Did you know approximately 150,000 Americans need medical treatment annually due to roofing related injuries? Almost 97% of them involve homeowners who tried to DIY their roofing work.
The statistics seem a little scary, and they should be if you're thinking about a DIY project on your roof. You may have checked out a video on YouTube, but do you really know what you're doing? Is it worth the risk or best left to a professional?
It's a fun idea to think of yourself climbing on your roof with an arsenal of tools and materials, ready to tackle a job that will have a satisfying outcome. Not to mention the amount of money you'll save, and the accolades you'll get from friends and family for being the fixer person.
When you're on a budget, it's easy to think of DIY projects as a way to save a lot of money when you're doing a home improvement project. Thanks to places like YouTube, nearly anyone can learn home improvement projects and gain some confidence to DIY it like a pro. Some of those tutorials are fantastic, but others can put you in danger.
There is so much that goes into a roofing project, and so many questions you need to ask yourself. Are you familiar with the materials on your roof and how to work with them?
Do you understand the design of your roof and how to work with it? The largest question is, do you understand roofing at all? Any of those being answered with a "No" may make you take pause before going into a DIY roofing project.
There are also safety issues to think of. Professional roofers have safety checks and balances for every project they do. You may not. You need to think of ladders, ladder height, tools, carrying tools, and dealing with steep roof inclines.
The Cost
While the idea of saving your budget for a DIY project is beyond tempting, there could be some hidden or unexpected costs to DIY roofing you don't think of. If a mistake is made or a project isn't completed, you could end up paying a professional to finish the job or fix a mistake. All of the tools you bought and money spent will be sunk.
Professional roofers understand your roof. They know about proper sealing and alignment. A DIY project could lead to leaks, mold, or even structural damage. That's a lot to think about before you get your hammer out.
Safety
Roofing is one of the most dangerous home improvement projects you can do. As referenced above, a lot of homeowners in the United States see injuries from trying to do their own roofing projects. The most common injuries are from falls, improper equipment, or lack of training.
Longevity
DIY roofing solutions are sometimes a short fix for a long-term problem. Many of them don't have the durability or guarantee of a professional project. You may believe the materials you bought and tutorial you followed will fix your roof for years, but can you be sure about that? Probably not.
There are many things that can take years off of a roof's lifespan and DIY projects can contribute to it. Sometimes, you can get materials that aren't of the best quality or you can intall them incorrectly. All of that could cut years off of your roof's lifespan.
Experience Saves Money and Time
Professional roofers have the experience to do it right the first time. They have access to education, specialized tools, and premium materials. It's not just efficient work that makes a difference, but work with durability.
Licensed roofers have extensive training, safety protocols, and solid project plans to work with. As a DIY roofer, you may not have access to all of this. You may be saving money, but will you really?
There are some DIY projects that should be fine to do, as long as you understand safety and have some experience. Things like small fixes before a professional comes in or small scale repairs could be DIYed without issue. Not urgent projects with low safety risks are also usually OK to do.
When it comes down to it, roofing projects can be complex. They require permits, inspections, and advanced materials. They also require expertise, safety protocols, and training.
It might be tempting to DIY your roofing project, but it can lead to costly mistakes, and a lot of frustration. Professional roofing gives you long-term savings, safety, and some very much needed peace of mind that your roof is going to hold up.
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