DIY roofing can be very fulfilling, but also very dangerous, and if basics like watching the weather and using appropriate height safety equipment aren’t covered, you’re taking unnecessary risks. Here are some starting points to ensure you are as safe as possible.
1. Getting Someone Else To Do It
As I said, it can be fulfilling to do your own roof, and it can also be cost-saving. But if you really don’t know what you’re doing, are learning all the informatin for the first time, and have little DIY experience, you may be best off hiring someone else and taking the financial hit.
2. Weather
Roofing is a big job and you’ll want to schedule your plans, but you have to accept that weather is a fine reason to delay. Your main things to look out for are wind and wetness. Wind can be tolerated up to a certain level, but remember that there’s a good chance it’ll be windier on the roof than on the ground. Wetness of any kind is trouble waiting to happen, so if it rains, put off the work.
3. Equipment
There’s gear to consider on the roof itself, like roof brackets and hooks, guardrails, and standoffs. Then there’s the gear you wear, including harnesses, helmets, and proper footwear. Get boots with some serious grip! It also should go without saying, make sure your ladder is in excellent condition and has never needed repair.
4. Plan Ahead
Make sure you are able to get your materials on the roof before you climb up; it is NOT a good idea to bring them up the ladder with you! Also, make sure you do extensive research and leave no unanswered questions. You want to know exactly what your plan is and have all the materials you could possibly need completely ready before you start.
Those are the basics! There’s still more to know before starting the project, including how to safely use the tools you plan on using, and how to set up the ladder right.
Remember, falls represent the highest cause of injury and death of all construction-related dangers. It’s not worth taking the chance being unprepared or ill-equipped.
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