Maintenance · 4 min read
Why DIY Roof Work Isn't Worth It
Published
We're not going to pretend a homeowner can't replace a pipe boot. But the math on most DIY roof work is worse than it looks.
The fall risk
Falls from height are among the most common causes of serious home-injury hospitalization. A wet or frosty roof, a shifting ladder, or a soft spot in the decking is all it takes, and Ohio roofs are wet or frosty a lot of the year.
The diagnosis problem
Most homeowners patch where the stain is. Water travels along rafters, sometimes many feet from the entry point. Sealing the wrong spot means the leak continues and the sealant now hides the evidence.
The warranty problem
Unauthorized repairs can void both manufacturer and workmanship warranties. A $40 tube of sealant can cost you a $12,000 warranty claim.
What is reasonable DIY
Cleaning gutters with proper ladder safety, clearing debris from valleys with a soft brush from a ladder, and photographing damage with a zoom lens from the ground.
If any of this applies to your own home, our roof repair crews handle it every week, and you can see how we work in your area on our Troy, Ohio roofing page. Inspections and written estimates are free either way — call 937-749-7767.