You’ve probably watched your house or someone else’s house being roofed before and thought, wow, that looks easy, I could do that myself.

Well, if you are considering roofing your own house, here are some things you might want to think about before you make that decision. First of all, you were probably watching professional roofers putting on that roof. And yes, they make it look easy. That’s because they do it every day, and have years of experience.

Professional roofers know how to walk on roofs because they have been doing it for years. They have all the right tools, they know all the right materials to use, and they have the know-how to install different types of roofs and do it safely. Getting on a roof to work can be dangerous. So, before you decide to do-it-yourself you might want to check with some local roofing companies and compare the costs of having them install your roof to doing it yourself. It could save you a big headache. But, if you are serious about installing your roof yourself then you can do it.

Let’s look at some things that you will have to consider when installing your roof yourself. Roofing a house is an expense project so you want to get it right. First, put together a plan of how you will step-by-step install your roof correctly and safely. Before you start your project check on local building codes and get your roofing permit. Code enforcement can stop your project instantly if you have not obtained the correct permit for your project.

Decide what type of material you plan to use on your roof. There many types of roofing materials to choose from, such as asphalt shingles, metal, slate, wood shake, etc. Make sure you have the ability to install the roofing material you choose. Next, do the math on how much roofing material you will need for your project and have it delivered to your job site. Most supply houses will deliver your purchase for little or even no cost by some suppliers. This will save you a lot of time and a lot of work.

If this a new build and doesn’t have existing shingles then you are ready to go to work. But if it has existing shingles then you have to remove the old existing shingles and begin prepping your roof for the new shingles. Make sure your roof is clean an old flashing and nails are removed.

Next install new flashing, valley metal, and new underlayment. There are several types of underlayment to choose from. Do your homework and choose the right one for your project. Layout out with a chalk line the spacing for your shingles and begin your installation. Once you have covered the field with shingles then install your ridge shingles. Use roofing cement to cover exposed nail heads. Once you are finished clean up your project site and pick up any nails on the ground with a roofing magnet. You are  finished. Good job.