In theory, you CAN replace the roof of your house if you have the right knowledge and experience, but the time and tools that would be needed, as well as the risk involved, are probably not worth the money you would save by hiring a roofing company. So, the answer is yes, you can repair or replace your roof, but we strongly recommend that you don't. There are too many potential risks to the roof and to your own safety. If you don't take the necessary precautions, this could ultimately cost you much more than the money saved by not hiring a professional contractor right away. A permit is required if you intend to replace your roof.
However, minor repairs are considered roof maintenance in California, meaning that a permit is not necessary. If a large part of the roof needs to be replaced, the project is considered to consist of changing the roof, which means you'll have to apply for a permit. The general rule for building permits is that they are necessary when the work is structural in nature. If you don't repair your roof properly, you could cause more damage and have bigger problems.
If you're not completely sure that you can repair a roof, simply call a local roofing contractor. The first and most important thing to know about roof repairs you do yourself is that working on a roof is dangerous. Before you set foot on your roof, you should ask yourself if the risk is worth taking. In this case, you're obviously not voiding the labor warranty. However, I have seen cases where homeowners attempt to make repairs, don't fix the leak, and then try to rely on the roofing contractor's 10, 25 or lifetime warranty.
Since 1990, the Bill Ragan Roofing team has repaired thousands of roofs for homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas of Central Tennessee. Like roof replacements, we offer a lifetime labor warranty for our repairs. That's why some homeowners try to do their own roof repairs to avoid spending their hard-earned money. In the case of residential homes, roof replacement usually takes two days: the first day to remove the old roof and the second to install the new one. For more than 30 years, the Bill Ragan Roofing team has been providing useful and educational roofing content to homeowners like you.
Here's when you should do it, when you shouldn't, and what you should know about roof replacement and repair to help you decide. For example, you should consider ventilation, as inadequate ventilation is one of the main causes of roof breakdowns. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the final decision about repairing your own roof. If you're not sure what you're doing, even walking on the roof can damage the roof tiles.
Other drawbacks include all kinds of inconveniences, from the need to get the right tools to the possibility that your homeowners insurance policy won't cover the roof when you repair or replace it yourself. Now, you may be doing the repair because your labor warranty has expired or because the roofing contractor is no longer present. Of course, given the importance of a roof for a house, you shouldn't skimp on fixing it, but it sure would be good to save. Before starting a roofing project of any kind, be sure to apply for and obtain the necessary building permits.
If you are not experienced in carrying out roofing projects, you could be in danger of falling from roof. In the event that your roof is going to be replaced due to damage, your home insurance policy will likely provide coverage whenever a professional roofing company completes the project. If you want to replace the entire roof of a single-family home, you should be able to do it in about two days.
