Is roofing a house feasable self help project or better left to pros? ALL DONE!!

[AKcharger]

My House needs a re-roofing bad, got an estimate today of $8600...ouch! I automatically want to jus do it myself but I have no experience in roofing...other than a stack of books I got today from the library.

So any roofers out there have an opinion? Is this somthing you could simple read a book and go do or is there special skill and technique involved?

Thanks

AK

[dukeboy_318]

I've done it myself before, its a real pain but it can be done by the inexperienced. The key is the removal of the old roof and how much of the plywood and such you need to replace if any. I'd recommend a dumpster for the old stuff and tarps to lay around on the ground to make pick up easier. I would also get the roofing shovel to help tear off the old shingles. Its basically a shovel with a jagged edge that rips up shingles. An air nailer is a plus as well You will need a 2nd person to help hold, especially when laying out the new paper. Places like Home Depot and Menards and Lowes usually sell builders guides for almost any project. Just go slow and remember, measure twice, cut once. also I started at the bottom of the roof and went up as I worked across makes it easier to lay the shingles.

[dukeboy_318]

Oh, forgot to add, check with your home owners policy, sometimes they will pay a portion of the re-roof cost, at least state farm did on my parents house.

[A383Wing]

I hear ya...I got estimate of around $12K for house and detached garage....

Bryan

[resq302]

When I built my 11x14 shed I did the roof and shingled it also.  It was not as hard as what I though but doing a whole house is another thing.  Even with the rip off if needed.  Ive contemplated doing mine when I need it to be done but it might be faster and easier to have a pro do it.

[Patronus]

Your home owners insurance should cover it. 

[Todd Wilson]

Roofing is probably the hardest job I have ever done in my life and I havent done much of it. Its heavy and awkward on your body. Its usually hot up on the roof. The shingles will eat your hands up. Its just hard nasty work. Depending on the roof of your house and the pitch of it will depend on how hard its gonna be to even stay up on it without falling off let alone doing any work.  The more angles and stuff the roof has the more complicated it gets to make things line up right. If you got to redeck the roof you will have to measure and cut the plywood to fit. Once again the more angles and stuff your roof has the more complicated the cuts are.

Its hard on your back and legs and knees shoulders and hands. Highly doubt you could swing a hammer all day long so a air nailer is gonna be needed.

When I had my roof replaced via insurance I ended up doing it myself instead of paying a roofing company. I actually found a mesican roofing gang who was doing work for the roofing company and got pissed off and went out on their own. They charged me way less then the roofing company. They made more money doing it and I put money in my pocket. I used my old truck to help haul some of the supplys. They had a dump trailer for the old roofing.

Some insurance companies will still do this but some will not.  You get a certain amount of $$$ up front and then some more $$$ after its done. Keep receipts and take pictures of before and after.

[myk]

'OP if you're doubting yourself at this point you should seek a 'pro.  There's no shame in seeking professional help, as your roof is something you need to have done right the first time.  If you want to learn, maybe you could help the roofer? 

[Slowpoke]

That seems to be a high price. I had my second house a 30 X 50 hip roofed 2 bedroom done for $1400 last year.
It was done by a commercial building roofer as a side job because the company he worked for was out of jobs for him at the time.
He did a good job including complete tearoff and replacing a few roofing boards, no plywood on that house it is 75 years old.

[NHCharger]

AK. I've done so many roofs in the past 30 years I've worn out two nail guns. If the roof needs replacing due to aging I don't see how your home owners insurance would be willing to pay for it. I've been doing commercial construction the last six years, no residential roofing. Currently we are building a small support building right now and are using IKO shingles. I was astonished to find that one bundle of shingles now costs as much as a square did just six years ago. Material costs have tripled.
Couple of questions. what is the pitch of your roof? Easy to walk on? Any hips, valleys, dormers, stacks, chimneys, skylights? How far off the ground to the eaves?
How many layers? Most shingle manufacturers will not warranty your roof if you go over existing shingles.

