Although a broken tile or shingle or small leak might seem like an easy fix for someone with basic carpentry skills, there are myriad things that can go wrong with a DIY roof repair job. There are simple factors like materials that can shape the way a fix might go, or there can be more impact-heavy events like weather, including both heavy winds and rain. And while it might start as just a small leak or a missing or broken shingle, even attempting to work on the roof can end negatively for both the worker and the roof.
As soon as you notice a problem with your roof, it might seem like a good idea to find a ladder and assess the situation yourself, but there are some very serious potential issues with attempting a DIY roof repair. Like your home’s foundation, the roof is also a crucial part of your home, as it keeps you dry and safe from the elements. It has a vital role in the structural integrity of your home and plays an active part in protecting the people who live under it.
When you notice that your roof needs some repairs or updates, your best option is to call a professional roofing company, such as Interstate Roofing, so they can make sure your roof is in tip-top shape and you avoid some of the negatives that can come along with a DIY roof repair. Read on for a few examples of great reasons to skip such projects.
1. Safety Concerns and the Risk of Injury
The first concern is regarding the height at which the repair would take place. Working at a great height is always dangerous and carries the risk of severe injury or even death. Professionals are required to wear and use practical safety equipment throughout the duration of their time off the ground. In addition to the risk of hurting yourself, if the roof isn’t repaired correctly, there is a chance part of what was “fixed” falls off and either hurts someone or causes damages to property below.
2. Invalidation of Warranty
Even if a DIY roof repair isn’t your preference, you may lean toward sorting issues yourself because it seems logical and practical to do so. But it might shock you to learn that if your roof is under warranty, and if you decide to attempt a repair yourself, it’s possible that the simple act of trying to fix something will invalidate and nullify the warranty. This would make it impossible to use the warranty on a future—potentially bigger—repair.
3. Exacerbate the Damages to the Roof Top
Not everyone is meant to be a carpenter or roofer. And that’s okay. When you’re tempted to do the job yourself, consider the fact that some attempts at fixing the roof might actually lead to a more disastrous issue, thereby requiring a bigger fix. It’s imperative to take into account the opinions and input from a professional, as there might be something unseen by you that they discover or simply can recognize from experience. If your fix attempt fails, it could very well cost you more to get a secondary fix by professionals.
4. Time
People who work in roofing for roofing companies spend a lot of time on a roof and have spent a lot of time developing and perfecting their craft. The amount of time that it takes a professional to complete a job versus someone intent on going the DIY route is very significant. It is much easier for someone with years or decades of experience to complete a fix atop a residential or commercial building. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it can take you a lot longer to do it, even learning as you go. Then, there are additional costs beyond the time of the physical effort.
5. Material Costs
There are material costs, too. While the actual cost for materials is about even, if you’re not trained to fix a problem with the roof, there is a chance that you will create further damage and that these issues will also need to be repaired, creating yet more expenses to cover. The cycle has the potential to continue, so it makes a lot of sense to get a professional to do the job correctly and timely on the first go. Their work is also usually covered by a work guarantee, so if there are any issues that spring up later, the work will be attended to quickly and without any extra unplanned expenses.
Beyond the sheer amount of experience that a professional roofer has compared to a novice, the fact of the matter is that roofers know how to “read” the roof. That is, while they’re up there, it will be possible for them to inspect the roof to see if anything else is not up to standard. It can be that this simple practice can pinpoint current minor issues in order to prevent future problems. Again, a benefit to this is to save time and money and to have a safe space above your head. A roof that does its job well and protects those inside.
In the Portland Area
For any of your future roofing needs, whether it’s a general inspection, installation, a quick repair, or even something a bit more complicated, it’s always best to call your local expert. In the Portland, Oregon, area, Interstate Roofing would like to be the place you turn to for any and all your roof-related issues. We serve the community with well-trained and certified roofers who will work with you to make sure you are taken care of at your home or place of business.
Reach out to us today and set up an appointment for an inspection to winter-proof your space. Let us make sure your roof is ready to carry its weight as we go into the rainy and snowy seasons ahead.