DIY Roofing – Is It Worth It?
DIY home improvement projects and repairs make sense but they are not always the right choice. Roofing is one of those projects best left to experienced and trusted professionals. It is an investment and not where you should be pinching pennies. Let’s consider some things. For example, the number of things that could go wrong should you take on roofing yourself.
KNOWLEDGE
As a homeowner, learning to fix problems around the house is great. You save money and gain experience. However, for a major job like roof installation or replacement, watching video tutorials and reading “how-to” books will not exactly prepare you, educate you, nor keep you safe. Professional roofing contractors undergo certified safety training. They have access to lifesaving safety equipment. Contractors are educated about all aspects of roofing. They also usually have years of experience!
Homes in different conditions need different roofing materials, finishes, and coatings. Certain tools and techniques are needed for proper installation. They may not be available to you nor are safe to use. Even after self-education, you may find yourself left with many questions. Understanding what materials are best for your home, knowing what questions to ask at the home improvement store, and how to begin the first steps, can be a daunting start to your already difficult project.
SAFETY
Besides lack of knowledge, the biggest concern is your safety. Roofing jobs are extremely difficult and dangerous. Even for experienced professionals, roof work has an injury risk that is 5.9 percent greater than other jobs, with a fatality rate of 29.4 per 100,000. Research shows that one-third of all construction fatalities are the result of falls from roofs (Andrew Lisa, DIY Roof Repairs Almost Always End in Disaster. Here’s Why to Avoid Them, EIEI Home).
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 43 percent of all fatal falls involve a ladders. According to the National Safety Council, over 6,000 Americans are killed each year due to falls from roofs or ladders (Writer, Why DIY Roofing is Not Recommended, Winter Springs Roofing & Repair). Other hazards include heights, deep sloping surfaces, poor weather conditions, and power tools (Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your New Roof, Nu Look Home Design Inc.) You also don’t have to fall from high to get into serious trouble.
EXAMPLE
Keep in mind that injuries can worsen and medical bills can pile up. In a 2016 article, a roofing professional recalls a story about a man who suffered a fall from his roof while working on it himself. He broke both bones in one of his legs. An infection caused doctors to make the decision to amputate his leg (Jerry Becker, Jerry Talks DIY Disaster Stories, Roof Life of Oregon). Another man decided to repair his roof on his own after receiving a quote from professionals he could not afford. This is completely understandable. However, what started as a few shingles that needed replacement turned into a mildew problem that caused a rancid smell throughout his home due to improper roof installation. Fixing this problem ended up being far more expensive that it originally was.
LONG TERM ISSUES
Which leads me to my next point – getting your roofing wrong the first time can lead to various, greater, and more expensive problems for your home. Do not choose a short term fix with serious long-term financial consequences. Just because you cannot always see your roof, does not mean the problems are not there. Structural failures on the roof can lead to water and weather damage in the ceilings and throughout your home. There is also a direct correlation between the integrity of your roof and the energy efficiency of your home (Andrew Lisa, DIY Roof Repairs Almost Always End in Disaster. Here’s Why to Avoid Them, EIEI Home).
Professionals’ experience come into play the most when identifying a problem, its source, and solution. Homeowners may see a problem and fix it on the surface but there could be a serious underlying problem that will only worsen if not addressed right away. For example, once water finds its way into your home, it will continue to create damage which could lead to mold, rot, and even structure failure. A poor roof job can also be tough to look at and decrease the value of your home. The roof is not the first place people look, but a bad roof job will almost never go unnoticed.
COST
Now let’s understand the major reason a homeowner would choose a DIY option – cost. Saving is always the more attractive option. But are you really saving with all of the potential risks both financially and physically? Materials are warrantied by manufacturers. But many warranties are voided if work is not done by a professional contractor. You will have to pay out of pocket to replace them. Some home insurance companies will not cover damages to your home if work was not completed by a certified contractor.
Professional roofing companies have the appropriate insurance to protect their employees such as workers’ compensation and liability insurance (Writer, Why DIY Roofing is Not Recommended, Winter Springs Roofing & Repair). Will you be covered by your healthcare plan if you suffer an injury and have to take time off work? Are you financially prepared?
IS IT WORTH IT?
