Dangers of DIY Roofing

Most people have heard of do-it-yourself (DIY) roofing work. Though many do not realize the potential dangers or fail to understand the gravity of the risks and injuries that can be caused when DIY roofing. Here are a few facts about the dangers of DIY roofing and why hiring experts in roofing in Newnan, GA, is the right choice.

Personal Danger

Personal injury in DIY roofing is a threat most people have heard about but do not take seriously. Many roofs have steep inclines, and it only takes a moment of inattentiveness to slip. After working on a strenuous task, people are more likely to lose balance due to the steep incline causing imbalance. 

Roofing falls are dangerous, and death is a common outcome even at typical roof heights. Those who survive are likely to sustain significant injuries that can lead to lifelong problems.

How Dangerous is DIY Roofing really? VERY Dangerous

Unlike other home projects that require little in the way of tools or risks, DIY roofing can have severe consequences. 

Roofing work is rated the sixth most dangerous job in the United States. 

Data on Roofing Dangers

Roofing work is rated the sixth most dangerous job. 

Workers at residential construction sites have a greater risk of fatalities due to roof-related work. 

Even professionals working in the roofing industry suffer from injuries and even fatalities. Those working in the roofing industry are over three times more likely to die from a work-related incident. 

Falling in Construction is Number One in… What?? 

Falls are the main cause of work-related deaths in the roofing industry. Roofs are also deemed the most hazardous areas in construction. Roofing fatalities are not common solely in Georgia, let alone America. Roofing fatalities and injuries occur worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the number one cause of construction working fatalities is falling, at 44%. 

In the United States, falls cause three-fourths of deaths in the roofing industry, and 40% of deaths in the construction industry are caused by falling (2014). Approximately 50 roofers die annually while working. 

Like any other area of construction, roofs require unique expertise and skill to maximize their safety and effectiveness.

DIY Roofing Can Lead to Structural Problems

DIY roofing does not only pose a danger of falling, but also a danger to the structure of the home. Roofing plays an integral role in housing structures and protection from the outside elements. The roof keeps the structure together by holding the walls in place while protecting the interior of the building from the elements. Without a roof, the electrical wires and lighting will be vulnerable. Without a properly structured roof, the interior of the building, lighting, and wires may be damaged or destroyed. Roofing also improves the insulation in a building. 

This is why using the proper roofing materials is essential, and professional roofers help their customers assess based on location, size, and design. Flat concrete roofs, such as the material Eagle roofing uses, help protect against heavy rainfall. Eagle Watch roofing’s concrete tiles are built with a thicker and deeper water channel compared to the average competitors’ tile designs. The deeper water channel also protects from breakage and cracks in the roof. 

Dangers to a Home’s Inhabitants

Electrical wiring and other components often end at the roof, and it can be easy to damage electrical components while performing work. In the short term, these mistakes can cause electrocution to those performing work. However, a clipped wire or another small mistake can also lead to a fire, which threatens all inhabitants. Professional roofers know how to avoid these mistakes and ensure that electrical components remain intact. 

Increased Damage Caused by Natural Disasters

Electrical errors are just a small worry in comparison to the many natural disasters in Georgia. In 2017, Atlanta suffered from 27 tornadoes within 2 days with a total of 41 tornadoes accounted for in all of Georgia. 

In 2012, eight tornadoes destroyed approximately $12.5 million in property and crop damages. Hence, using the best possible materials is essential in building a roof. Professional roofers can give the best recommendations and expertise on the roofing materials to use. 

Atlanta, Georgia has a myriad of natural disasters from hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and harsh storms, especially snow storms. Some of the harshest snow storms in Georgia occurred in 2014 and 1993. The Snow Storm of 2014 was so massive that it not only made the roadways undrivable, but left many trapped in schools, housing, other buildings, and vehicles overnight. 

In 2009, there was an intense thunderstorm with non-stop torrential rainfall. Does anyone remember? This led to massive flooding of the city and surrounding communities. During a major disaster such as this, having a properly installed roof can mean life or death; safety or injury. 

Roofs installed by Eagle Watch Roofing are known for withstanding a multitude of natural disasters, and the roofs are even classified as Tier A hale impact resistance, fire resistant, Miami-Dade high-velocity hurricane zone approved, and freeze-thaw rated. 

And, of course, the roofing materials are recyclable and energy efficient. The tiles reflect sunlight instead of absorbing the sunlight into the rest of the building compared to other roof tiles. 

Professional Roofers Save You the Headache of Dealing With Insurance

Say goodbye to the long wait times on hold with insurance and the hour-long phone calls. Professional roofers, such as Eagle Watch roofing, work directly with insurance to ensure coverage of all relevant damages and to ensure payment of the standard regional pricing. All clients of Eagle Watch roofing are only responsible for the deductible and cost upgrades. 

Does it Cost More to Hire a Professional Roofer instead of a DIY Roofer?

While it might be tempting to save a bit of money through DIY roofing, in the long run, it may prove to cost the same if not more than if a professional is hired. Costs can include: corrections if a mistake was made, later repairs if the roof was not built properly, and injury if the DIY roofer slips and falls.

Hiring professional roofing companies that are licensed and insured, such as Eagle Watch roofing, will not only safely install the roof with proper tools and materials, but will provide a bonded warranty of the roof. Therefore, if something does go wrong, the professional roofers will fix the problems under the guidance of their warranty policy. 

