Forget restoration – Think new and save!
DIY roof projects are rare in Australia, but overseas, especially in North America, most homeowners have a basic knowledge of how to perform basic D.I.Y. roof tasks.
Roof restoration is a common choice for homeowners; however, in my opinion, roofs have only a serviceable lifespan, and no amount of paint can stop it. Also, surprisingly, a new DIY roof may not cost much more than what some roof restoration companies charge.
Residential roofing suppliers only cater for qualified tilers for tiled roofs. The reasons for this are that tile manufacturers are reluctant to sell the product to the public at reasonable prices, and installing a metal product can be a tricky proposition and, by law, requires a plumber.
Asphalt roofing shingles, on the other hand, are not very difficult to install and provide a real DIY roof installation alternative. Using essential tools found in most backyard sheds, an asphalt shingle roof for a patio, pergola, gazebo, shed, or garage can usually be built in one to three days. A hammer, some galvanised clout nails, a chalk line and a Stanley knife are all you will need to finish the D.I.Y. project.
It took a couple of days to finish the gazebo in the picture above. This includes plywood, underlay and shingles. The frame was built over the weekend before.
The benefits of a DIY roof
One main benefit of using asphalt shingles is that the complete system is lightweight. 18kg/m2. This lightweight system means you can replace most roof types without reinforcing the structure. When replacing an old metal roof, this is a real benefit. When replacing a tile roof, you will take tonnes of weight off the roof while making the finished roof much stronger. The 12mm A-bond Structural Plywood cladding gives the structure exceptional bracing qualities and improves soundproofing dramatically – No more rain noise.
In a garage roof or attic space, the closed system eliminates entry of dust and vermin, keeping the area clean. Some people can gain a large storage room in their attic by installing an attic ladder and a floor. This attic space can provide an excellent place for items that are stored and not used all that often, e.g., the Christmas tree and stuff.
Real roof savings with D.I.Y.
There are real and substantial savings with asphalt shingle roof installation, and many people around Australia are finishing beautiful roofs in their spare time. Here is a photo of a roof made with Architectural asphalt roof shingles by a happy D.I.Y. enthusiast. Roof cost savings can be considerable, often amounting to thousands of dollars.
Put simply, an asphalt shingle roof consists of a plywood base, covered with an underlay, and finally, the shingles nailed to it. The most challenging aspect of this process is ensuring everything is straight and level. A chalk line and a tape measure are used to make sure everything lines up.
DIY roof installation for your home project is easy with asphalt shingles. Impress friends and family with a do-it-yourself roof finished in a weekend.