Roof repairs are a big deal, especially if you’re not an experienced professional. Roofers suffer from many job-related dangers, which is why most will not recommend doing it yourself. If you’re thinking about tackling the project on your own to save a few bucks, make sure you ask yourself the following questions.
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Am I Confident and Qualified to Do This Job?
If you’re nervous about heights or unsure on your feet, then this is not the DIY project for you. It’s also not a good choice for novices who have little or no roofing experience. If you have done roof work in the past, then you may be qualified to handle the job. Anyone in the industry will tell you that it takes a lot of time to learn how to do things the right way, which is why you may be better off with a professional if you do not have significant experience.
Do I Have the Right Clothing for the Job?
Roofing is intense work, which is why professionals wear the right gear and clothing before beginning any repair project. Do you have the proper attire to do the job safely? Jeans are strong but they aren’t strong enough to withstand the abuse of crawling around on the roof. Roofers typically wear rubber sole footwear, sturdy gloves and strong fabrics that can breathe so you don’t overheat. Also remember that clothing must be properly fitted so they don’t catch on ladders and equipment.
Do I Have or Can I Get Proper Roofing Tools?
You cannot cut corners when it comes to your roofing tools. Professionals always try to work with top-notch equipment that includes the latest features and safety measures. These tools can be very expensive to buy, especially if this is just a one-off project.
Am I Prepared to Work with the Weather?
The weather is a powerful force that can make it impossible to do roof work for an entire day or more. If you are going to take on this task by yourself, you should be prepared to work at the whim of the weather. Roof work should only be done on dry, sunny days. If there’s rain or wind in the forecast, then you have to be prepared to reschedule.
Do I Have A Fall Back Plan in Case of Problems?
You must have a fall back plan in place in case you encounter a problem that you are not skilled enough to handle. This is also important should you discover that your work quality wasn’t as good as you expected. A solid fall back plan should include having funds available to hire a professional roofer to step in and take over or to fix any mistakes after the fact.
Author Bio:
Melrose Design Build is experts at heritage restoration/roofing building work, maintenance and remedial restoration. They can also do bathroom and kitchen renovations as well as new builds. If you live in Sydney and are planning to restore or renovate your current home or investment property or build a new house contact Melrose Design Build today. Visit their site to sign up for a free measure and quote at: www.melrosedesignbuild.com.au
I have access to the proper tools, and the weather is mild where I live. I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a roofing job, but your first point you made in the article was to assess whether or not I’m confident and qualified for the job, and I don’t have any experience. I want to save money, but I may have to get a commercial roofer who knows what he’s doing. Thanks for sharing and providing the useful info.
http://www.davisandsonroofing.org
As a single mother, it’s often hard trying to keep everything functioning. So, you can image how difficult it would be to fix my roof following do-it-yourself tips. I cannot afford for my roof to collapse or leak, so I’m going to hire a professional as soon as I can. Thanks for writing this informative article, Erin. It’s important that we’re educating the public on the hazards that are involved in simple, yet complicated projects.
Lily de Grey |
Thanks for sharing this advice on whether to make DIY repairs or call a professional. I definitely agree that roof repairs are a big deal, so you need to consider your options carefully. It’s really nice that you listed all of the big considerations in a concise list like this too. I know that I would consider a professional more carefully if it was in the middle of the winter, or if I had back problems!