DIY projects can be satisfying, time and money-saving. But in some cases, it is better to entrust the task to a professional. DIY roofing repairs are no exception.
When you know the risks, the requisite tools, and your capabilities you might be able to fix simple problems, but you should be aware that some issues are likely to require the experience of a professional roofer.
Risks of DIY Roofing
Understanding the risks associated with doing it yourself will allow better judgment on when it is safe to undertake the task yourself. The most obvious one is personal injury. Falling off the roof is a pretty common way to get injured, causing numerous injuries each year. Even if you have impeccable balance, nothing stops you from slipping up and creating a situation that calls for some really dire accidents.
Besides, there are other risks that do not have such personal ramifications. Faulty installment may lead to a number of leaks, which in turn will cause water damage to the inside of your house. This will require expensive repair works in a few years. Of course, if the leaks also damage your installations or equipment, repair works might be required even sooner.
Additionally, badly done repairs might render the guarantee on the materials of your roof void. Finally, more often than not anything less than professional work will decrease your home’s resale value. Anyone even vaguely familiar with the industry standards will quickly be warded off by the substandard self-repairing job.
Safety in DIY Roofing
When performing any roofing repair, it is always necessary to use adequate safety gear. Although some might perceive this as a waste of money or an unnecessary hassle, it is more than certain the cost of medical bills resulting from neglected accidents related to lack of safety gear would be higher.
Some of the most essential safety gear include adequate roofing footwear with good grip on the roof surface, safety harnesses to prevent falling, safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris and, where metal roofing is concerned, heavy duty safety gloves due to the roofing materials often having sharp edges.
The experts at Roof Restoration Perth say safety is never an issue to compromise. Small DIY repairs may be ok to handle, but often it’s best to use the professionals. Such trivial tasks can easily be turned into major personal injury incidents by lack of safety considerations.
Recognizing Common Repairs
The key point here is learning to recognize the signs of common issues on your own. For example, if only a few of your shingles are missing or damaged, this would be a relatively simple task to perform yourself. Besides, it would be wise to tackle small roof leaks before they get any bigger.
One thing that must be mentioned is that complex tasks, such as replacing the whole roof, should never be attempted without professional assistance.
In addition, detecting possible signs of a certain issue would only help you to complete the repair faster. For example, you might notice the moss growing on your roof’s surface, which is often a serious sign of trapped moisture.
Another example would be damaged shingles – look out for cracks, curls, or blisters, as well as the wear and tear around roof objects and openings, such as chimneys, pipes, etc. Thus, when in doubt, make a call to a professional roofing company.
DIY Roof Assessment Tips
Before starting DIY repairs, it is necessary to assess your roof. The best day for this is when it is dry and sunny. Use binoculars to check the roof surface for obvious damage. Look for missing or broken shingles and loose seams.
In addition, it is paramount to peek into your attic from time to time. Make sure to do this heavy rainfall. Look for any traces of water leakage and the remnants of dampness on the attic ceiling. Meanwhile, mind the possible presence of mold, which may result from a recurring leak.
None of the above measures, however, provides as accurate an off-the-cuff diagnosis as a professional inspection of roofers. Furthermore, do not dismiss even the mildest issues, for they may indicate larger structural problems, and the professional eye is more likely to notice them.
Limits of DIY Success
As an amateur, it’s crucial to understand the limitations to what you can accomplish with DIY roof repair. Some issues are beyond a home owner’s scope and require skilled professionals for solving. This doesn’t mean that small repairs like replacing shingles or sealing minor leaks shouldn’t be attempted. It simply is a reminder to approach every DIY roofing task with realistic expectations.
Another limitation is time. As you don’t do this professionally, it will inevitably take longer than if a pro completed the job. This could mean extended exposure of your unfinished roof to weather elements, potentially leading to more damage. If your repair becomes too time-consuming, reevaluate whether it’s worth continuing on your own.
Last but not least, when there are sizable sections of the roof showing wear and tear or damage, avoid resorting to patchwork solutions. Replacing a few damaged spots might seem easier and cheaper in the short run, but could lead to more significant problems long term if not addressed appropriately.
Warning Signs to Seek Professionals
A few warning signs should be immediate calls for professional help rather than attempts at DIY fixes. If there’s extensive water damage in your attic, apparent structural issues within the roof or noticeable sagging in parts of the roof – these aren’t problems you should attempt to fix without appropriate expertise.
If a large section of roofing material such as shingles or tiles needs replacement due to wear and tear or storm damage, that’s another crucial sign that professional help is necessary. Large scale projects take specific skills that homeowners often lack and trying these yourself may lead to making things worse.
Also, if prior repair attempts have failed despite meticulous work following best practices, it might be an indicator that the problem runs deeper within the roof structure and requires an expert’s touch.
Choosing the Right Professional
When you’ve determined that a professional roofer is needed, it’s crucial to select a trusted and competent one. A good starting point can be seeking recommendations from acquaintances or online reviews for local businesses. When you identify potential professionals, always ask for a proof of valid roofing licenses and insurance covering work-related accidents.
Don’t make your choice merely based on the lowest bid. Often, professionals who offer significantly cheaper solutions cut corners during work, compromising quality. An adequately priced professional who does the job right at first attempt will save you money in the long term.
Lastly, get everything in writing before the roofer begins work. A detailed contract outlining job specifications, timelines, material costs and labor costs will protect you from any potential disputes later on.
The Final Words
While some roof repairs can be done by yourself following safety guidelines and using appropriate tools, it’s integral to recognize when it’s time to bring in the professionals.
Make sure to always prioritize safety, accurately assess your capabilities against the complexity of repairs, and regularly maintain your roof after repairs for longevity.