

The roof is a key part of your home, but it doesn’t last forever. There will come a time when you need roof repairs or even a full restoration. The roof restoration process is complex and lengthy, but the cost is what drives some homeowners to consider DIY.
Is DIY roof restoration a good idea? Well, that depends. In this guide, we cover some tips and tricks for homeowners considering a DIY roof restoration and cover some of the most important tips for restoring your roof.
DIY Roofing Tips
Every roofing job is different due to the scale of the problem, the materials involved, and even the safety precautions you need to take. For example, different roof types can affect the way the restoration is carried out, as restoring a gable roof is different to restoring a flat roof. It’s also different depending on whether you have colorbond metal sheets, asphalt shingles, tiles, or other roof materials.
The first step is to know what kind of roof you have, what roofing materials you need, and why you need a roof restoration. Conduct thorough research into these specificities.
Below are seven general tips for carrying out a roof restoration.
1. Tools You Need
The exact roofing tools you need will depend on the factors mentioned above. Here are some of the tools you might need to gather:
- Caulk gun
- Chalk line
- Extension ladder
- Roof harness
- Roofing nailer
- Scaffolding
- Stapler
- Utility knife
- Safety equipment
You need to carefully plan your roof restoration beforehand to determine what tools you need. Make sure you gather all the equipment before you begin restoring.
2. Materials You Need
Again, the roofing materials you need depend on the type of roof you have. For example, you may need terracotta tiles that match the broken tiles you’re replacing on your roof, or a specific type of asphalt shingles.
Here are some examples of equipment you may need:
- Felt underlayment
- Asphalt shingles
- Drip edge
- Roofing nails
- Sealant
- Watertight seal
- Vent flashing
- Staples
- Hook blades
Again, it’s crucial to plan out what you need and gather the relevant roofing materials beforehand.
3. Remove the Old Roof
The first step of a roof restoration is to remove the old roof. This is a difficult and intensive process in which you need to tear off the old tiles, shingles, or metal roofing. Otherwise, it’s impossible to install the new roof.
If you have roof nails, make sure you remove them all or pound them flat, and be careful as you remove nails because they may fall off the roof and onto the ground below. Make sure you dispose of all the old roofing material properly.
4. Install the Drip Edge
Depending on the type of roof you have, you may want to consider installing a drip edge. These are especially useful on a hip roof, because they prevent shingles from curling over the edge and prevent water from dripping over the fascia boards.
It’s common to install drip edges during a roof restoration, so look into your local building codes to find out if you need them or if you want to add one.
5. Stay Safe
Roof restoration is dangerous work. If you decide to do a DIY roof restoration, it’s vital to protect yourself by purchasing the proper protective equipment, such as safety goggles and thick gloves. You should also get a fall protection kit with a rope and harness. Keep in mind that wet roofs are slippery, and you should wear shoes with good grip.
No amount of money you save on a roof restoration is worth a serious injury. Keep this in mind before deciding to DIY.
6. Research Materials
With a roof restoration, you have a great opportunity to change the materials you use. Every roofing material has different pros and cons, which is why it’s an important step to research each one.
Look into the energy efficiency, longevity, and aesthetic appeal of each one when making your decision, but also consider your roof type. For example, terracotta tiles are aesthetically pleasing, have great energy efficiency, and are very durable. However, if you live in an area with strong winds, clay tiles could be better. Metal roofing is also ideal for high-wind areas.
7. Consider Design
You also have the ability to change the design of your roof, adding new features that improve the efficiency of the roof. For example, adding RapidRidge is a great way to improve airflow at the ridge of your home, providing better insulation with less maintenance.
You can also add other features like solar flashing, improving the look and efficiency of your home during the roof restoration process.
Should You DIY Roof Restoration?
The roof restoration process is very difficult and requires a lot of skills. Typically, it’s best to get a professional roof restoration to ensure the process runs smoothly. Here’s why.
Inspections
Professional roofers know how to properly inspect a roof. Even if you can spot some of the issues yourself, a professional will see all the critical problems that need critical attention. You might be able to tell if there are leaks or broken tiles, but there are still things you may miss. Roofers can tell you if your roof needs re-pointing, re-bedding, new ridge capping, new gutters, and more.
You should get your roof inspected once a year to keep it in good condition.
Lack of Equipment
When restoring a roof yourself, you will need to buy all the equipment and materials. However, roofers already have the necessary equipment to hand. Yes, you also need to pay for labour, but it’s often worth it to ensure the job is done with the best equipment available.
Lack of Skills
Even DIY enthusiasts may lack the skills required to restore a roof correctly. There are lots of skills involved, from close inspection to joining, sealing, and more. Roofers will be able to install new ridge capping along with all the requisite measures to protect the structure from windblown rain during building. Plus, roofers are used to working at heights.
Safety Risk
Climbing on a roof can be dangerous, especially with gable roof types that can be steep. Roofing experts know all the necessary safety measures, and are used to going about their job safely. As such, they can restore your roof safelty and efficiently.
Cost
Although it might seem cheaper to DIY the roof restoration, it can cost you more money in the long run. If you do it wrong, there’s a chance the roof will need to be replaced again sooner rather than later, adding more costly repairs to the job.
Warranty and Insurance
Most professional roofers also offer warranty and insurance, which is great added protection. Your roof is exposed to the elements, which means unexpected damage from weather can cause serious problems. In these cases, warranty can make a huge difference.
How EvoBuild Can Help
If you decide to do a DIY roof restoration, EvoBuild has tons of products available to help you, from building materials to tradie tools.
Since it’s usually better to get a professional opinion, EvoBuild is also on hand for help and advice. Contact us today for professional expertise and know-how.