The Risks of DIY Residential Roofing: Why You Should Leave It to the Pros
Doing Your Roof Yourself Is A Major Risk, So Why Not Leave It To The Expert Roofing Contractors In Your Area?
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Doing It Yourself Is Not The Best Option
Every home and commercial building requires roof repair and replacement at some point in time. However, the vastness of the internet and the hundreds of DIY roof repair videos may make roof repair appear easy.
Many so-called “how-to” videos may make it seem that anyone with a few tools can get on top of their roof and start repairing it. However, a DIY roofing project is highly ill-advised. Not only is it dangerous, yes, it is physically dangerous, but you could end up doing more harm than good by making a bad problem worse.
When you make the problem worse, you end up spending more to get it fixed. But that’s one reason you shouldn’t attempt to do it yourself. The other reason is that you lack professional training and knowledge of repairing roofs.
Granted, some people should be able to complete a couple of maintenance tasks on their own, but everything else should be left up to the pros.
In this article, we go over a couple more reasons why you should avoid DIY roof replacement and repair.
DIY Residential Roof Repair Voids Material Warranty
Many homeowners may not know this, but the fine print of most roofing material warranties necessitates that it be installed professionally. That means DIY installation by the homeowner or anyone else deemed unprofessional will void its warranty.
Anyone who decides to do a DIY repair or installation of their roofing is risking the warranty. Also, keep in mind that if you inadvertently damage the roof, you are voiding its warranty and setting yourself up for expensive repairs, which even your insurer may not cover.
The other important thing to keep in mind is that a DIY installation or repair isn’t just going to damage the roof but can also impact the structure of your home. Fixing the latter is far more expensive than installing a new roof.
DIY Roofing Projects Can Make Matters Worse
Many people choose DIY installation and repair because they want to save money. However, what if we told you it would increase the costs? That’s because you end up spending more on additional repairs and more materials. So, instead of wasting time and money, it is far easier and faster to contact professional roofers to handle the job.
Roofers have the experience needed to install the roof correctly and suggest the right materials to help you save money on energy bills.
Climbing On To Your Roof Is Risky
Any time you climb on top of the roof, it is a risk that can lead to an accident. Many DIY projects don’t always go as planned. So, simply climbing up and then down that ladder with all your tools is a risk you should seriously consider not taking. If you cannot handle professional roof repair, avoid getting on the roof, even if it’s to inspect for damage. Also, you shouldn’t risk it if you don’t have the proper safety equipment.
If your roof is steep, like most in North America, you’re probably better off calling a professional roofing company. Falling off the ladder is surprisingly common, so it’s best to leave this one to the experts.
Improper Repairs Lead To Leaking
Most DIY roof repairs can lead to leaks. The leak can be caused by improper application of roofing material to moisture getting into the seal. Once the water starts seeping into the house, you’ll have more than one spot leaking. This can and often leads to a more expensive repair job later on.
Improper installation and repair do not just damage the roof and roofing materials but also impact the structural integrity of your home. Usually, leaks will originate in a small area and then spread out, becoming a cause for concern.
Professional Training Makes A Huge Difference
Sure, you might be using an effective method you found on the internet, but without specialized knowledge, that method is pointless. This will often mean that the resulting job is of a low quality than it should be and will require repairing again sometime later.
The fact is that with experience and proper licensing, it can be easier to diagnose a roofing problem and if needed perform mandated roof replacements. You are better off paying to get the job done professionally and correctly. That way, you have the peace of mind of knowing that this is a problem you don’t have to worry about any time soon.
Roof Repair Is Dangerous On Your Own
Getting up and down the ladder with tools is dangerous even if its to replace asphalt shingles. However, there are other dangers, depending on when the roof was built. Roofs built in the 80s and prior have high amounts of asbestos, and exposure to it can lead to illness, putting your lungs and health at risk. Even minimal asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer. You may also experience nausea, breathing issues, and dizziness. The most significant risk is of death caused by exposure.
Then there is also the fact that if you don’t perform roof maintenance correctly, there is the chance that the asbestos will fall off the roof of your home and pose a threat to everyone in the house. So, you can imagine that there isn’t just one but many safety risks that have to be considered.
Conclusion
Roof repair is best left up to professionals with years of experience, the right equipment, and tools. Attempting to do it yourself to save some money can end up costing you way more, which is why you should invest in getting the job done right by hiring professionals.
We Service The Entire Denver Metro Area And Beyond
Maxx Roof LLC serves the Denver metro area and the surrounding areas. Some of the cities we serve are Denver, Lakewood, Castle Rock, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Littleton, Englewood, Centennial, Parker, Thornton, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Morrison, Brighton, Commerce City, Watkins, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Edgewater & beyond.
If your home or commercial property is located anywhere throughout the greater Denver metro area, give us a call for a free inspection & estimate. When you choose to work with Maxx Roof LLC, your are choosing to work with a roofing contractor you can count on, every step of the way.