So is it worth it? The answer is probably not. Professional roofing contractors are able to provide certifications, warranties, inspections, quality work, and more value for your buck. By hiring a professional, you are saving yourself stress and the risk of injuries. You are saving money on potential medical bills and time off work. You are saving possibly severe future damage to your home and an ugly roofing job. The cost savings on materials and labor are not worth the financial risks that can arise in the future. Invest in your home by hiring a qualified and experienced professional.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Spring is arriving and while the weather is getting nicer, flowers bloom, and the sun shines brighter and longer, every homeowner has Spring cleaning in mind. Want your house to shine? Creating a plan for what you need to be repaired, cleaned or updated will help do just that without driving stress and costs up. Be proactive when it comes to home maintenance and you’ll thank us later, here are some of the most common things to check for to get your house feeling and looking like new.
The Checklist
Siding
Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting.
Gutters and downspouts
Pull leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
Exterior caulking
Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all the eroding caulk and re-caulk needed area.
Window sills, door sills, and thresholds
Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary.
Window and door screens
Clean screening and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames if they are allowed flap and move so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
Foundation
Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a foundation professional. If you can slide a nickel into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation call a professional immediately.
Roof
Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits. Perform a thorough cleaning. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
Deck and porches
Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn’t look like it should or water has turned some of the wood a dark grey, hire a deck professional to treat your deck and fence.
Winter: Best Time to Remodel?
Why Winter Might be the Best Time to Remodel Your Home
Contractor Availability & Prices
Business is slower during the winter months and contractors may often be looking to make a little extra money during the holiday season by taking on your project. With less projects, contractors will be able to better focus their attention and time on you. Scheduling will be easier and smoother when there is less work as well. Since the spring and summer are the busy months, you will also be taking advantage of lower labor prices during the winter.
Product Inventory & Prices
During the slow season, you will often find some of the best deals on home goods. Retailers and manufacturers want to decrease their inventory before new lines are introduced right before the warmer seasons. So if you’ve been eyeing a great but pricey product earlier this year, now could be the time to check it out. By shopping now, you also don’t have to worry about items being out of stock or very difficult to find.
Convenience & Control
Concerned about air quality and ventilation of your home while work is being done indoors? There are currently many technologies and methods to control and reduce these problems. From plastic zip doors to sealing off heat ducts with filters to fans with negative pressure, several things can be used to ensure the most debris and fumes are contained to the work area. The work area will also be least interruptive to busy daily life during the winter when many are home for the holidays or on vacation.
So what kind of projects might you be interested in?
Remodeling is a great way to breathe new life into your home. Could it be time to freshen up those bathroom tiles and kitchen counter tops? Running out of cabinet storage or having trouble utilizing room space? Small details like unique light fixtures, sleek hardwood flooring and a fresh paint job can go a long way in bringing your home together.
M&M Siding & Roofing Inc. specializes in kitchen and bath remodeling. Your home renovation project will be in the trusted hands of seasoned professionals. Whether you are looking for more space, a better layout, or just an updated look, we can help take your home to the next level.
Keep Your Roof Safe This Winter
Winter is the most wonderful time of the year! Unfortunately, not for the roofs over our heads. Due to Buffalo’s brutal winters, the annual snowfall and ice accumulation is common for roof damage. If you notice leaks or water marks on the walls or ceiling of your home, damage is already done .
ROOF TYPES
Shingle roofs are the most likely to suffer as a result of a winter time installation. In order to prevent costly damages, some of us tried using a regular snow shovel to remove excessive snow from the top of our homes. As simple as it sounds, this technique isn’t the best way to remove snow and can cause its own damage to shingles. Rock salt or calcium chloride used to melt the ice and snow, also damage shingles. In fact, many roof manufacturers warn against this, and it may void your warranty.
GUTTERS
Gutters play a huge role in keeping your roof dry and clear during the wet winter months. Ones that are filled with blocks of ice, and flat roofs whose drains freeze will trap water on the roof system–without a doubt, this can cause roof or gutter damage. Clean gutters regularly. Cleaning will prevent clogging of ice. In most cases to prevent ice damage, the gutter system may even be removed from the roof. Talk about getting out of an icy situation.
SKYLIGHTS
Natural light enters through skylights. They also allow air ventilation. In winter, when snow piles up, it may cause leaks because of their “weep holes.” It is best to Have the snow and ice removed from around the skylight.
People pay an average of around $6,000 to install a new asphalt roof every year. M&M Siding & Roofing Inc. by Bruce Mosher’s mission is to provide innovative, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and ecologically friendly roofing solutions at affordable prices. Be protected this winter.M&M Siding & Roofing Inc. by Bruce Mosher delivers all these things and more. Please call us today to receive a free estimate on your roofing project!