We’ve had a few severe thunderstorms here in Calgary in last couple of weeks. Harsh weather might have left its tracks on your roof taking off few shingles here and there or damaging them with hail and you might have noticed that your roof is leaking.
If you’re comfortable doing easy repairs and DIY projects, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before you decide to climb on your roof and inspect the problem. Many people are seriously injured every year from falling off of roofs, so please do not attempt roofing repairs unless you feel competent.
How to stay safe during a Do-It-Yourself roof repair project:
- Think Twice About Your Decision – If you are reading this article, you have probably thought through the various things that could go wrong. If you are not a roofing professional, there are many dangers you may not be aware of, so be sure you feel confident to safely handle the tools and ladders required for roof repairs.
- Wait for a Sunny Day – When it comes to a leaking roof, it’s always better to fix it sooner than later, if possible. However, it’s always best to attempt roof repair on a sunny and dry day. And if it has rained earlier, you’ll want to make sure the ground is dry before placing ladders, etc. The risk of a fall is much greater because the roof will be slippery and not safe to walk on. This is also the case with snow and ice. If you have any hesitation about the safety of climbing onto the roof, please let a roofing professional come and do the job.
- Wear proper footwear – This may seem like an obvious step, but always make sure that you have shoes on with good traction. Rubber soles are best. Many people fall down while doing simple roof fixes, and most of these falls are due to wearing improper shoes.
- Use a Roofing Harness – The small investment of a roofing harness could save your life. A roofing harness can be purchased or rented and is a must-have when doing roof repairs.
- Find a Friend or Neighbor to Help – We highly recommend that any roof work or repairs be done as a team. The other person will serve as a spotter and a second set of eyes. They may identify issues that you can’t see from your vantage point and maybe save your life in case of a fall.
When it comes to roofing repair, your safety should always be the number one priority. Unless you have experience with roof repair, we suggest that you consider hiring an expert to help. Roofing repairs are not something that a typical homeowner does on regular basis, so if possible, allow a qualified roofing contractor to come in and help you get the job done right.
For more information on spotting roofing problems, please give us a call! We’re here to help.
