The world of do-it-yourself home improvement is popular for a reason: it gives homeowners a sense of self-sufficiency and can save money on otherwise costly repairs. But when it comes to roof repair and maintenance, it’s usually better to go with a professional who really knows what they’re doing.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest drawbacks of DIY roofing. If you’re considering a repair or maintenance project on your own roof, be sure to give Adept Construction a call before you get started. When you consider the risks and potential costs of a failed DIY roofing endeavor, you’ll know why so many homeowners in Villa Park turn to us to get the job done instead.
Why DIY Roofing is a Bad Idea:
- Manufacturer warranties put at risk
- Personal safety hazards
- Lack of industry expertise
- Asbestos exposure and mesothelioma
- Choosing the wrong materials
Warranties Are Put At Risk
Homeowners may not know this, but the state of Illinois has specific requirements for roofing, as laid out in a handbook published by the Capital Development Board. According to their most recent edition — published in 2014 by an appointed board of professional architects, engineers, and construction experts — there are several unacceptable practices that diminish coverage or nullify a roof warranty if breached. Be aware that purchasing and installing certain products on your roof may put your warranty and damage coverage at serious risk. This includes seemingly arbitrary but nevertheless prohibited actions like purchasing shingles with funds secured through a bond.
Safety Hazards
Before you can even think about doing any DIY roof work, you’ll first need to get onto the roof with a ladder. Obviously, this is a hazard in and of itself, as many people injure themselves every day when using ladders.
More importantly, roof work should always be accompanied by a roof safety kit. Professional roofers usually have these, and they include essential precautionary items like fall protection anchorages and safety harnesses. If you don’t own these or don’t know how to use these tools properly, you risk seriously injuring or even killing yourself. Yikes!
Lack of Industry Expertise
Just as you wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself because you haven’t been to medical school, don’t expect to learn all of the skills that go into professional roofing in a matter of hours or days. Presuming your roof has a leak, you might be able to locate the source of the problem, but that doesn’t mean you know how to properly fix it. Likewise, you might know how to go to a store and buy a few replacement shingles, but their installation can be tricky and usually requires a great deal of practice to execute well. While it’s certainly admirable to strive to learn new things, it’s usually a good rule of thumb to let the pros take care of industry-specific tasks, whether it’s dentistry, car repair, or roofing.
Asbestos Exposure
If your home was built during or before the year 1990—as many Illinois homes are!—there is a strong likelihood that the roof contains a dangerous material called asbestos. This material is comprised of silicate minerals that, when inhaled or located in close proximity to humans, can cause a fatal form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. The older your home is, the more this risk of asbestos exposure goes up, with one disconcerting study showing that nearly 80% of homes constructed prior to 1980 are riddled with asbestos. Keep yourself and your family safe by ensuring that only trained professionals work on your roof.
Choosing the Wrong Roof Materials
When making repairs or completing installations on the roof, it’s crucial to conduct the process with the right materials. Failure to do so not only means you’re more likely to need further repairs in the future, but it means you’ll end up spending more money you could have otherwise saved for more important home improvement tasks. Professional roofers have connections with a greater and higher-quality variety of manufacturers, and these experts know how to pick the ideal materials for whatever your roofing needs may be.
In this article, we’ve taken a brief look at why DIY roofing is a bad idea. If you’re ready to repair or replace your roof, simply give Adept Construction a call today. We serve Illinois communities including Villa Park and others, and we have decades of quality industry experience and positive customer reviews. Get in touch today to ensure the longevity and maximum performance of your roof for years to come!
