If your roof is leaking, sagging, old, or has moss or mold growth, it is time to replace it with a new one. Like some homeowners, you may have given thought to doing the installations yourself. However, there are several disadvantages to this, and unfortunately, many people who opt for a non-professional installation still end up calling a roof replacement expert to rectify errors. Take a look at some of the DIY residential roof installation mistakes you are highly likely to make:

Installing the New Roof over the Old One

Many inexpert roof installers consider that it is okay to install a new roof over an old one. Although some states allow this practice as long as you do not exceed two layers, it can still be disadvantageous. To begin with, since leaks are among the commonest reasons for a roof replacement, it would help if you first eliminated the risk of further leaks by uninstalling the old roof first. Otherwise, the issue may not be resolved. In addition, installing a new roof over an existing one causes stress on the walls and, consequently, the foundation. To avoid this mistake, hire a residential roof replacement expert to do the job.

Using Low-Quality or Mismatched Shingles

Another possible mistake during non-professional roof renovation involves the choice of roofing material. For example, with roofing shingles, the quality should not be low, nor should the shingles differ from the existing ones. This is because if you fail to find shingles of the same material or go for low-quality shingles, e.g., to try and save money, the integrity of the entire roof may be compromised. 

Down the road, selling a home with mismatched roofing sections will also be a challenge. You may have to either get an extremely low offer or not sell. Additionally, low-quality shingles do not last long, so you might find yourself replacing the shingles sooner than expected. Therefore, it is important to entrust the replacement to a professional roofing contractor right from the beginning.

Failing to Get a Permit First

Depending on your location, you may need a permit before making any changes to improve your property. So, if you go ahead and renovate the roof without a permit, you may be fined or face other consequences. Fortunately, expert roofers are well-versed in your location's building codes and can conduct the roof renovations while adhering to the regulations.

While DIY projects may sound like a fun way to acquire some skills, certain projects, such as roofing, are best left to the experts for effective, consistent, and reliable results. For help with your roofing project, contact a roofing contractor in your area.