Can a handyman repair a roof? Should a handyman repair a roof? Homeowners often believe that a handyman is the solution for necessary home repairs. However, fixing a roof requires a different level of expertise. At Alan’s Roofing, we have the skills and experience to fix your home’s roof the right way, helping it last longer and perform better.
What Is A Handyman?
Handyman services have long existed for homeowners needing basic maintenance tasks completed. The average handyman typically possesses broad, generalized knowledge about many parts of a home rather than specializing in just one area. However, their skills are usually quite limited, especially when a homeowner requires a highly specialized service, such as roof repair.
Can A Handyman Repair A Roof?
A limited percentage of handyman service providers have the qualifications to assess a damaged roof and offer recommended solutions. However, most lack the technical expertise of a licensed roofing contractor. A prudent homeowner should consult a knowledgeable and experienced roofing company specializing in roof repair to discuss roofing-related issues.
Be warned: hiring an unlicensed handyman for roof repairs may void your roof’s warranty and compromise your insurance coverage. Most manufacturers require certified or licensed professionals for warranty protection. Additionally, insurance companies may deny claims for damages resulting from improper repairs made by unqualified individuals.
Why A Roofing Contractor Is Preferred For Roof Repair
As a homeowner, when considering whom to hire for a roofing issue, keep the following factors in mind during your evaluation. They should tip the scale in favor of choosing a licensed roofing contractor.
1. A Roofing Contractor Offers Roofing Expertise To Minimize Repeat Issues
A study by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) reveals that 86% of roof failures result from improper installation methods. A qualified roofing contractor knows how to repair and replace damaged roofing correctly to avoid future or repeated problems. In fact, roof work completed by a trained professional, such as a licensed roofing contractor, leads to a 35% decrease in callback rates by homeowners for the same issue. Unfortunately, most handyman service providers lack the experience to fully or consistently grasp correct installation procedures.
2. A Roofing Contractor Will Work More Efficiently Than A Handyman
Time is money. Pricing for most roof repairs depends on the time needed for the project. Although the typical handyman charges a lower hourly rate than the standard contractor, the contractor can complete a similar roof repair in about half the time or less. Why? On average, a certified roofing contractor receives over 300 hours of specialized training in identifying roofing issues and applying the appropriate repair techniques. Most handymen lack such an educational or occupational background. Ultimately, you get what you pay for when deciding between these two options.
3. Safety Statistics Support Roofing Contractors Over Handyman Service Providers
Climbing on roofs is dangerous. You should never attempt DIY roof repairs. Statistically, professional roofers experience a 42% lower accident rate than non-specialists (including handymen) when working on roofs. OSHA data shows that roofing contractors are 78% more likely to receive appropriate fall protection training than non-specialists. Furthermore, roofers are more likely to have proper safety equipment. Finally, licensed roofing companies are required to carry specialized insurance to cover roof-specific accidents and related damages.
4. Roofing Contractors Have Warranty Safeguards For The Homeowner
Unlike most handymen, a licensed roofing contractor can offer warranty protection through material (manufacturer) and/or workmanship (labor) coverage. In fact, most roofing suppliers will only honor a manufacturer’s warranty if a certified contractor completes the material installation. Additionally, nine out of ten established roofing companies will provide a workmanship warranty for a set length of time to protect the homeowner in the event that a subsequent issue occurs. Conversely, only one in eight handymen offer comparable warranty protection for their labor.
What To Do If You Need Storm Damage Roof Repair
After a big storm hits, you might want to repair your damaged roof or ask the family handyman for assistance. Avoid both of these options.
Instead, a responsible homeowner should first contact a licensed local roofing contractor. An established contractor can promptly send a knowledgeable professional to thoroughly inspect the roof and implement corrective measures to prevent further damage to the home.
During the recovery process, an experienced contractor can assist the homeowner with filing and processing an insurance claim, meeting with the insurance adjuster to determine the extent of roof damage, and addressing complex issues and questions as they arise.
A handyman typically cannot assist a homeowner in preparing and submitting an insurance claim, and an insurance adjuster is unlikely to meet with a handyman during the assessment phase. Therefore, a homeowner should never rely on a handyman for these situations.
Central Florida’s Most Reliable Roofing Contractor
Maybe you’ve wondered, “Can a handyman repair a roof?” At Alan’s Roofing, we help homeowners tackle problematic roofs by identifying hidden or not-so-obvious issues and recommending and implementing permanent solutions, not just temporary repairs. If you are a Central Florida homeowner, trust this region’s most knowledgeable and experienced roof repair contractor. Contact Alan’s Roofing today to schedule your appointment.
