Roof Maintenance

DIY vs. Professional Roof Maintenance: What’s Better?

At C&R Roofing we have helped with this issue for many clients. In this blog we will go over the pros and cons of doing it yourself and professional roof maintenance which in turn should help you determine what is best for your property.

Why Roof Maintenance Matters

Every roof experiences some degree of wear and tear as time goes on. The elements, falling debris, and the natural process of aging are all contributors to problems like loose shingles, clogged gutters, and water leaks. Also by ignoring them you may see development of structural damage, mold, and energy loss.

That is why it is important to maintain your roof as a routine. Homeowners or professional technicians may do this which in turn will keep your roof safe, efficient, and lasting long.

The DIY Roof Maintenance Approach

Many people do it themselves when it comes to small home repair jobs. DIY tips for roof maintenance include cleaning out gutters, getting rid of debris, checking for damage and looking at the shingles after a storm.

For home repair pros that are handy with tools and ladders, do it yourself roof maintenance is a go. In the spring and fall do a seasonal check up which is when you will identify and fix small issues. Also put together your own roof maintenance list which may include a visual inspection, caulk check, and moss removal.

However, although do it yourself solutions present a degree of flexibility and may save on immediate outlay we also see that they have large scale issues which in some cases may be very dangerous. For example, it is very easy for the untrained person to hurt themselves trying to work on a roof. Also some problems which are out of the ordinary to detect like hidden leaks or issues with flashing may go by a trained professional’s radar.

The Role of Regular Roof Inspections

In both DIY and professional practices regular roof inspection is a key element. Homeowners doing it themselves may go around the home with binoculars, which is to say they are looking for broken shingles, pooling water, or sagging areas.

Professionals in our field go a step further in that they look at hard to access areas, check out the underlayment, and study the ventilation systems. At C&R Roofing we put to use the best tools and expertise to bring to light issues which may not yet present themselves to the non trained eye.

Proper annual roof maintenance by a licensed professional will identify at the first sign of wear which may grow into large scale issues.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Roof Maintenance

When you hire in the field of preventive roof care what you’re doing is putting money into something other than a service, you are in fact investing in peace of mind. Professionals in the roofing trade have the training, the proper equipment, and the safety procedures in place to do in depth inspections and repairs.

Here is what a professional maintenance check may consist of:.

  • Comprehensive check of roofing materials, flashing, and seals.
  • Evaluation of gutters and drainage systems
  • Detection of moisture or mold buildup
  • Small repairs to prevent future damage
  • In depth reports which include photos and repair recommendations.

Also in that we see professional roof cleaning services which remove debris, algae and mold from your roof safely also without damage to the shingles or finishes. We see this level of care which preserves your roof’s integrity and look which is very valuable for high end or older roof systems.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Maintenance

At first look, doing it yourself roof maintenance seems like the cheaper way out. But what you don’t see is the full picture. We see in many cases damage goes undetected during a DIY check up which in turn leads to large repair bills. Also we see that improper methods of cleaning can do more harm than good.

Also on the other hand professional services may see you pay a greater initial sum for which you trade off in an extended roof life and reduced repair incidence. Also they provide warranties, accountability and expert guidance which do it yourself options do not.

In the end, professional seasonal roof care is a better financial choice for which is to avoid that sudden break in your budget that unforeseen roofing problems bring.

When DIY is Okay—and When It’s Not

DIY for small jobs like leaf removal, which is a common issue, or which you notice while out in the yard is a great thing. Also these simple checks can be what you include in your personal roof care routine and they are very proactive.

Also however any job that includes access to the roof, work near electrical elements, or repair to structure should be left to professionals. If you see water marks, mold, broken shingles, or large energy bills that you didn’t cause  it is time to call in a professional.

The Best Strategy: A Combined Approach

You take care of your home and we are at your back with expert care.

By performing annual and post major storm roof checks you may see to it that your roof’s life is extended as well as its performance. This team effort also helps to avoid issues, control costs, and keep your home safe throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should you have professional roof maintenance?

We put forward that you do annual roof check ups also which should be included in your routine.

Can I clean my roof myself?

Basic debris clean up is easy enough but for a thorough clean or to remove moss and algae it is best to use professionals to do the work which in turn will avoid damage.

Is it worth the money for professional roof maintenance?

Yes, professional roof care which also includes preventive measures is what you need to do in order to identify issues that are not visible at first and in the long run will help you avoid large scale repairs.

What to check during a do it yourself roof inspection?

Check for missing shingles, water stains, clogged gutters and surface debris. These elements are put into every roof maintenance checklist.

Does seasonal care make a difference?

Sure. Seasonal roof maintenance is to have your roof perform through the temperature changes, storms, and heavy rain which the seasons bring.