When it comes to home renovation projects, there are some projects that are fairly easy for homeowners to attempt and take pride in completing. But then there are those projects that compel homeowners to try some of what they think are the most “basic” home repairs when they really shouldn’t. 

Sure, YouTube videos and tutorials make it look so easy, but when it comes time to actually put the work in to complete the project, that’s when the DIY project falls into unchartered territory, putting you at risk for causing more damage to your home than you originally started with.

One particular home DIY project that homeowners try to take on when they shouldn’t is roof repairs. They figure, if they have a ladder, a hammer, and roofing materials, they can climb on their roof and fix it themselves, saving time and money! In theory, all of that sounds efficient… if you know what you’re doing. When you don’t know what you’re doing, that theory just sounds like a death sentence if you try it.

That may sound or come off as a little harsh but the reality is that over 34,000 people die from unintentional falls. And the sad part about that number is that, according to the National Safety Council, falls are 100% preventable. And DIY roof repairs are a big contributing factor in those unintentional deaths from falls. So, it’s really a matter of asking yourself if putting your life at risk for a project you’re not familiar with is really worth saving a few hundred bucks?

There are lots of reasons for you to not take on roof repairs on your own, but here are some of the biggest reasons.

Roof repairs aren’t as simple as painting your backyard fence… they require tons of experience and proper training. As a homeowner, you might pull up in your driveway and notice that there are a few shingles missing… In your mind, all you need to do is grab your ladder, climb to the roof, and simply replace those missing shingles… If only it were that simple…

When you notice missing shingles or any other type of damage to your roof, never assume that the damage you see is the only damage there is. More than likely, when you see your roof needs to be repaired, there’s likely to be some type of underlying cause of damage in addition to the actual roof damage. 

On top of that, if you ever plan to sell your home in the future, your roof plays a significant role in maintaining the value of your home, so you definitely want your roof work done by a professional... A professional would not only be able to spot your roof’s problem areas but also be able to spot other areas of damage that you can’t see.

As mentioned earlier, attempting to repair your own roof puts you at a higher risk for severe injuries and even death. Anything from slipping on a loose shingle or missing a step on the ladder to wearing clothing that can get caught in equipment, a fall from attempting a roof repair can have dire consequences.

There’s no one-size-fits-all roofing material for all roofs. When most homeowners try to attempt a roof repair alone, they typically are trying to be cost-efficient and end up buying cheap materials or materials that won’t last as long, which will, in turn, cost more money in the long run.

In addition to purchasing the wrong type of roofing materials, you’re more than likely going to run into buying the wrong type of roofing sealant or putting the sealant on the wrong area of your roof. 

A prime example would be that most homeowners fail to realize is that sealants don’t work well in high temperatures. Not knowing this, homeowners will try to use a basic sealant around chimney stacks when they really need to use mortar to caulk and seal their chimney.

The bottom line is to find a roofing contractor to handle your roofing needs, unless you have extensive experience in roof repairs.

Everything from injuries and using the wrong type of roofing materials to causing more roof damage, you’re going to not only be buying quality service with a roofing contractor, but also peace of mind in knowing that your roof repairs are done properly.