Leave it to the pros... Stay off your roof!

by Steve Ticknor, Executive VP at Sherriff-Goslin Roofing

Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are a great way to save money, provide personal satisfaction, reduce stress and boost your self-esteem. With that said, not every project around your home qualifies as a DIY project. Some jobs are better left to the professionals — no matter how easy they look on a YouTube tutorial.

This mandate is especially important when it comes to roofing. But if you are still not convinced, here are a few reasons why it is important for you to keep your feet on the ground and hire a roofing professional.

Danger, Danger, Danger

Roofing is consistently listed as one of the Top 10 Dangerous Jobs. CNN Money stated that the "fatality rate per 100,000 workers equaled 40.5." This means 2,469 roofers die annually due to complications with the heat, electrocution, falls, chemical exposures and a host of other potential dangers — and these are the professionals!

When it comes to the general public, the statistics only get more alarming. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine's published study revealed that, "2.1 million people sought emergency treatment in the United States for ladder-related injuries."

Point being, while it may appear simple to lean a ladder up against a roof and climb up, there are many other complications to consider.

More Than A Missing Shingle

How well do you know your roof? Sure, you can identify a missing shingle, but do you truly understand how a roof's starter strips, underlayment, hip and ridge, and shingles impact your entire roof as a whole? Remember, a roof is more than just the shingles you see sitting on top of your home. Each individual component on your roof has its own responsibility, but these basic elements need to complement one another, and work together as a complete system for peak performance.

A professional roofer can spot deficiencies, and possesses the knowledge to correct them. While you see a missing shingle, a trained eye is evaluating the underlayment, the ventilation and so much more.

A Little Bit Of Savings Doesn't Pay In The Long Run

For some DIY projects, it is all about saving money. But when it comes to roofs, if you mess up, it could cost you in the long run. We are not talking about the time you scrambled to find new seats during your family barbecue because the bench you made from crates didn't work out. The consequences of an improperly installed roof are wind-blown shingles in your yard and rain dripping into your living room.

Keep in mind, most homeowners only have to buy a new roof once, maybe twice, in their lifetime, which makes the purchase well worth the investment. Otherwise you may be on the hook for additional costs to repair damage caused by your inexperience — or worse, a blow to the ego when you have to admit defeat and call a roofing professional to fix your mistakes. Don't pay twice for a problem that could have been fixed correctly the first time.

Don't Ignore Your Roof

While it is important to lean on the experience of a roofing professional, there are things you can do as the homeowner to monitor the roof's condition. From the ground, you can often spot broken or missing shingles, or broken seals around roof vents and chimneys. Meanwhile, from inside the home you can spot leaks, stains or mold in ceilings and attics.

And if you think there is work to be done, by all means, reach out to a roofing professional. If you don't already have a roofer you can trust, contact us and we will happily refer you to a local roofing contractor in your area.