When it comes to home improvement, some people prefer the DIY approach. And why not? It’s a great way to save some money and – for some people– it’s a fun hobby to boot. Who doesn’t love sanding furniture, re-grouting and putting up shelves?
However, some DIY enthusiasts go one step further and attempt more complex, specialized jobs. Some even try their hand at roofing, but is it such a good idea? Read on, as we discuss the many considerations around DIY roofing, and compare DIY approaches to a professional job.
It’s no secret: the number one reason people attempt DIY work of any type is to save money. And most of the time, that’s true. Being able to do handiwork around your property can save quite a few costs. Of course, if you were a trained roofer, you would save plenty of money doing your own roofing jobs.
Money
However, most people aren’t adequately trained to complete roofing jobs. YouTube videos won’t provide the knowledge and experience needed to do the job right. As a result, their DIY work doesn’t cut the mustard, meaning they will probably have to fork out for repairs (or possibly complete overhauls) in the future to compensate for mistakes and miscalculations.
Roof DIYers are also left out of pocket for materials, which professionals can buy in bulk for less. In the long run, DIY could cost you far more than just getting a job done professionally.
Speed
Some people consider DIY work because they need a job done urgently and they figure that if they can do it themselves, they can get it done on their own schedule. They think that professionals will have long waiting lists, and won’t be able to guarantee when work will be completed, leading to frustrating wait times. While it may take a little more time to get the project started, in the end, time is not on your side with DIY roofing.
Putting up some flat-pack furniture after work is one thing, but balancing your day-to-day life (job, family, commitments) with a DIY roofing job, that is on the go, is a whole other beast. You’ll soon find it taking far longer than expected, especially because you’re tackling it alone. Before you know it, you’ll be struggling with the stress of a half-done roofing job riddled with delays. Did someone order heartburn and high blood pressure?
Safety
In addition to cost and time, DIY roofing is a massive no-no for safety. Working at heights required for roofing requires a lot of training to prevent you from seriously hurting yourself and others. It’s not just a question of the risk of falling, there’s also the risk of falling materials such as tiles or tools that could do some massive damage to passers-by
Not to mention, it’s very easy to slip up when it comes to tools and materials. Bad weather, slippery surfaces, etc…roofing contractors know exactly what’s needed for every roof in any environment. Make the wrong choice and you’ll soon see that your roof can’t weather the storm–and neither can your health.
Quality
And then there’s the quality of the job. You might think you’ve done a decent job patching up your roof, but if you didn’t, the reality will soon become apparent. Roofing is a highly-skilled trade, requiring extensive training to deliver high standards. Without these skills and the right materials, as mentioned, you’ll probably find yourself paying for it in the long run– with costly repairs or an entire roof overhaul.
Conclusion? Don’t take the risk
DIY roofing work just isn’t worth the time, money or associated risks. Leave it to the professionals, and you’ll be happy you did.
No Payne Roofing is a team of highly-skilled roofing professionals, with complete training and full accreditation. We’ve been serving homeowners in Calgary with roof repair and roof replacement since 2012, and we’re ready to help you! Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs and how we can put our professional skills to work for you.
