Many people who find they need a new roof can feel disheartened at the cost. A new roof can be expensive, especially if your roof is steep, has many gables, or needs a more specialty material than common asphalt shingles. Some confident homeowners try to save on replacement costs by doing the installation work themselves.

While it is possible to correctly DIY your own roof replacement, there are some common mistakes that many people make when they forgo professional replacement. If you are considering replacing your own roof, or if you know that your roof was replaced by a homeowner before you bought your home, be aware that these mistakes can end up costing much more in the long run. 

Incorrect Flashing

Flashing is the waterproof barrier that keeps moisture from leaking underneath shingles around protuberances on the roof surface. Common items that require flashing include skylights, chimneys, and ventilation openings. When the flashing is not properly installed, water can run between the shingles and the wooden surface of the roof structure, eventually leading to rotting and leaks inside the house. Flashing problems might not be detected for a long time, which means that by the time you notice structural damage, the entire roof (not just the shingles) might need to be replaced. 

Cracked or Damaged Shingles

Shingles are installed using a nail gun. Nail guns are simple to use, but if they are not calibrated correctly, the force of the nail going through the shingle can cause a slight crack or tear that extends from the nail hole itself. Over time, temperature changes due to weather and moisture will cause the shingle crack to worsen, and the shingle will fail. One failed shingle is not a bad problem — it can be replaced easily. But if you have cracks on many shingles due to incorrect nailing, your roof will fail in just a few short years — a very costly mistake. 

Improper Drip Edge Installation

When a roof is installed, the order of operations is important. The drip edge keeps water from wicking underneath the shingles and to the wood structure. Sometimes, the felt moisture barrier is accidentally installed over top of the drip edge, leaving the edges exposed to the elements and negating the effectiveness of the drip edge. Soon, the wooden roof edges will begin to break down, especially in wet climates. 

Incorrect Shingle Removal

While a new roof can be installed over the top of old shingles, this is not the best practice. Removal of the old shingles is a big factor when it comes to replacement costs. It is labor-intensive and time-consuming, plus the old shingles need to be collected and disposed of properly, so the temptation to just roof over the top of them is understandable. However, roofing over top will increase labor costs in the future, and some people will continue to just layer shingles on the roof, which adds significant weight and reduces the effectiveness of the new roof in keeping water out. Eventually, your home structure will be compromised.

Consider hiring a professional roofing company to make sure your investment is not ruined by costly DIY mistakes. Reach out to a roofing company near you to learn more.