Usually, when considering the idea of DIY roofing, many do not take into consideration the additional tools and equipment necessary to begin the process. Not just roofing materials, nails, and hammers are needed, but a large array of tools. Some of this equipment includes specific safety equipment such as climbing ropes. Using climbing ropes helps roofers move along the roof easier and safer without the strain from climbing up and down a ladder. Though, when traversing it is important to work with a partner. Other necessary tools include: an air hose, caulk gun, and a roofing nailer are vital in the roofing construction process. Proper clothing, such as shoes, is important as well to reduce the chances of slipping and falling. 

Sometimes the roof is more damaged than originally thought. The house can have structural damage, which will cost more in materials and tools, while also increasing the time cost since it will take longer to repair DIY. 

The time cost is generally high. Watching multiple videos on how to roof, and driving to and from the materials store takes time, as well as searching for and purchasing all the unique tools. The more sloped and detailed the roof, the longer it takes to construct. For example, a chimney and a skylight are barriers that make the process more tedious and difficult to complete. 

Using improper roofing materials can also cost more in upkeep and maintenance, which is why consulting with a local roofing company, such as Eagle roofing, can be more cost-effective than DIY roofing. For example, concrete roofing and metal roofing are some of the most effective roofing materials to withstand harsh weather, while asphalt shingles and clay roofing are more likely to break and crack with harsher elements landing or falling on the roof. 

Roofs also represent up to 25% of the overall building value, as well as can take up to 50% of a building’s total surface area. 

Some roofing tiles may be discontinued as well. Therefore, if maintenance is needed on your roof designed with a discontinued tile, the roofing maintenance could turn into a whole new roofing project. Eagle Watch roofing tiles are never discontinued, so it will be unnecessary to reconstruct the roof as may be an issue with a DIY roof or competitor roofing company. 

How Much Strain Does DIY Put on a Person?

Not only is traversing and keeping balance difficult on a slanted roof, but lifting materials on the roof can be strenuous and tiring. And as mentioned previously, losing balance is a higher likelihood after performing a physically difficult task.

Have you Heard of Roofer’s Knee?

“Roofer’s” knee or Prepatellar Bursitis is caused by bending and putting pressure on your knees for an extended period of time when nailing shingles or other construction techniques on roofs. Based on a survey of construction workers completed between 2014 and 2015, 75% of roofer builders’ time is spent on their hands and knees, crawling, and low to the roof ground to reduce the chance of falling. Therefore, this causes a great likelihood of roofer’s knee, if not even worse injuries. 

What is it?

Bursae are tiny sacs that fill with fluid to protect the body on all joints (knees and elbows). Roofers’ knee is when The Bursae sacs fill up with blood and swell up due to the extended pressure. Roofer’s knee may keep you out of work for at least a few days of recovery time, which will also cause the roof construction to take longer. 

What About Roofer’s Elbow?

Yes. Roofer’s elbow is the same as roofer’s knee, but in the elbow instead. The Bursae sacs in the elbow fill with blood causing inflammation and pain. This injury can also lead to bed rest, or in the worst case scenario, infection and a bursectomy.

Other Repetitive Strain Injuries

Construction work, such as roofing, can cause many other strain injuries from nailing, bending, lifting, drilling, and so on. Many of these injuries can be very painful and the body may never fully recover from them. 

These injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome,
• Tendinitis,
• Raynaud’s Syndrome,
• Tennis Elbow, and
• Back problems

The risk of these injuries increases if there is a lack of proper form, technique, equipment, and tools. If the DIY roofer constructs the roof in a rush, this can also lead to a higher likelihood of not only these strains, but significant injuries that can lead one to become bedridden or even lead to a fatality.

In 60%-80% of people, their back pain reoccurs in approximately 2 years, and 31% of men claim back pain causes difficulty in completing the job correctly. The difficulty and time consumption of the healing process is just one issue, and there is a possibility the back pain will be a life-long issue. There are a great number of expenses due to injuries, especially in the back. Americans spend at least $50 billion annually on back pain treatment and, separately, spend approximately $100 billion in indirect costs. 

Therefore, patience and long breaks when roof working are essential for the construction worker’s health. A professional roofing company consists of multiple workers who can help complete the roofing project. Hence, hiring a professional roof construction company, such as Eagle Watch Construction is safer and will help quicken the construction or repair process since they can take turns working on the roof. 

Choosing the Right Roofing Company

DIY work can be rewarding, and it’s a reasonable option for many home maintenance tasks. However, roofing is a particularly dangerous task, and those who perform work without training are at a high risk of injury or even worse. As a family-run and owned company, Eagle Watch Roofing understands the importance of protecting families. That’s why we provide construction services to ensure our customers have done everything to protect themselves and their families. 

Using the proper materials is essential to protect your home and loved ones against these disasters. Using proper techniques and form. Wearing proper clothes; such as gloves and shoes. Even if you do not DIY the roof does not mean you do not have a say in designing the roof. You can collaborate with your local roof professionals, such as Eagle Watch Roofing, to pick out the ideal style roof for your home from their myriad of unique roofing designs and tiles. Make sure to contact your local experts in roofing, Eagle Watch Roofing, in Newnan, GA, if you need any work done on your roof.