If your roof needs repair or maintenance, you are comfortable moving around on roofs and you want to save some money, you might want to attempt the repair or maintenance on your own. However, undertaking the task on your own is recommended only if you are familiar with the procedure and you have the equipment to perform the job correctly, including not only the tools, but the safety equipment as well. Here are some tips to help you do it right. Safety Is First Your safety is more important than saving money, so make sure that you observe the following basic safety rules: Make sure that your ladder is safe and sturdy and that it is attached safely to the roof. If the ground under the roof is too soft or uneven, place a wooden plank or board under the ladder to ensure the ladder stands firmly; Use the ladder correctly – always have three limbs on the ladder while climbing and always hold the ladder with both hands; Wear proper safety gear – non-slip work shoes or boots, comfortable, but not too loose clothes that allow you to move comfortably; Anchor yourself – using a proper fall-arrest system is also essential for performing any kind of roofing work safely; Pay attention to the weather forecast – pick a day that is cool, dry and windless for the roofing job that you have in mind. Choose a day when the sun is not shining too strong – harsh sunshine will prevent you from seeing properly and will also cause thermal discomfort, which will reduce the efficiency of your work; Never attempt roofing work without telling someone what you are up to or, even better, make sure there is someone helping and watching you from the ground. Determine the Kind of Repair or Maintenance Work that Needs to Be Done You need to determine the type of work that needs to get done because the type of work will determine the tools and materials that you will need for the work. It is a good idea to gather all the tools and materials that you will need for the work and you should also figure out the easiest way to move everything you need up to the roof to make your work efficient and to eliminate the need to climb down for every nail. Don’t Limit Your Work to the Roof Only Even in the case of roof leaks that are easy to locate, your roof might have sensitive areas other than the leaky spot. Check your attic for signs of water droplets or damaged or soaked wooden components, check the vents and the gutter pipes for clogs or accumulated debris and remedy all the problems that you can, not only the one that you have climbed up for. Know Your Limits You should evaluate your skills and possibilities realistically before you attempt the roofing work. Don’t forget that improper roof repair can cause more harm than good, so if you…
