How hard is it to roof your own house?

It's not hard to learn how to roof a house, as it's simple, but time and execution can be complicated. If you're motivated and have a few sturdy helpers, you can roof a house without the help of a professional.

How hard is it to roof your own house?

It's not hard to learn how to roof a house, as it's simple, but time and execution can be complicated. If you're motivated and have a few sturdy helpers, you can roof a house without the help of a professional. The slope of the roof and the wind conditions in the area also influence how many nails should be used and in what location. Turns out that includes just about everyone outside the professional world of construction and roofing.

In other words, self-replacement of roofs is not something that should be done by anyone other than trained professionals. Of course, given the importance of a roof for a house, you should not skimp on fixing it, but for sure it would be good to save. If your roof has a lot of additional elements, such as chimneys, dormers or skylights, the job is also complicated. Once you've finished replacing the roof yourself, you'll also need to manage the removal of all used materials or tools.

The local building officer may want to go and inspect the roof right now, but sometimes you can do that by taking a few photos. When you reach the top of the roof, extend the last row and place the paper over the peak (top ridge) to the other side. The entire length of the fascia probably isn't perfectly straight, so don't make a line; just hold the dripping edge against the fascia and secure it from the top to the terrace with roofing nails. Once you have obtained a permit (if necessary) and you have safely cleaned the roof, nail the cover so that the edge drips and is aligned with the length of the eaves.

Before storing the ladder, sweep away all debris from the roof and then seal off any exposed nails in the ventilation grilles and stack the gaskets. Simply put, roof permits and residential building regulations are a nightmare if you don't know what you're doing. Invest in a few large tarps to protect your plants and gardens and to catch the thousands of nails that will fall from the roof. It is impossible to properly install new floor coverings and subfloors if you do not tear off the old roof.

Poorly installed ceilings can fail and let water enter and damage the house, from the attic installation to the living room, where the expensive furniture and electronics are located.

Marjorie Celeste
Marjorie Celeste

Freelance internet fanatic with a high level of experience writing about roofing and construction topics.