Stripping and shingling the roof is easy. Making sure everything is flashed correctly isn't as easy. At the end of the job if you need to use roofing tar to cover anything more than the two exposed nail heads on the last piece of ridge cap then you didn't do the job correctly.  Post a couple pics of your house if you could.

[skip68]

We are doing the south half of ours in the next couple weeks.  Vegas Mike has the tools and knowledge so I've recruited him. I'll send him your way when I'm done with him.      
I'm actually going on the roof today to take measurements.   

[Tilar]

If it were mine I'd hire it done... If it's higher than picking corn or lower than digging potatos, this old man ain't gonna do it.

[Old Moparz]

You can do it yourself & save a lot of money, but NHCharger made a lot of good points you will have to seriously consider. I did the front of my house this past fall & will do the rear sometime this spring & saved roughly $5000. Had 4 estimates ranging from $8000 to $10,500 & bought the materials for under $3000. I've done roofing in the past so I had the experience, but being 49 years old the ladder wore me out faster than it did when I built the garage in 1997.   

Here's a link to some info on mine with photos.....

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,85117.0.html

By the way, if you have any fear of heights & not comfortable on a roof, you could be asking for trouble.   

[PocketThunder]

When i was in my 20s = Roof it myself   

Now that i'm closing in on 40 = Pay someone else.     

[Old Moparz]

When i was in my 20s = Roof it myself   

Now that i'm closing in on 40 = Pay someone else.     

Lay off the McDonalds & get yourself a Jack LaLane juicer.   

[Ponch ®]

id hire this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQdDRrcAOjA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[oldcarnut]

I'm curious how you guys get your insurance to cover it unless it was torn off in a storm or something.  When we've had hurricanes or storm damage come through and sometimes cause partial shingle loss, it's a pain trying to get them even to replace it then instead of patching the bad places.  Thats with State Farm and not a smaller company.

[A383Wing]

I'm curious how you guys get your insurance to cover it unless it was torn off in a storm or something.  When we've had hurricanes or storm damage come through and sometimes cause partial shingle loss, it's a pain trying to get them even to replace it then instead of patching the bad places.  Thats with State Farm and not a smaller company.

yea..I was wondering the same....

Bryan

[Old Moparz]

I'm curious how you guys get your insurance to cover it unless it was torn off in a storm or something.  When we've had hurricanes or storm damage come through and sometimes cause partial shingle loss, it's a pain trying to get them even to replace it then instead of patching the bad places.  Thats with State Farm and not a smaller company.

yea..I was wondering the same....

Bryan

Maybe they lie?   

[AKcharger]

Thanks for the feedback guys good info!

- Insurance (I have State farm) will only cover if roof is storm damaged, which parts are but not the whole roof so no go there
- Went to Lowes® and talked to their contractor dept and was a little more optimistic. I'm figuring a 1300 sq. foot roof will run me about $2700 for all materials. Throw in a few hundred for buying a nail gun and renting a convayor and I'm saving about $5K...that's worth doing
- Told my 2 22 Y/O sons they owe me 3 back breaking days labour to help me after all the food and toys I bought them all their lives so I got some help
- If I do it I don't mind spending some coin on a few 5 point safety harness' and a roofing gun to make the job safer and easier
- Was thinking about putting out a C/L  ad for a roofing "consultant" someone to swing by, give me some tips and answer questions on the if I run into trouble, that might be $$ well spent
- Below is the best pic I got for the house/roof. I don't think it's too bad. somewhat low pitch, only 2 valleys and not a lot of complex angles or anything

[draftingmonkey]

Do not forget to check with your local building department to see if you need a permit.  If you do and get caught without one it can bite you in the backside.

[Silver R/T]

Have you thought about metal roof? All that snow would just slide off of it and it's probably cheaper/easier to do than shingles.

[Todd Wilson]

I'm curious how you guys get your insurance to cover it unless it was torn off in a storm or something.  When we've had hurricanes or storm damage come through and sometimes cause partial shingle loss, it's a pain trying to get them even to replace it then instead of patching the bad places.  Thats with State Farm and not a smaller company.

