It was not until after I started working with my hands with some tools around the house and doing minor repairs that I understood it would take me to being a roofer. Currently, I co-own a Gold Coast Roofing company and like many homeowners, I was drawn to DIY projects to save money and learn something new—though back then, “saving money” mostly meant keeping my allowance intact while my parents footed the bill for the real expenses.
It’s funny how fixing a roof can make you feel so responsible, though honestly, I was probably just a bored teenager looking for an excuse to get on the roof. What began as an attempt to “fix” a leaky roof quickly turned into a passion that shaped my career. Let me share my journey from DIY enthusiast to professional roofer and offer some insights into what’s worth tackling on your own and when it’s best to call in the pros.
The Early Days: My First DIY Roofing Repairs
As a young lad heading into trade school with a keen interest in home improvement, I was always looking for something to mess around with. My adventure with doing basic repairs on roofs began with my efforts to persuade my mother and father to allow me to at least have a look. The roof over the garage of my parents had a minor leak and instead of bringing in a repair man to fix it, I decided it was a small enough job that I could do it myself.
I only had a ladder, and that is how far I went without trying to get more equipment. It turned out to be a small crack in the roof tile that I was able to successfully patch with silicone. It’s a good job because I reckon that’s about the only thing I could have sorted. The sense of accomplishment I felt when I successfully patched that leak was incredible. It wasn’t just about saving a few dollars; it was about learning a craft and the pride that came with solving a problem with my own hands. And let’s be real, my parents were probably just stoked they didn’t have to call in a tradie.
The Benefits of Tackling Small DIY Roofing Jobs
As a roofer, you might think it’s counterintuitive for me to encourage people to take on small DIY roofing jobs. After all, my livelihood comes from being called in to fix roofs. But personally I think it is reasonable for them to go through such tutorials because there are ascertained ‘benefits’ to learning the building crafts as a homeowner, for instance, knowing how to replace some shingles, helps one to know when they should hire a handyman.
- Cost Savings and Learning: Like many, I was initially drawn to DIY repairs to save my parents some money. But as I delved into the work, I realised I was gaining valuable skills and knowledge. Each project taught me something new, from how to handle materials to understanding the intricacies of roof structures.
- Building Confidence: Successfully completing small roofing jobs can give you the confidence boost to take on other DIY tasks around the home. It will also give you the confidence to deal with tradies when you at least have some knowledge of how a modern roof works and protect yourself from cowboys.
- Flexibility and Control: One of the things I loved about DIY work was the flexibility it offered. I could tackle repairs on my schedule and make decisions about how to approach each task. This sense of control was empowering and helped me develop a keen eye for detail.
- A Foundation for a Career: Who knows, maybe you’ll find a career and passion when getting your hands dirty. After all, it’s how many of us end up in our trades.
The Risks You May Face—and What I Learned
Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. DIY roofing repairs can be risky (and scary), and I quickly learned the importance of respecting the trade.
Safety First: Working on a roof is inherently dangerous; this element of risk can never be zero and can only be reduced. I experienced a few close calls that taught me the importance of safety, and there are a few recommendations I’d give to anybody completing their own DIY.
Firstly, stay off wet roofs, full stop. This includes waiting for morning mildew to dry up completely before heading on. Even the slightest dampness can turn moss, algae, and dust into a slimy hazard.
Second, stay off two-storey houses. The damage that can be done from taking a fall is just too great. Even the most experienced roofers will take slips every so often but will have safety gear in place to prevent them from falling. You’re not going to have that safety luxury when doing it yourself, which makes up some of the cost when using a professional roofer.
Third, invest in a pair of roofing shoes. I won’t get into every recommendation, but Dunlop Volleys Classic are fantastic for scaling vertical slopes and are relatively cheap. I’ve had enough slips over my years that I won’t get on any roof without them.
Fourth, watch out for power lines, seriously. Here in Australia, it’s not uncommon to see them. It’s easy to forget they are there when you have been on the same roof for a couple of hours. Be vigilant and keep well away.
And lastly, always let somebody know you’re going to be working on the roof and keep your mobile phone on you. If your ladder falls, you’ll need somebody to put it back. It’s paramount you’re not alone if you slip.
2 Roofing Jobs I’d Let My Mum Tackle
Looking back, I’m glad I started with those simple DIY repairs. They gave me the foundation I needed to build a career. But I also know that not every job is suitable for a DIY approach. This is what I would say to any individual looking for reasons as to why he/she should not do roofing on their own:
Cleaning of gutters: You’d be surprised of how many problems of leaks in roofs have been as a result of excessive of leaves and other trash clogging nice channels on gutters. In the absence of such channels, once it rains, the roof drains cannot be drenched with water thereby putting the house and the house cover at risk. Water, rather than being removed, gets trapped and may either leak through the shingles or tiles into the rest of the house, causing changes in pressure within the rooms and thus very dangerous moisture and mold.
That could mean having to air out the walls, remove mould, and repaint interior walls—not good. Luckily, it’s not rocket science. Roll your sleeves up, have somebody foot your ladder as you move it around the house, and pull the leaves out with your hands. The same problem can also arise in the valleys if leaves are allowed to build up long enough. Get your Dunlops on and go clear it out. Bonus Tip: Grab a hose and run it through the valleys and along the gutters when you’re done to get your gutters super clean and make sure no dirt is clogging up when you’re finished.
Cracked Tile Sealing / Patching a Leaking Roof: If you’ve caulked your home before, then this one is an easy task. Over time, tiles can become brittle and develop small cracks along the edges and bottom that may be salvageable. If the crack is small, you can seal it with roofing silicone or sealant. However, if the tile is severely damaged or broken in multiple places, replacing it might be a better option.
Head to your local building store and grab some polyurethane sealant. First, the area around the crack should be scrubbed with a wire brush cleaning the area making sure no treasures, dirt or moss are present. It enhances the promotion of sealant. When it is clean and dry, the sealant is applied into the crack with the intention of covering the entire room gap. Some people use tools, others their gloves-clad fingers to smooth out the surface of the seal.
The sealant should be left to cure as per the instructions of the manufacturer and you should wait for a couple of hours to a day to see if the crack you fix is successfully sealed. If it is still necessary, apply the second layer so that complete water insulation is assured Don’t be shy with the sealant; apply plenty to keep it stuck down and plenty to make the seal absolutely watertight.
For those of you with Colorbond or metal roofing, you can use butyl tape, which is perfect for sealing small holes. This stuff is incredibly durable and can last decades!
My journey from DIY enthusiast to professional roofer has been incredibly rewarding. The hands-on experience I gained in those early years was invaluable, but so was the realisation of my limits. Roofing is a skilled trade that requires training, experience, and a commitment to safety and quality.
While there’s a place for DIY in home maintenance, knowing when to call in a professional is key to protecting your home and ensuring the job is done right. Whether you’re a fellow tradie or a homeowner considering a DIY project, I hope my story offers some insight into the world of roofing and the importance of balancing enthusiasm with expertise.