Do It Yourself Roofing: Why Not?
It turns out there are multiple reasons why taking on a DIY roofing project is not a good idea. However, they all boil down to the most critical factor: safety. Attempting a DIY roofing project is incredibly risky, especially if the homeowner has little roofing experience. When a roof problem arises, it’s best to hire professional roofers to complete the job. Here are a few risks associated with DIY roofing projects.
The Risks of DIY Roofing
The popularity of home improvement television shows and “How-To” YouTube videos inspire homeowners to take their home improvement projects into their own hands. The problem with that is some projects, such as roofing projects, are dangerous and should only be attempted by professional roofing contractors.
The Financial Risk of DIY Roofing
If anything goes wrong with a DIY roofing project, chances are the homeowner will end up spending more money. Often, this is more money than they would have paid if they hired professional roofers. Carefully consider the time it will take to complete the project, the cost of the materials, and the lost wages that may occur. Some homeowners find that they are unable to complete a roofing project due to abrupt weather changes or other factors. It’s much more expensive to have an emergency roofer come out. Consider spending free time on more straightforward DIY projects and hire a professional to do the needed work.
The Functionality Risk of DIY Roofing
Roofing projects are much more complicated than they appear. It’s not as simple as nailing new asphalt shingles to the roof. Improper installation will result in a leaky roof eventually. If underlayment and flashing aren’t carefully installed, the roof will have gaps, holes, and other imperfections that will lead to leaks. If the roof is flat or low-slope, it can be challenging to locate and repair these leaks. Inexperienced roofers often accidentally leave holes during installation that they don’t notice for months until their roof is leaking and in need of immediate repair. Avoid these headaches and call a professional roofer to repair or replace the roof.
The Personal Injury Risk of DIY Roofing
The most significant hazard related to DIY roofing projects is the risk of bodily harm. Never attempt a roofing project alone.
Improper Tools
If an inexperienced DIY-er attempts a roofing project without the proper tools, the chances are that the roof will be improperly installed. Improper use of tools also leads to personal injury risks. Many of the tools needed for proper roof installation can harm a novice user. Make sure always to use the correct tools for any DIY job, but it’s probably best to leave the roof jobs to experienced professionals.
Falling Through the Roof
An old roof may have weak spots. Without a proper inspection performed by a professional, homeowners may not be aware of dangerous areas on the roof. Falling through the ceiling can cause significant injuries, and it will result in spending even more money on proper repairs.
Falling off of the Roof
While falling through the roof is undoubtedly a possibility, especially for old or poorly-maintained roofs, falling off of the roof is the most significant risk to DIY-roofing projects. It’s easy to lose track of the roof’s edge, and it’s even easier to lose proper footing on steep roof pitches. These risks are even higher if the home is two or more stories tall. If a homeowner attempts a DIY-roofing project alone, it may be a long time before someone finds them after a fall.
Even if every safety precaution is taken by a DIY-roofer, including wearing the proper safety gear and using the proper tools, the risk of falls and other bodily hazards is still significant. Unless the homeowner is an experienced roofing contractor, it’s best to leave roofing projects to professionals. Spend that time on other projects, or just simply relaxing in the living room while the roofers fix or replace the roof!
How Can We Help?
Here at Dr. Roof, Inc., we’ve spent the last twenty years providing Portland, Oregon residents with high-quality roofing contractor services. We are dedicated to providing top-tier customer service along with safely and adequately installed roofs. Our customers rest easy at night, knowing that the roof over their head is safe and reliable for decades to come. We offer the following services to our residential customers.
Roof Installation
We go above and beyond the minimum requirements for roof installations in Portland. Our new roofs are rated to handle winds up to 130 miles per hour. We also offer lifetime labor and material warranties to ensure our customers’ satisfaction and safety for years to come. Our contractors keep up-to-date on manufacturer guidelines, new roofing technology, and local roofing codes. Our customers can rest assured that their new roof will comply with all local regulations, including those imposed by Home Owners Associations. We have access to numerous different types of high-quality roofing materials, including eco-friendly ones. We also take care of every step of the process, including obtaining the necessary permits.
Why Choose Us?
Not only do we offer lifetime warranties, but Dr. Roof Inc.’s warranties are also transferable. This means that if the home gets sold or the title is transferred to another person, the roof’s warranty is still valid. Additionally, we have referral programs in place that reward customers with cash for referring new clients. We have thousands of references from satisfied customers in the Portland, Oregon area. Not only that, but we have designed our systems to meet our customers’ specific needs. We thoroughly explain our projects to our customers and never hide any fees or costs in our estimates.
Financing Available
We offer financing options for our customers so that everyone can get a high-quality roof when they need it. Don’t suffer through the rainy season with a leaky roof. We aim to work with our customers to find a suitable solution.
We offer free estimates, so call today to get started on that new roofing project without the risks!