedication and the right resources, many people can become proficient. Starting with basic projects and gradually taking on more complex tasks can help build your skills and confidence.
The truth is, anyone can replace their own roof, with the help of the many DIY websites. For residential houses, roof replacements typically take two days – the first day to remove the old roof, and the second day is to install the new one. A day or two more can be necessary depending on the size of the roof.
No, you cannot call the cops on someone sitting on the roof of their own house unless they are engaging in illegal activity or posing a danger to themselves or others. Sitting on the roof of their own house is not inherently illegal or dangerous, so it is unlikely that the police would intervene.
Replacing your roof yourself is no small feat, but with careful planning, the right tools, and a willingness to learn, it's a task that can save you money and give you the satisfaction of a job well done.
If you try to repair your own roof, you risk damaging it and the rest of your home. You may also void your warranty and end up costing yourself much more than if you had hired a professional roofer in the first place. Unlike many DIY home projects, DIY roofing isn't safe, cost‐effective or simple.
Replacing your house's roof by yourself can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on factors such as the size of the roof, your level of experience, the weather conditions, and the type of roofing material used.
Shed Roof or Skillion
A skillion roof has a single flat surface pitched at a steep angle to allow water runoff. Also known as a 'shed roof', skillion roofs are extremely easy and cheap to construct as they are made of simply one piece of roofing.
If it has only one existing layer, the roof may be a candidate for a second layer. The existing roof's condition will also help determine if a shingle-over-shingle installation is possible. If shingles are weathered, warped, or curling, they aren't suitable to be shingled over.
a) 32/1000 Roofing Sheets: These sheets have a thickness of 32 gauge or approximately 0.8 millimetres. They are relatively thinner and lighter compared to their counterpart. b) 34/1000 Roofing Sheets: With a thickness of 34 gauge or approximately 0.85 millimetres, these sheets are slightly thicker and heavier.
The price of roof installations and replacements varies across states. In states like California, it may cost you an average of $15,000 to get a new roof.
Fortunately, most reputable roofing contractors offer financing options that will suit your needs. Other options for paying for a new roof include a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit, a home improvement loan from your bank or if all else fails, a credit card to pay for the roof.
It's possible to strip just half of one side of a roof from top to bottom and re-roof just that section. I did this years ago. You can also purchase a large tarp to cover the house, but these have been known to blow away if not secured well. The process of installing the shingles is not hard.
Slate, copper and tile roofs, which are on the upper end of the price spectrum, can last more than 50 years. Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found.
You might be tempted to DIY your roof replacement in an attempt to save costs. However, DIY projects frequently include risks and hidden costs. The average cost of a DIY roof replacement is between $2,500 and $5,000.
Large roof repairs
These major repairs require a special skillset and toolset, and your handyman probably doesn't have either of these. This isn't to say that they are at fault, but they simply specialize in other things. For these massive repairs, it's in your best interest to call a roofing contractor.
The cost will fluctuate depending on the material, the roof pitch, and ease of access. In the UK, the cost of slate tiles ranges from £1 to £2.5 per tiles. Likewise, clay tiles price ranges from £0.5 to £0.70 per tile. Concrete tiles are £0.5 to £1.8 per tile.
In short, yes, you may perform your own roof installation or replacement but you will have to obtain a permit with your local building department so as to not only follow safety guidelines but also ensure legal protection.
If your roof is leaking due to damage from a covered peril, your insurer may pay to repair or replace it, up to the limits of your coverage and minus your deductible. If the roof damage is a result of neglect or wear and tear, it likely won't be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
If your roof is around 3,000 square feet of roof area or less, there's a good chance it can be done in a day. Just know this isn't a given, even if your roof is around this size. This is due to the factors that ultimately determine if your roof can be replaced in one day (more on the factors in a second).
Average Costs by Roof Size
Here's a breakdown of average costs for different roof sizes using asphalt shingles: 1,000 Square Foot Roof (10 Squares): $1,500–$7,000. 2,000 Square Foot Roof (20 Squares): $3,000–$14,000. 3,000 Square Foot Roof (30 Squares): $4,500–$21,000.