It took me several years. We'd have a bad storm with hail. Call insurance. Get a roofing company to come out and give an estimate. They would say yeah you got hail damage but not enough to total it out.  Try again next year.   Next year we have a hail storm and repeat the process. Sooner or later it was totaled.  Since my house didnt have decking on it and is now required by code  I had to put plywood decking on it. State Farm (my insurance) actually wants you to have decking so they covered this in the deal.

I got lucky.  I had a layer of shake shingles and 2 layers of asphalt on.

Todd

[Kern Dog]

As a carpenter, I'll chime in for what its worth.
This is a job that can be done by a novice if you are a reasonably intelligent person. As stated before, if the roof is a simple design, sloped on 2 sides, you can certainly achieve great results with tips learned from books or even from the web. If the roof is comprised of multiple angles and irregular slopes, it IS better to be left to a pro. Think of it as bodywork and paint. If the work isn't done right, it will have to be done twice..... or three times.

[NHCharger]

Bill- Couple more things.
Your roof is a low pitch, looks like either a 4/12 or 5/12. With the amount of snow make sure you put down several rows of Ice & Water Shield on the eaves to prevent ice dams. Also run a couple of rows in the valleys.
Check to see if you actually need safety harnesses. The pitch on your roof is so low you would have to make a serious effort to fall off the roof. The safety harnesses will add an extra day to your time on the roof. They're always in the way and your constantly adjusting them.
Consider shingling from the top down. Murphy's Law, when the weather man says no rain for the next five days and you strip the roof the first day, it will rain hard that night. When I was shingling an existing house I would figure how much we could do in one day, lets say half of one side. We would strip the top half, lay down 15 lb. felt paper with a double layer overlapping the existing shingles. Figure out the shingle exposure to the weather, most shingles are between 5 and 6 inches. Measure up from the bottom edge of the roof, snap a line where the top of the first row will go, nail on the first row and nail just 1 inch down from the top of the shingle. This allows you to slide the row below up under them when you shingle the bottom half. After you nail on the first row simply shingle the rest of the way up like you normally would. The next day remove the bottom half of the old shingles and shingle up to the new section. Make sure you snap lines to keep the rows even, if you have to shrink a few rows down a bit to match into the row above no one will ever notice. Never strectch the rows past what the manufacturer recommends for coverage.

[stripedelete]

I always say never a again, but if it's a single story or a low pitch, I can't bare to pay someone else.  As mentioned above, lot's of tarps and don't forget ice guard.
Since you have never done one before, maybe spend a couple bucks on a buddy that knows "flashing". 

[Old Moparz]

Have you thought about metal roof? All that snow would just slide off of it and it's probably cheaper/easier to do than shingles.

I wanted to do a metal roof on mine, but for several reasons decided not to. Unless you buy the very basic, very ugly, corrugated panels that look like they were cut from a shipping container, it won't be cheaper. I priced the metal roof materials & it was a lot more than the architectural asphalt shingles. Asphalt & all accessories for 20 sq was around $2800 & metal with all the extras was $3600. The most expensive items for metal were the accessories & trim pieces that you couldn't get away from buying.

One of the other big reasons I avoided metal is that I never installed one & sure didn't want to experiment & learn on my house. Maybe if I had used it on a shed first I'd have tried.   

Thanks for the feedback guys good info!

- Insurance (I have State farm) will only cover if roof is storm damaged, which parts are but not the whole roof so no go there
- Went to Lowes® and talked to their contractor dept and was a little more optimistic. I'm figuring a 1300 sq. foot roof will run me about $2700 for all materials. Throw in a few hundred for buying a nail gun and renting a convayor and I'm saving about $5K...that's worth doing
- Told my 2 22 Y/O sons they owe me 3 back breaking days labour to help me after all the food and toys I bought them all their lives so I got some help
- If I do it I don't mind spending some coin on a few 5 point safety harness' and a roofing gun to make the job safer and easier
- Was thinking about putting out a C/L  ad for a roofing "consultant" someone to swing by, give me some tips and answer questions on the if I run into trouble, that might be $$ well spent
- Below is the best pic I got for the house/roof. I don't think it's too bad. somewhat low pitch, only 2 valleys and not a lot of complex angles or anything

That roof looks fairly easy to work on, not a bad angle & probably no need for roof brackets & planks like mine.   

