When it comes to taking care of your home, checking the roof on a daily basis is a must to make sure it lasts and stays safe. A roof that is well taken care of can protect you from the weather, keep you from having to pay for expensive fixes, and raise the value of your home overall.  However, when it comes to roof inspections, homeowners often face the dilemma of whether to handle the task themselves or hire a professional. Both DIY and professional roof inspections have their pros and cons, so understanding the differences can help you decide which option is best suited for your needs.

DIY Roof Inspections: The Pros and Cons

A DIY roof inspection is an appealing option for homeowners who are looking to save money and have a basic understanding of roofing. If you’re a handy person, conducting a simple inspection on your own can be fairly straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of DIY roof inspections:

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: One of the best things about doing your own roof checks is that you might be able to save money. It can be pricey to hire a professional roofer, especially if you don’t have any big problems. You can find small problems with your roof before they get worse and cost more to fix if you check it yourself.
• Easy to Do: For small issues or routine inspections, many homeowners feel confident in their ability to inspect the roof for visible damage, debris, or signs of wear. Tools like ladders, binoculars, or a drone (if available) can help you safely inspect hard-to-reach areas.
• Immediate Results: If you do your own check, you can fix problems right away without having to wait for a professional. You can do the inspection yourself whenever it’s convenient for you, like after a storm when you see damage or before you sell your home to make sure it’s in good shape.

Cons:

• Safety Risks: Climbing onto a roof or using a ladder to inspect it can be dangerous, particularly if you’re not accustomed to heights. Falling from a roof or ladder can result in serious injury. Even if you feel confident, some areas of the roof may not be easily accessible or safe to inspect.
• Limited Expertise: A do-it-yourself check may not give you the full picture of damage, even if you can see obvious signs like missing shingles or other debris. You might miss small problems that are hard to see, like leaks or damage to the structure, that need to be found by a professional.
• Inability to Identify Serious Problems: Some roofing issues, such as problems with the underlayment, mold growth, or insulation, might not be visible during a DIY inspection. You need special tools and information to find these kinds of problems, so if you aren’t trained in roofing, you might miss problems.

Professional Roof Inspections: The Pros and Cons

Hiring a skilled roofing contractor to do your roof inspection can give you peace of mind and make sure the job is done correctly. Let’s look at the good and bad points of having a professional check your roof:

Pros:

• Expert Knowledge: Professional roof inspectors have the training and experience to spot issues that an untrained eye might miss. They can identify subtle signs of damage, such as leaks, structural issues, or compromised flashing, that might not be obvious to homeowners. Their knowledge guarantees a thorough assessment of your roof’s state.
• Safety and Access: Professionals have the proper equipment and experience to safely access all areas of your roof, no matter how steep or difficult. They also know the safest way to inspect hard-to-reach spots, reducing the risk of accidents or injury.
• Thorough Inspections and Reporting: A professional roof inspection will probably come with a thorough report that lists all the problems they found and what needs to be done to fix them. This documentation can be helpful if you’re planning to sell your home or need to make insurance claims.
• Identifying Potential Problems Early: Roof inspectors can find small problems early on before they get worse and cost a lot to fix. Their thorough checks can help you avoid having to pay for expensive fixes in the future, which will save you money in the long run.

Cons:

• Cost: It costs money to hire a professional roofer, and the amount you pay depends on the size of your roof and how thorough the check is. A skilled inspection usually doesn’t cost too much, but it is still more expensive than doing it yourself.
• Scheduling: Depending on the availability of local contractors, you might need to schedule your roof inspection in advance. This could delay your ability to address urgent roofing issues right away.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Whether you get a professional roof inspection or do it yourself relies on how comfortable you are, how big and complicated your roof is, and what problems you’re worried about.

A do-it-yourself inspection may be enough if you just want a quick check-up, are on a tight budget, and are sure you can find small problems on your roof. But it’s a good idea to get a professional roof check if your roof is big, steep, or has more complicated problems. A professional worker brings specialized knowledge, safety, and attention to detail to the job, which helps make sure that problems are found early on before they get worse.

In the end, regular roof repair is important to keep your home safe and your roof in good shape, whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it. Don’t forget about your roof—appoint a check to avoid problems before they happen.