DIY home improvement projects are becoming increasingly common among homeowners. For some, it’s a way to take charge of their property and be a responsible homeowner. For many, it’s a way to save money on maintenance.
You might think a roof installation or improvement project, for example, will be a good summer activity, but it’s not as fun and easy as it sounds. Here’s why:
1. You’re Probably Not Saving Money
Unless you’re a certified roofing professional, doing a roof installation or repair work on your own is not recommended. A roofing system consists of several components that go together as one unit, from the nails and the shingles to the underlayment and gutters. One small mistake can lead to bigger damage and huge, unnecessary expenses.
Professional roofers in your area have the tools and expertise to do the roof work properly and efficiently.
2. You Could Hurt Yourself
The roofing industry is highly regulated for a reason: technical jobs require technical skills. Working with sheet metal, for example, you’ll need proper gear and extreme caution in handling the materials. There are also other dangers like heights, the sloping surfaces, the weather, power tools, nails and other sharp objects you’ll be working with. Even if you’ve watched a number of video tutorials, there’s no guarantee that results will come out exactly as you have seen.
3. You’ll Look for Shortcuts
However eager you were to start the project, chances are, after a few hours under the sun or days of manual labor, you’ll just want to get the project over with. You’ll likely be rushing the work and miss a serious problem.
Broken shingles may seem fixable by patching it up with new ones, but you could be missing the underlying problems such as leakages, water damage and even structural damage. Roofing contractors will always do their due diligence in making sure they don’t miss anything that needs to be fixed.
4. You Void the Warranty
Manufacturers offer guarantees for their materials provided you follow certain conditions. Often, this includes proper handling and installation of the roofing materials. By doing the installation or repair yourself, you’re gambling on the chance that you’ll do the construction work properly and without mistakes. Moreover, DIY projects will make you miss out on the roofing contractor’s warranties on proper installation and servicing.
5. You’ll Settle With “Okay-Looking”
Done right, a new (or a newly repaired) roof will boost property value. Say you’re looking into custom sheet metal fabrication for your roof and chimney, of course, you’ll want it to look great. If the results are anything less than perfect, you’ll likely notice it and the sight of it will irritate you. There’s a huge chance it won’t look as good as a professional’s work.
When it comes to roofing and other major home improvement projects, let the professionals handle it. Homeowners in Colby and Hays, KS, as well as nearby areas, can turn to Roofmasters Roofing and Metal Sheet Company for roofing works that won’t let you down. Give us a call today at (785) 727-7575.