You may consider yourself the family handyman. You might have plenty of tools in your garage and have completed a number of DIY home improvement projects with some degree of success. Now you need work done on your roof, and you think you can take the DIY route or just hire the first roofer who knocks on your door. Bad idea!
Trying to work on your roof or hiring an inexperienced roofer carries a lot of risks and drawbacks. Not convinced? Let us elaborate on why you should leave roofing work to professional contractors.
Safety
Safety harnesses, thick leather gloves, heavy treaded boots, ropes and rope guards, hardhats, and edge guards – there’s a reason why roofing crews come ready with these safety gear and equipment. Roofing is the fourth most dangerous job in the U.S. It involves climbing, bending, and heavy lifting, often in uncomfortable positions and weather conditions.
One equipment mishap could lead to injuries, or worse, from falls or mishandling equipment. There are other hazards such as electrocution with exposed power lines or injuries from rotten roof decks. You also risk harming someone below if you drop debris or tools from the roof.
Safety is probably the most important reason to leave roofing work to the experts. Professional roofers have the training, experience, and protective equipment required to work safely on all types of roofs. They also know the weak points and pitfalls to look out for, making them capable of handling the job in a careful and safe manner. This is not a skill you can master by using tutorials or Pinterest boards.
Reputable roofing contractors are licensed and insured, which means you’ll not be held liable if something happens unexpectedly.
Warranties
Most roofing manufacturers and contractors provide warranties which cover material defects and labor. This means the product is guaranteed for a certain time period and if the roof does not perform or last as expected, it can be fixed or replaced at no extra cost to the homeowner. A professional contractor will provide a workmanship warranty against errors with the installation and repair work.
Manufacturer and workmanship warranties do come with strict conditions. Roof replacement or repair should be done in a particular fashion and by a qualified roofing professional. If you do cause damage during your rooftop DIY adventure, the manufacturer’s warranty could be voided as a result.
Having to undo a botched DIY roofing job can be pricey. If you don’t get things right the first time or you end up doing more harm than good, you will have no choice but to pay to have your roof fixed by a professional – maybe twice as much now. It’s best to hire a local contractor who has the knowledge and experience needed to perform a reliable job and provide you the best available warranties.
Reliability
Ever heard of storm chasers? These are “roofers” who create makeshift roofing companies and often come door to door seeking out desperate homeowners. While not every roofer who shows up on your doorstep has a hidden agenda, some do.
Storm chasing roofing companies literally follow storms and offer to fix damaged roofs at a deceptively low cost. When you think you’re getting a great deal, they’ll use inexperienced laborers and cheap materials, and do the bare minimum on your roof. When the poor-quality materials and workmanship begins to show, the roofers will have vanished without a trace but with your money in their pocket.
Reputable local roofing contractors carry years of experience in the industry and won’t run off like storm chasers. They have met state requirements to be licensed contractors and have likely worked on a roof in your neighborhood. If something goes wrong with your roof or a follow-up visit is required, you can easily call or visit them. If you have an emergency roofing need, you can rely on your local roofer to provide immediate and effective repair.
Peace of Mind
Your roof plays an important role in keeping out external elements and protecting your home, occupants, and possessions. With this in mind, there’s really no room for compromise. Poor workmanship can make the problem worse, creating health and safety issues.
One of the main benefits of hiring a pro for all your roofing needs is you’ll get professional results. Roofing work requires extensive training and experience to identify potential roofing problems and fix them promptly.
By touching base with some professionals, you can prevent small roofing problems from turning into bigger ones. You can have peace of mind knowing any repairs will hold and your roof will get you through the seasons. Also, with a reputable contractor, you’ll be able to get regular roof inspections and maintenance to ensure your roof is in the best condition at all times.
Echols Home Improvement is your local roof contractor, trusted by Atlanta homeowners since 1960. We have the training, skills, and experience to provide you just what you need. We do not cut corners with the quality of our materials or craftsmanship. Contact us today to request a free quote. We care about your home and are committed to providing quality roofing services.