New metal roof installation is something that many homeowners have probably thought about at one point or another – especially if they are in the process of renovating their house.
A new roof has a huge impact on how your home looks and feels – and it can also add tremendous value to your property!
However, unlike a lot of other home improvements, this is one project that you won’t be able to do on your own!
Attempting a DIY metal roof installation is not only difficult to begin with, but dangerous as well. And we haven’t even gotten started on what can go wrong if the job is botched!
Long story short, if your goal is to fit your home out with a new roof, you’re going to need to leave this particular job to the pros… especially if you don’t want to incur any additional costs, risks, and damage along the way.
Can I install a metal roof myself?
You’re confident enough about kick-starting DIY projects and doing your own home improvements – however, installing a metal roof is different from your typical DIY jobs.
Even if other metal roofing systems are readily available, there are some questions that you need to ask yourself when it comes to metal roofing installation.
Some of which may include:
- Are you comfortable working with metal roofing?
- Do you have the right tools and materials when installing?
- Are you familiar with the step-by-step process of metal roofing installation?
- Do you have the proper knowledge and experience in roofing installation?
- Are you licensed to work from heights?
All these and more are some of the questions you need to ask first before doing your DIY metal roofing installation.
Very few can claim to be able to do each of the above – all the more reason to leave your roof in the hands of a professional roof plumber in Melbourne.Is metal roofing easy to install?
While attaching metal roofing panels to your roof is relatively straightforward, that’s not the hard part of doing any metal roofing work on your own.
No, the real challenge comes from:
- Doing so safely
- Complying with OHS laws
- Using appropriate tools and equipment
- Getting metal panels onto your roof
- Obtaining the appropriate metal roofing permits
- Choosing compatible metals for your roof
Ignoring all of the requirements that are needed to safely work on roofs (even your own) can land you in a whole world of legal trouble, and can make the process incredibly difficult and stressful.
Why do you need to avoid DIY metal roof installation?
Just as you may have many reasons why you want to attempt DIY metal roofing installation, there are also plenty of reasons why you need to avoid it.
Specifically, there are a whole host of different costs, dangers, and risks involved when you attempt DIY metal roofing installation.
Here are a couple of the “big” ones…
1) Think about risks and dangers: DIY can be D-I-Dangerous!
Working on top of your home isn’t exactly safe. One wrong turn and you might find yourself getting injured or worse.
Simply put, doing any roofing work is dangerous, and requires special safety equipment like barriers and safety lines to ensure you stay safe while working on your roof.
Spare yourself the risk, and leave your roof to somebody who’s specially trained to work safely on your roof (and additionally, has the required license and insurance).
2) There’s a lot you need to understand…
For example, can you put a metal roof over an existing metal roof?
A lot of people ask about installing metal roofing over your existing roofing.
It’s feasible – however, it depends on several factors, including:
- Your local council’s building codes
- Your current roof material – for example, you can’t install directly on top of tiles
- Your home – can it take the extra weight?
Unfortunately, some people just hear that installing metal roofing on top of their current roof is feasible and immediately rush off to get started!
Even if it’s feasible in your case, it doesn’t mean that you should hang onto your current roof and leave it underneath your new one. It depends on a range of factors – factors that only a professional roofer can help you identify.
Can you put a new roof over an old roof? Read our article on the subject to find out!
3) Get the right metal roofing from the start
Do you know the right metal roofing material to use? When you say metal roofing, it doesn’t mean that all metals are the same – there are various metal roofing materials as well as the fastening method that suits each type.
It’s also important that you consider brands, as each has its own attributes and benefits – for example, if you’re considering COLORBOND roofing installation, you’ll enjoy a range of proprietary coatings and formulations that protect your roof from rust and fading.
Not only that, but there are also different types of metal roofing too, many of which don’t play well together!
These are all things you need to think about when choosing the right metal roof for your home – all the more reason to bring a professional on board, and to avoid DIY.
4) Avoid costly repairs and replacements
Metal roofing installation involves many materials and components such as underlayment, ridges, sealants, flashings, and so much more.
If you’re about to do DIY roofing installation, do you know how each part functions and how to install them carefully?
If not, you’ll probably end up making a mistake – one that affects your comfort and which can cost a small fortune to repair or replace!
The best way to deal with an unexpected cost like that is to avoid it altogether.
If you are inexperienced in metal roofing installation, that means engaging a roofing specialist to take care not only of the installation, but also roof design as well.
Trust us, your wallet will thank us for it afterwards!
Your roofing experts still know best!
There are a lot of decisions both big and small that need to be made when installing a new metal roof.
And unless you work with metal roofs on a day-to-day basis, you probably won’t know what the best calls are.
Your roof is the frontline, protecting your home against harsh weather, heat and more. It’s therefore super important that you make the right call.
Instead of DIY-ing it and relying on what other people online say or using your own judgement to make a captain’s call, why not get in touch with a professional who can help you make these decisions (and also ensure that the installation is done properly?)
Get the right roofing expert for your metal roof installation
We get it, we really do: it’s your house, and you want to have total control over how it looks, and how work is carried out.
It’s admirable – however, there are some things that simply can’t be done using DIY.
And your roof is one of them.
Are you thinking about DIY roofing installation? Don’t – instead, make sure you look for an expert metal roofing contractor to take care of your roof.
When it comes to roofing in Melbourne, our team is the one to call. We’ve got the experience, workmanship, materials and tools to look after all parts of your roofing, including:
- New roof installation
- Roof replacement
- Roof repairs
- Roof plumbing
With more than 20 years of experience, you can trust Watermaster Roofing to give you the best metal roofing solutions for your home, whether you need roofing in Sandringham, Brighton or anywhere else in Melbourne’s south-east.
Call us on 1300 576 075 or click here to request a roofing quote.