You’re the type of person who doesn’t mind a little hard work. When it comes to jobs around the house, you’d rather do a little self-educating, grab your tools, and do it yourself. It’s a great way to save some money, right? So, when you notice that your roof is in rough shape, you think you may as well tackle it yourself. Roofing jobs can be expensive when you hire a roofing contractor to do the job.
You should stop and think again. A roofing job, whether it’s a complete roof replacement or just a repair, isn’t as simple as fixing a toilet. This might be one job for which you’re better off bringing in a professional team.
5 Dangers of DIY Roof Replacement
Professional roofers go through extensive training and continue learning through years of experience. What they know, and you may not, is how to get the job done the right way and get it done safely. Here are just a few of the dangers of attempting to tackle your roofing job yourself:
1. Falls
The most apparent hazard with any roofing project is the potential for a fall. You could fall from an improperly set up ladder. A loose shingle could move, causing you to lose your footing. Without the proper training and experience, you may not know how to recognize a weak spot on your roof that could cause you to fall through.
Professional roofers are trained for safety and use special safety equipment such as harnesses and special shoes. Yet, even with these precautions, falls from roofs account for nearly one-third of all construction-related falls.
2. Improperly Completed Roof
Professional roofers don’t just make your roof look great; they make sure the installation is completed properly so that your roof does its job, which is to protect your home. Even if you complete your DIY roof and you think it looks good, you may have made crucial mistakes that could hinder the roof’s performance. For example, if your roof allows water to seep into your home, that can lead to structural damage, dangerous mold and mildew growth, or even electrical issues that could cause a fire.
3. Wasted Time
A professional roofing contractor can usually do a residential roofing job in less than a week. Some jobs may take as little as one day. Factors such as the complexity of the roof, the weather, and material availability can play a part. When you attempt to tackle a roofing project on your own, you can bet that it will take you much longer to complete. You are not likely to have all the right equipment or experience to get the job done swiftly. That means parts of your home may be left open and exposed to the elements for an extended period, leading to potential issues with water or even pest infestation. Besides that, your time is valuable. You should factor that time in when considering your cost savings.
4. Voided Warranties
Many roofing materials come with excellent warranties. But those warranties may only be valid if a certified roofing company installs the roof. Considering that your roof plays a significant role in protecting your home from the elements and could last you for 15-20 years or longer, having a solid warranty is a big plus. However, if you take on the project yourself and something goes wrong a few years down the road, you’ll be on the hook for the costs.
5. Wasted Money
Roof replacement is one home repair job where you could end up wasting more money by trying to do it yourself than if you hired a professional contractor in the first place. If you try to save money by buying cheaper shingles or getting by without all of the proper equipment, you could end up shelling out big money later to fix a poor roofing job or repair the damage it has done to your home.
Bring in the Pros
Home Pro America is a professional roofing contractor with years of experience installing Atlas asphalt shingles. Contact us today for your free consultation and quote. There’s no obligation, and we can help you understand everything we do to make your roof a solid as can be so it will protect your home for years to come.
