by Joe Provey |
Many Web sites, including several manufacturers of roofing products, promote the idea of reroofing your home yourself. A quick search will bring up dozens of do-it-yourself articles and videos on the subject. We at Smart Care Exteriors would advise homeowners to think twice about taking on a roofing project. In our opinion, reroofing your own home is a big job, equivalent to replacing the engine in a car or installing a new heating and cooling system. Sure, you can do it, but it's doubtful that your savings will make it worthwhile. In addition, one mistake can lead to significant damage the next time a storm rolls in.
One homeowner we spoke to told us that reroofing his home himself cost him two weeks of his summer vacation and that, ultimately, his savings were negligible. Even though he had good tool skills and understood how a roof and various types of flashing are installed, it took longer than expected because he lacked significant roofing experience. As the job dragged on, rental costs for equipment, including for a heavy-duty compressor, nailing guns, and roof jacks, added up. More time on the job meant more pay for helpers, as well. He also underestimated the cost for disposal of old shingles and truck rental fees. In addition, as a homeowner, he could not get the same pricing that a roofing contractor does for materials.
Safety, strength, and endurance
Working on a roof is not like painting a room or installing a new floor. First, there is the issue of safety. While you probably could manage to skin a knuckle while changing a faucet, the risk of injury while roofing is in a whole different league. The U.S. Department of Labor states that work-related injuries for roofers are among the highest of all occupations.
Then there are the physical demands. Don't contemplate reroofing your home if you're uncomfortable walking on sloped surfaces that are many feet off the ground, wielding knifes, nailing guns, and wrecking bars, while exposed to the elements. A roofer needs to be agile and extremely safety conscious. This takes training and experience. The sloped roof deck is hazardous environment, typically cluttered with shingle bundles, tools, and compressor hoses. In summer, roofs are extremely hot - well over 100 degrees F. Slips and falls from ladders or roofs, and heat-related illnesses are common, even among roofers who have years of experience. If you decide to hire a professional a suggest checking out this list of things to consider when hiring a roofer (http://www.roofersct.com/roof-services/before-hiring-a-roofer.html).
Before taking on a roofing project, ask yourself if you will be able pry up old shingles for hours at a time or to heft bundles of shingles as you climb ladders and steep roof decks. Will you be able to slice shingles to size while perched on the roof eave, high off the ground? Being a standout at the gym is one thing, but the strength and endurance required to be a roofer is quite another.
Unless your roof has a low pitch, is close to the ground, you have excellent building skills, and you're in great shape, hire a licensed, certified and insured roofer. Save the time you can devote to DIY activities for less demanding and safer activities.
Joe Provey is a do it yourself expert and contributor to many home improvement related blogs such as BobVilla.com
Article source: https://www.roofer911.com
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