There are plenty of do-it-yourself projects around the average home that handy homeowners can tackle without issue. Replacing switch covers, hanging new doors, repairing sink drains, and installing new flooring are all projects that can be accomplished by anyone with a little know-how and a few common tools.
However, there are other home improvement jobs that are outside the scope of amateur handymen and handywomen. In fact, many of those don't just require special equipment, experience, or knowledge, but attempting them as DIY projects can also be quite dangerous. Roofing repairs and installation falls squarely into that category, as there are many reasons that it's best to leave roof work to the pros. Keep reading to learn a few of the reasons that roofing projects aren't well-suited to do-it-yourselfers.
Roofing Work Can Be Dangerous
Working on your roof inherently involves working at elevation, as you must use ladders or scaffolding to access the roof surface for replacement or repairs. That can create risks of severe injury, especially when you consider that most homeowners don't have access to the safety equipment that would be used by professional roofers. A fall from even a single-story roof could be life-threatening, so it's best to leave roof work to those who are trained and qualified to perform such tasks.
Your Roof Is Too Important
Your roof could be considered the most important single structure in your home because of the role it plays in maintaining the integrity of everything beneath it. That's a critical consideration because your roof protects the structure of your home and everything in it from the elements. Roofing isn't just easy as slinging down a few shingles. There's a method for roof work that ensures that the roof doesn't leak. Because of the importance of your roof, you can't take chances with amateur repairs, as a miscalculation could result in significant damage to your property caused by a leaky roof.
It Can Cost You
The impetus for many homeowners to perform do-it-yourself projects around the home is to save money. However, when it comes to roofing, doing it on your own could result in increased expenditures in the future due to faulty work. That's because any mistakes you make as a do-it-yourselfer will need to be remedied by professionals at some point, and the cost will increase because the pros will have to remove your flawed work to repair the roof correctly.
Material Costs Are Higher
Do-it-yourself roofing can also cost you more due to increased material prices. Roofers get bulk discounts and can take advantage of volume buying to get the best possible price for roofing materials such as shingles, felt paper, and flashings. When you must buy those materials on your own in small quantities, you'll pay a premium price, which will drive your project costs up significantly.
No Warranty
Professional roofing companies typically offer a warranty on any roof work they perform at your home, which can provide confidence in the quality of the work and a safety net if issues do arise stemming from materials or workmanship. However, when you attempt to perform roofing work on your own, you'll get no such guarantee. If your roof fails for any reason, you'll only have yourself to blame.
If you're in need of roofing repairs or installation, don't try to do the work yourself. Roofing work is not ideal for a do-it-yourself project because it can be dangerous and costly. Instead, let the pros handle the work on your behalf. For more information on the reasons to avoid do-it-yourself roof repairs, contact Findlay Roofing at (770) 516-5806.
