Being a homeowner can be expensive. It can seem like something is always in need of repair. Some repairs you may be able to do on your own. However, things like roof repairs should be left to the professionals. Roofing is a dangerous job. It is not as harmless as painting or mowing the lawn. While it can be tempting to attempt a DIY roof repair, here are some things to consider.
Physical Hazards
Roofing contractors have a difficult job. From climbing to high surfaces, working at an angle, and exposure to extreme weather conditions, roofing takes a great deal of skills and expertise. Saving a little money is never worth your safety. Here are some physical hazards that come with DIY roof repairs.
Risk of Serious Injury
When you decide to complete a DIY roofing project, you put yourself at risk of severe injuries. Professional roofers are trained to work on slopes and carry their equipment with them. They also have the proper training, safety equipment, and attire for the job.
You may think it is ok to DIY a roof repair because you live in a single-story home, so “it’s not that high.” This is inaccurate. A single slip can lead to severe injuries such as broken bones, fractures, and puncture wounds. Even if your home is on a low slope or is a single story, it is equally dangerous to attempt DIY roof repairs.
Additionally, you may be walking into a dangerous situation without an inspection from a professional roofing contractor. A professional roof inspection can help you detect weak spots that you may have otherwise missed. A single wrong move can lead to a hole in the roof that you are falling through. As a homeowner, it is not unlikely that you have the proper safety equipment to complete a roof repair safely. That is why this is a job that should be left to the professionals.
Extreme Weather Risks
Another physical risk of DIY roof repairs that is not talked about enough is the risk of working on your roof through extreme weather conditions. Although you may not be eager to climb to the top of the house while it thunderstorms or during the hottest day of the year, some situations require immediate attention.
When working on emergency repairs such as storm damage repairs, professional roofers have the correct equipment to repair your roof efficiently. It does not matter if you plan on “doing it quickly,” you still put yourself in danger by trying to repair your roof in extreme weather.
On the other hand, doing a DIY roof repair during the hot weather can put you at risk for a plethora of heat and sun-related injuries. Prolonged exposure to the heat and sun can cause the following symptoms if the correct precautions aren’t taken.
- Sunburn
- Dehydration
- Heat stroke
- Fainting
- High body temperature
All of these are serious injuries that can be damaging to your physical safety. Contact your local roofing contractors if you need emergency repairs. Do not attempt emergency repairs on your own.
Financial Hazards
Not only can DIY roof repairs cause physical harm, but they may also cause financial harm. It is easy to assume that your DIY roof repair will save you money. In reality, it may end up being more expensive than hiring someone to do it correctly in the first place. Here are some of the ways DIY roof repairs can jeopardize your finances.
Potential Insurance Issues
A benefit of working with professional roofing contractors is that companies are usually insured against potential damages. It only makes sense because you cannot always prevent bad things from happening on the job.
If something goes wrong during your DIY roof repair, it is possible that your insurance provider will deny your claim. If your provider finds out that your repair was done on your own, they might find that as a reason not to cover your repairs. In this case, the cost of the repair will have to come from your pockets.
DIY Roof Repairs Can Result in Incorrect Installation
Most homeowners do something wrong when they perform their own repairs. No matter how many Youtube videos you may have watched, a lack of experience will show in the end product. Incorrect installation can result in further damage and a hefty bill from the company that you hire to fix your repair.
When you do a DIY roof repair, you also risk misdiagnosing the problem. To an untrained eye, it may seem like there is one problem when in reality, it is another. This will cause you to fix the problem that you see when the actual problem is left unaddressed. In this case, your issue will not go away. In fact, you will end up spending more money attempting to find the problem.
DIY Roof Repairs Can Void Warranties
If you decide to complete a DIY roof repair, you could void the warranty on your roofing materials. If the installation of roofing materials is not done by a certified roofing contractor, there is a high chance that it won’t be done correctly. If you need your warranty in the future, they will likely require proof of professional installation, which you won’t have.
Get Professional Roofing Services in St. Louis, MO, by DeG Contracting
There are too many risks associated with DIY roof repairs. Save yourself time and money by getting the job done right the first time. Call DeG Contracting for all your roofing needs in St. Louis, MO. With many years of experience in providing top-notch roofing services, DeG Contracting is the company to depend on. Your comfort is important to us. We understand why you may want to complete your repairs on your own. However, we are trained to take risks, so you won’t have to. Let us do the hard work while protecting your financial interests. Contact our team now for a free estimate and to get started on repairing your roof the right way.