[AKcharger]

D-Monkey - Good point! I'll call today
Silver - Good tip and metal roofs are popular out in the "bush" but in Anchorage I think there's a restriction...or at least it would look weird, no one in neiborhood has metal roof. Agree with Old Mopartz, I'll go conventional on this one
Red/stripe delete - Thanks guys, yup, I think I can do it, if it were a steep roof like stripes wouldn't try it
NH - Great tip! I was worried about weather but I think I'm going to modify your suggestion a bit. I'm not savvy enough to try you're method BUT I think I'll do it in sections. I was going to do it like the books said, rip off all the shingles in one step then do paper flashing ect. But I think I'll do one side, Should be able to do it it in a day, then work on other. Plus I'll do the side without the valleys so I can get "training" before I attack the more complicated side

[Chryco Psycho]

I saw a product about 2 years ago , it is a thick rubber shingle made from old tires , the rubber is reformed into shingles , it is supposed to out last asphalt & add insulation & had a 25 or 30 year guarantee

[gtx6970]

Roofing isn't rocket science.

If you can do it all depends on your comfort level with heights and a basic knowledge of how to use a tape measure and a nail gun( or a hammer and a nail bag in my case)

Like you said start with the easy sections first, then move to the more complicated side last.

Nice looking house btw, but whats all that white stuff ?? 

[BigBlackDodge]

If your roof is in good shape (except for the worn shingles of course) you can add a new layer over the old. Building codes in my area allows this, but if you have 2 layers already you'll have to strip it all off.

Check your local building codes.



BBD

[NHCharger]

If your roof is in good shape (except for the worn shingles of course) you can add a new layer over the old. Building codes in my area allows this, but if you have 2 layers already you'll have to strip it all off.

Check your local building codes.


BBD

with the snow loads they get up there I doubt a second layer is feasible. Also the shingle manufacturer will not warranty their shingles if you go over existing shingles.

[AKcharger]

I gave thought to just putting another layer on but  snow loads is a real issue (had 3 feet up on the roof this year!) and also biggest issue is ice damming, another layer really wouldn't fix that.

Oh, found a consultant to evaluate my plan and answer questions...makes me feel better

[stripedelete]

biggest issue is ice damming, another layer really wouldn't fix that.

Code in Ohio is ice guard on the first 3 feet.  Even if you're in the sticks, there is probably a state code.  Check it out.  If it is 3ft you might want to double it or more.  Maybe even go up the troughs if you have any.  Also, get the heavier stuff if there is a choice.   

My neighbourhood has strict regs. on material/appearance.  Many of us have almost no pitch, north facing, porch roofs.  We ice guard the whole thing and use shingles to conform.  The shingles don't last as long because of the pitch and direction, but, the trade-off for us is not having to replace the wood every time.

It won't be too bad - just think like a rain drop.       

[Iceyone]

Roofing is for young guys. Send those sons of yours up there and you direct them from the ground, in the shade while sipping an icey beverage of your choice.  Like someone else said, it's not rocket science, but it will make an old man older. 

[AKcharger]

Roofing is for young guys. Send those sons of yours up there and you direct them from the ground, in the shade while sipping an icey beverage of your choice.  Like someone else said, it's not rocket science, but it will make an old man older. 

I'm likin' this idea! 

[jar1292]

I needed a new roof a few years back wanted to go tin. Estamate was 3400 with my shed on the side! done in one day didn't have to pull shingles just new vent holes and looks great! plus the tax right off that came with it. look around though only certain tin gets the right off. if i remember right it was almost a thousand back...

[AKcharger]

I got the roof done last month and thought I'd update for everyone with some lessons learned.

