What a Homeowner Should Never Do on a Roof

Owning a home carries with it the pride of having a place that’s all yours. Among your responsibilities is maintaining and repairing your home, which sometimes means dealing with the roof. While it’s understandable that homeowners want to save money wherever possible, there are certain roof-related tasks that are best left to professionals. Here’s a look at what you should never do on a roof.

Avoid Walking on the Roof Without Proper Safety Equipment

The inherent dangers of climbing onto your roof without a safety line cannot be overstated. Professional roofers always ensure they are tied off with ropes and carabiners when working at heights. This precaution prevents them from suffering serious injuries in the event of a slip. As appealing as it might seem to address a minor roofing issue yourself, doing so without the appropriate safety harness and security measures in place can lead to dangerous falls.

Never Jump on the Roof

Our roofs, despite seeming sturdy, are not designed to be trampolines. They can’t safely bear the impact of a person jumping on them. Doing so can cause not only immediate physical damage to the roof’s structure but also complicate the integrity of your home’s protection against weather elements. This action risks creating weak spots that can lead to costly repairs or replacements.

Lifting Shingles Is a No-Go

The temptation to lift shingles to peek underneath might arise if you suspect a problem. However, this action can compromise the roof’s ability to protect your home from water damage. Shingles are installed in a particular order for maximum protection; disturbing this arrangement by curling them back can lead to leaks and water damage.

DIY Installation of Roof Features

Installing solar panels, skylights, or satellite dishes on your roof by yourself might seem like a way to save money, but this can lead to significant damage. These additions require precise placement to prevent accidents and ensure they function as intended. Professional installation services are still the way to go so you can avoid potential harm to both your home and yourself.

While the DIY approach is commendable for many home improvement projects, the roof should be left alone in the care of the experienced roofers from within your location. For all your residential roofing needs, turn to Grand Forks Exteriors. Call us at (701) 951-7663, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.