Ironically, your roof is the most important architectural element in a house yet it’s often the most neglected. Some may only notice there are problems with their roof during its late stages. Fortunately, instead of replacing your entire roof, you can repair it, retaining its state. The question is, do you DIY your roof repair or hire professionals?
First, ask yourself, do you know how to identify any leaks or potential weak spots on your roof? Are you able to assess if your roof already needs replacement? What’s the best course of action if there’s a puddle of water on your roof? If you don’t know the answer to these basic questions, leave the job to the professionals. This is because if you DIY your roof repair without knowledge, it may cause more problems, which can cost you plenty of money than initially hiring a professional in the first place.
To paint a clearer picture, here are reasons why you should never repair your roof yourself if you don’t have prior experience:
You Can Cause Further Damage
Compared to a roof repair specialist, you don’t have the necessary years of experience required to conduct a thorough repair. This means that DIY your roof repair may further damage your roof. What’s more, you may cause damage that’s not even there in the first place.
For instance, even if the issue is only a small link, which can be easily fixed by a professional, there’s a tendency that you may step on your roof’s weak part, causing a bigger hole. Additionally, you may be using the wrong equipment when dealing with any repairs, causing unnecessary damage.
You May Not Notice Significant Problems
Despite the common roof problems, like missing shingles or the fact it’s already covered by rust, you might fail to notice roof problems that can’t be seen by an inexperienced eye. Do note these problems can be as expensive and dangerous as those that are obvious. Also, if left untreated, these problems will surely reduce your home’s value, making it harder to sell in the future.
Sodden shingles or rotten beams are just some of the examples that can’t be seen if you don’t have any experience fixing a roof. If both problems aren’t immediately dealt with, they might gradually erode your roof, causing expensive repairs. Also, you may not notice the early stages of molds and holes.
If left in the hands of a professional, on the other hand, they can notice these problems before they become worse, saving you money and the hassle of dealing with major roof problems.
roof repair
You Will Expose Yourself to Dangers
Approximately, there are over 2,000 people died annually due to falling off a roof. Yes, this includes both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. This means that even professionals, even if they have the needed safety gear and training, are still susceptible to the dangers present in roof repairs. How much more a layperson like you who doesn’t possess any safety gear, like helmets, pads, boots, harness, etc.
Additionally, falling off a roof isn’t only the danger you’ll face. In fact, there’s still a possibility that you may bruise, twist your ankles, and even experience back injuries if you fix roof problems yourself. One of the reasons for these injuries is the lack of knowledge on which area of your roof is sturdy enough to support your weight; as mentioned above, stepping on the wrong area may result in damages.
Moreover, don’t forget insects, like bees and wasps, that may reside on your roof. These insects can be dangerous, especially if you’re allergic, and may startle you, causing you to fall down.
By hiring the right roofer, you’ll stay safe on the ground, preventing yourself from the dangers that come with roof repairs.
You Will Produce Low-quality Work
If you don’t have prior experience, your work may result in poor and shoddy workmanship, which will have grave consequences on your roof’s appearance, making your home’s exterior or interior unappealing.
As mentioned, experience plays a crucial role in a successful roof repair project. Even if you saw some videos of a DIY roof repair, do note that those guys may have the needed experience already. You can’t master roof repair that allows you to produce an output equal to those of professionals despite the hours you spend watching online videos.
Final Words
This article presents some risks you’ll face if you decide to DIY your roof repair. With this, if you don’t have the experience and knowledge required, it’s best to stay in the safe. Thus, instead of jeopardizing your safety and the status of your roof, always leave the job to the professionals.