I did about 1/2 of it and then hired a "real" roofer to help me finish the other 1/2 after discovering I needed a little structural work due to past leaks. Overall worked out fine and ended up saving about $3-4K. So what did I learn?

1) I'm not 18 anymore!
2) If you have the money just pay someone to do it...what a pain!
3) It's not hard but time-consuming to learn the little "tricks" that save goobs of time
4) Your children don't have the same level of motivation to accomplish the job as you do (I should have known that)
5) Take the time estimate for doing it yourself and multiple by 13
6) When buying shingles get them from a place that will help put 'em on the roof, even if it costs a bit more. Lowes said the driver "may" be able to help fork lift them but when he arrived they were all on pallets and he didn't have time to wait for me to break 'em down. Had to rent a vertical hand-powered lift...what a nightmare!
7) Paying a knowledgeable roofer $100 to be a "consultant" looking at your plan and showing you a few tricks is money well spent!

I did the flat side of the roof then had a guy help me with the opposite side with wood repair

[twodko]

The most difficult part for DYI's is applying the flashing. If its not right, the force will NOT be with you but the leaks will.

[Steve P.]

Looks good. Happy you went with these shingles rather than 3-tab. They are heavier and more expensive, but can deal with much harsher weather and last much longer where weather is harsh.

3 years ago we paid more than $11,000.00 striping and putting on the same shingles. We have many valleys and hips all over the place, so there is a ton of waste.. (Looks good, but retarded economically). I would never build a house with these cuts and changes in heights. Nothing but waste and more chances of a leak.. If I am still here in 30 years I believe I will replace this roof with a 50 year metal roof.. Under it will have a layer of insulation to help with the A/C bill...

Roof looks great buddy... 

[Tilar]

It looks great and my hat is off to you for trying but other than working on my Chargers, if it doesn't involve diesel engines, Allison transmissions, farm tractors, or air brakes, I'm not doing it. I totally understand electric but just paid someone $2400 to upgrade one of my houses to a 100 amp breaker box and change out to grounded outlets because they can do it, have it done and be gone in the time it takes me to come up with a plan.

[Silver R/T]

Nice job, roof looks great!

[Old Moparz]

Roof looks good, glad to see you didn't post about it from the emergency room.    

[stripedelete]

It's not waving hello.  Nice work.

Sorry, should have warned you about #6.

[PocketThunder]

What are you doing with that safety harness on?  DIY's arent supposed to be concerned about safety. 

[AKcharger]

Thanks for the kind words guys

Since I had my kids helping me (as in the picture) I need to make sure they didn't get hurt and can earn a good living to pay for my fututre nursing home 

[Steve P.]

Ummmm, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!!!!     hahaha.....

[69rtse4spd]

Nice job, know all to well about #1, put lots of life insurances on the kids, & safety harness, we don't need no stinking safety harness. . It only hurts when you land.

[HANDM]

Ugh..... if you wanna talk about roof replacement costs have a look at this picture and think that at even one dollar a tile, how much do you think this would cost........  

What you can't see in the picture is the wing of the house that I am standing on taking the picture which is 40 feet and the other side with the the guy looking like he is plucking panties  is also forty plus feet

I just spent three hundred on sixty tiles at 4 bux a pop to replace the busted ones and I have at least six hundred more to spend before the roof is repaired.

Once repairs are done, then I figure that primer/sealer and paint is gonna cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 and yes I am doing the work myself and at 41, I better hurry up............

[AKcharger]

I thought those tiles never wear out??

[HANDM]

Years of prior neglect has caused the concrete tiles to start deteriorating especially at the moss growing sites.

I'm not replacing the roof just the busted tiles. All of the "feet" were broken on 60 tiles which would have required me to nail all of them in which would screw me if any of them broke later and I had to replace it.

In the picture I am in the process of repairing/ overframing the huge sag that was in the overhang (father in law hack job) which is how all of the tile feet broke in the first place 

Worst part about this house is that I rarely have help maintaining it and it seems that once I finish from one side to the other, I have to start all over again...... I wouldn't have it any other way however.

Good thing my Mopars taught me patience