Our roof is the first line of defense against harsh elements. Wear and tear can happen even to the toughest roofs, especially when it’s caused by hail damage.
But as we all know, roof repair can be expensive. To save money, we can do DIY hail repairs—however, there are certain considerations.
In this article, we’ll be exploring when you should be doing DIY roof repair using copper roofing nails (and other materials) for hail damage and when you should call a professional roofing company.
Can you do DIY Roof Repair for Hail Damage?
Source: Photo Rendering From DALL-E
Short answer?—Yes! Hail damage can be an easy fix if it’s small enough. It can also be an indication of underlying issues on your roof.
There are two types of roof damage to look out for—cosmetic and functional. Cosmetic damage looks bad but it means that your roof can still protect you, unlike functional damage such as:
Loss of Granules
The majority of asphalt shingles are covered in tiny granules, providing protection against the elements. When damaged by hail, it accelerates aging, requiring you to replace them sooner.
Cracked Shingles
Larger-sized hail can cause a lot of damage to our roofs, causing shingles to crack. This can cause underlying issues when left unchecked as it allows water to seep through underlayment.
Exposed or Damaged Underlayment
Your roof is composed of multiple layers that protect your home. Damage from hail can puncture shingles and expose the underlayment, exposing the plywood sheathing.
Weakened Seal Strip
Hailstorms often come with heavy winds. This can damage seal strips that provide your shingles with extra layers of protection.
How Much Does Hail Damage Repair Cost?
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According to Forbes, the national average for roof repair is $950. Minor repairs which you can easily do yourself can cost between $150 – $400. This can include:
- Patching minor leaks
- Replacing cracked shingles
- Patching punctures
- Removing pooled water
- Resealing
Major repairs can cost you between $1500 – $7000 for the following:
- Electrical wiring problems
- Extensive water damage
- Roof sagging
- Chimney damage repair
- Total roof replacements.
Pros and Cons of DIY Roof Repairs
Before buying all the tools and equipment you need for DIY repairs, consider the following advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages Of DIY Repairs
DIY roof repair is great if you already have the skills. It’s certainly something you can learn from a video but learning all the intricate steps take time.
If you already know how to repair a roof, going DIY offers the following advantages:
- Roof replacement is cheap as you don’t have to pay for labor. You just need to pay for materials and equipment.
- Since you’re saving on labor, you can opt for better, higher-quality materials.
- You get to schedule your own repairs. This helps a lot if you’re concerned about the inconvenience a roof repair might cost to your family’s schedule.
Disadvantages of DIY Repairs
If you don’t have any experience or knowledge about roof repairs, you’re likely to run into the following issues:
- DIY repair can be time-consuming, especially with no prior experience.
- You’d need to account for the cost of tools, not just the equipment. Using the wrong hardware can lead to issues and buying new tools can deplete your budget.
- Mistakes during DIY repairs can be a liability. Minor accidents can occur and improper repairs can lead to disastrous consequences.
How to Find the Best Roofing Company for Hail Damage?
You can always DIY roof repairs. But, if you want to ensure the safety of your family and get repairs with no underlying issues, professional roofing contractors in Skillman NJ are your best bet.
Here are quick tips for finding the best roofing company for hail damage repair:
- Get different quotes from different contractors in your area.
- Check their social media or website for reviews and testimonials.
- Ask the right questions. Some companies quote only materials and charge fees for labor only when signing contracts.
- Get referrals. Ask your neighbors, family, or friends if they can recommend a good roofing company.
Key Takeaways
You need to address hail damage as fast as possible to avoid any potential underlying issues down the line. But before doing DIY repairs or calling the professionals, consider the following:
- DIY repairs are best for minor hail damage such as loss of granules, cracked shingles, exposed underlayment, or weakened seal strips.
- You can save costs by doing DIY repairs but you’d need extensive knowledge and skills to do it right.
- Calling professionals is the best way to ensure roof damage is done right with no underlying issues that can cost you more down the line.
