ladder

DIY Roofing: The Hazards and Pitfalls

Helpful Tips 

We don’t recommend you fix your roof yourself for the reasons listed above, but if you do, be careful and follow these DIY roofing best practices:

Ladder Safety

  • Wear a tool belt. Don’t carry your tools in one hand while climbing a ladder.
  • Tie down the ladder or use a gutter guard to keep it secure.
  • For every four feet of ladder height, place the ladder one foot away from the surface it rests against.

Rooftop Safety

  • You might want to wear knee pads to protect your knees from old nails and rough surfaces.
  • Before you begin working, clean the roof surface to avoid debris that can make you trip.
  • Wear rubber-soled shoes with good traction so you don’t slip and fall.
  • You might want to wear a safety harness that is securely fastened to a tie-off.

Things to Avoid

  • Removing ice dams: Working on a ladder that rests against an icy gutter is a disaster waiting to happen. Call a pro.
  • Clay, wood shake, or slate tile repair: To be properly installed, these materials call for special tools and skills.
  • Wet roofs: Don’t go up on a wet roof, even if it’s just morning dew.

 wet-tiled-roof

Source: John Garghan

If your roof needs fixing, please be safe. There are many factors to consider when it comes to repairing your roof correctly. The professionals at Fivecoat Roofing have 30 years of experience and the resources needed to do the job right the first time. We use the highest quality materials that are made to last and will stand up to all weather conditions. Contact us for a free quote if you need a roof repair or replacement. 

Have you ever attempted DIY roofing? What was your experience?

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