When the damage to your roof seems minor, it may seem like repairing the problem yourself will be easy and save you money. However, the complications that come with DIY roofing are not worth the possible damage to your home or yourself. Here are some of the most significant risks of attempting a DIY roofing project.
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Spending More Money
When repairing a roof on your own, you’ll need every nail and shingle. Plus, you could end up spending more money if even the most minor thing goes wrong. Repairs done improperly will quickly show once exposed to the elements, raising a considerable risk for further damage to your home and a fee to get it fixed. When debating, you should consider the time it will take to complete the project, the cost of the materials, and the lost wages that could occur.
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Serious Injuries
The top danger of DIY roofing is that performing any procedure on a roof includes many safety risks. Old roofs may have weak spots, and without an inspection done by a professional, you won’t be aware of dangerous areas. Falling through your roof can cause serious injuries. The most significant risk is falling off of the roof. When focused on the work in front of you, losing track of the roof’s edge can be easy. It’s even easier to lose balance on steep roof pitches. These risks become even higher if your home is two or more stories tall.
Even if you take every safety precaution, such as wearing adequate safety gear and using the correct tools, the risk of falls and other injuries is still highly significant. Unless you have contracting experience, leaving all roofing projects to professionals is best.
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Improper Repairs
Licensed roofing contractors have to undergo hours of training and certifications. No matter the size, roofing projects are much more complicated than they may seem. No matter how many DIY videos you watch, you can’t master a skill without practice. Improper installation is guaranteed to lead to leaks. It is common for inexperienced roofer to accidentally leave behind holes that won’t be noticed for months. By the time you notice that you might have messed up, your roof will be leaking, and you will need immediate repair.
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Voided Warranties and Insurance Issues
It is common for manufacturers to offer warranties on their products when they are correctly installed. Damaging your roof in an attempt to fix it yourself could cancel your warranty, leaving you with expensive damages caused by yourself.
Natural Disasters are covered under homeowners insurance. However, the same threat with warranties comes with policies. If you accidentally damage your home in an attempt to repair storm damage, you may not be covered. If you have insurance and try to fix your roof, your policy could be at risk of cancellation.
How We Can Help
Damage to your roof can be challenging to spot. Without a close inspection from a professional, you might miss the signs. Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements. If you suspect you might have roof damage due to a severe weather event or old age, don’t take the risk of trying to fix it yourself. Call a professional roofing company for an inspection so that your roof can be repaired properly and safely. For a FREE inspection, visit arnettconstructionandroofing.com or call us at 219-369-1004.
