Roofing Safety Tips for DIY Repairs and Inspections

Roof repair is part of the rite of passage when you buy a home. While many aspects of roof repair can be done as DIY projects, roof repair and maintenance may not be on the list. That being said, there are always those homeowners who are undaunted by a good challenge. 

If you’re planning on scaling the roof anytime soon, you need to take a few precautions. 

If you don’t, you could be at risk for an embarrassing roofing faux pas at best or a serious physical injury at worst. Of course, if you’re not sure that DIY roofing is right for you, you can always contact Shamrock Roofing and Construction — your go-to roofing contractor in Arkansas — to help with your roofing woes. Otherwise, we recommend following these important safety precautions any time you’re dealing with roof issues.

Always Have a Spotter

Roof work can be dangerous, especially if the weather conditions aren’t perfect. That’s why it’s always best to work in pairs and have someone available to spot you while you climb the roof. This way, if an emergency strikes, you’ll have the support you need to get help quickly.

Stay Calm and Don’t Rush

Discovering roof damage and determining the root cause takes time. It’s not something that can be resolved overnight. That’s why many homeowners opt for the help of experts on roofing in Arkansas rather than going the DIY route. That said, if you choose to work on your roof independently, you should take your time, access the roof only during prime weather conditions (a sunny day with low wind is ideal), and give yourself plenty of time to complete a thorough investigation and make repairs.

Make Sure Your Equipment is in Working Order

Going up and down a ladder can take a toll on your body (especially if you have a bad back or knees). Having all your equipment ready to go in advance can save you an extra trip or two. Many experts on roofing in Arkansas support using a tool belt or backpack to carry as many supplies as possible and reduce wasted energy on multiple trips up the ladder. Along those lines, you should always check and double-check your equipment to make sure it is in the proper condition for use on the roof!

Keep Things Tidy

Once your project has begun, it’s essential to keep your workspace tidy and clutter-free. An unorganized space (scattered tools, extra shingles, etc.) creates a safety hazard you don’t want to contend with. Instead, clean up as you go, keeping your tools and materials organized and out of your immediate work zone.

Dress for Success

Last but not least, there is definitely a dress code when it comes to roofing DIY projects. Every roofing contractor in Arkansas will tell you that sturdy, rubber-soled boots are a must. Leather gloves are great, too, and keep your hands safe from cuts and scraches in the process. Other tips for dressing the part include long pants (but not too long — no trip hazards, please!), a hat for sun protection, and goggles to keep flying dust and debris out of your eyes.

Have More Questions About DIY Roof Safety? Call Shamrock!

DIY roof repair is great as long as you keep safety top of mind. Whether you have more questions about a solo roof project or you want to turn the job over to our team of professional roofers, we’re here to help. Contact us today with all your roofing questions or to schedule a free roof inspection. Either way, we’ve got you covered!