If you’ve ever noticed a few leaves in the gutter or a dark patch on your roof and thought, “I can probably fix that myself,” you’re not alone. It’s tempting to grab a ladder and check your roof yourself, but is it actually safe or smart?
It is an homeowner’s classic dilemma: save money by doing your own maintenance, or stay safe and call a professional? The truth is, both play important roles in keeping your roof healthy.
At Hoel Roofing, we have helped many Indiana homeowners navigate the aftermath of a roof maintenance gone wrong, including assessing the damage, managing their investment, and making repairs or even replacements. We have provided roofing inspections across Indiana, and we know which common problems a DIY has fixed well and which have gone south.
In this article, we break down what you can safely do yourself, when to call a roofer, and how to make sure you’re not putting your home (or yourself) at risk.
Here are five key maintenance tasks homeowners can handle safely and effectively:
Leaves, branches, and dirt can trap moisture and cause rot or mold. We recommend cleaning your gutters and roof valleys (the V-shaped internal angle where two sloping roof sections meet) at least twice a year, especially in the spring and fall, to keep water flowing freely.
Use a gutter scoop, garden hose, or a leaf blower attachment for safe, hands-free cleaning.
Go inside your attic on a sunny day and look for water stains, mold, or damp insulation. Early detection helps prevent bigger structural issues and keeps your home’s air quality healthy.
Walk around your home and look for signs of roof damage:
Binoculars or a drone can help you inspect hard-to-see spots safely, so you don’t have to climb, especially if you’ve never climbed your roof before.
Branches rubbing against your roof can scrape away granules and damage shingles over time. Trim back any limbs that hang over your roof to prevent debris buildup and pest access.
If water isn’t draining properly after rain, check your downspouts. Clogged downspouts can force water back under shingles or cause pooling near your foundation. Run a hose through them to clear out leaves and dirt.
These steps help you stay ahead of problems, but they don’t replace a professional’s trained inspection.
Some roof work looks simple, but can be dangerous or costly if done wrong. Call a professional roofer for tasks like:
Benefits of working with a professional roofer include:
Professional roofers have the tools, training, and safety gear to handle repairs without voiding your warranty or risking injury.
Pro Tip: For best and proper maintenance of your roof, inspections should be done once a year (ideally in spring or fall), and after major storms or hail events.
| Option | Cost | Time | Risk | Benefit |
| DIY Maintenance | Free – $100 (cleaners, gloves, tools) | 2–3 hrs | Moderate
You run the risk of falling off the roof or missed diagnoses of problems |
Limited prevention |
| Professional Inspection | $0 to over $500 (depending on who you hire and the level of detail included). | 1–2 hrs | Low
You may run the risk of being pitched services |
Expert detection, warranty protection |
A professional roof inspection can be an extra expense if you have issues that can be safely addressed in a DIY fashion. For bigger issues, keep in mind that many manufacturers require documentation of professional maintenance to keep your warranty valid. Catching a small leak early could prevent a full roof replacement later.
Good intentions can sometimes lead to costly mistakes. Here are common DIY roof repair errors homeowners make:
How often should I inspect my roof?
At least once a year and after major storms.
Can I do my own roof inspection safely?
Yes, if you stick to ground-level visual checks. Avoid climbing onto the roof.
How long does a professional roof inspection take?
Usually 1–2 hours, depending on roof size and condition.
Can DIY repairs void my warranty?
Yes. If you make unauthorized repairs or alter roof components beyond very light maintenance, manufacturers may void your warranty.
A DIY roof maintenance is enough when:
Call a professional when:
If you ever feel unsafe or uncertain, that’s your cue to step back and call a pro. Safety and peace of mind are worth it. Inspections can be tricky, so check out our article on Are Roof Inspections Worth Paying For? A Cost-Benefit Breakdown (Indiana Homeowners Guide)
At Hoel Roofing, we believe inspections should give you answers, not anxiety. You don’t have to choose between saving money and staying safe with Hoel Roofing, you get both.
Our experts help Indiana homeowners understand what’s happening above their heads — no guesswork, no pressure, just honest answers.
Schedule your free roof inspection today and get a complete health report of your roof — peace of mind, guaranteed.
Toyosi Ogunsola is the Content Manager at Hoel Roofing & Remodeling in Rushville, IN, where she oversees the creation of educational, trustworthy content about roofing, remodeling, and home improvement. With a master’s degree in Emerging Media Design and Development and a background spanning content strategy, UX research, and digital marketing, Toyosi combines data-driven insights with clear, engaging writing to help homeowners make informed decisions. Passionate about translating complex roofing topics into helpful resources, she works closely with Hoel’s team of roofing experts to ensure every piece of content is accurate, practical, and user-focused.
