As a homeowner, you’ll quickly realize that DIY projects can save you a lot of money. However, a DIY project gone wrong could cost you almost twice as much as paying a professional in the first place. Roof tarping is a temporary measure that ensures leaks don’t propagate. If you’re doing DIY tarping, you’ll want to consult a professional about roof repair and replacement soon. However, you should be aware of a few pros and cons of a roof tarping DIY before undertaking it. A DIY job can be both a blessing and a curse in this case.
Pro: Saves Money
Professional roof repair costs quite a bit. If you’re getting your roof repaired during the winter or through bleak weather, the cost is likely to be much higher. Of course, you must do something, as an unprotected home could end up with significantly more problems. A tarp can be a temporary solution, until proper work can begin on your roof. DIY tarping doesn’t require a lot of materials, and you can usually get them from a local hardware store. It will save you money to do DIY tarping on your home since you won’t have to pay labor costs for the process.
Con: Time Consuming
Even if you know what you’re doing, tarping a roof will take a lot of time. With enough help, you can get it done in a reasonable period, but without an expert to help you, you’re still at the mercy of the elements. DIY tarping jobs tend to be less resilient to the elements, no matter how much time you spend trying to get it just right. Essentially, this means that even once you complete the task, it could fall apart, causing you to have to do it over again. An expert will know how to install the tarp so that it lasts much longer.
Pro: You Don’t Necessarily Need a Professional for Roof Tarping
Roof tarping is a simple process; even someone who isn’t wholly familiar with roofs can do it adequately. The only equipment you really need is a hammer, some nails, a tarp, a drill, and a ladder. It makes for a simple, uncomplicated process to tarp a roof. However, roofs are complex structures, and if you’re not careful, you could cause more damage to them than what already exists. Also, it can be easy to make the wrong assessment while working alone, leaving your home with inadequate protection.
Con: Danger
While it may be easy to tell ourselves that we will be careful, roof tarping is inherently dangerous. You are working on a roof, which may have stability issues, amongst other concerns. Plenty of things can go wrong while you’re up there, putting you in danger. On the other hand, an expert will understand the structure, and through training will know what precautions to take to complete the job safely.
Conclusion
While it might be tempting to try and roof tarping on your own, there are inherent dangers present, both to yourself and your home. And while a professional service will cost you money, you can rest assured that the job will be done right, as they have years of experience in handling such situations. If you need roof tarping, contact J&R Restoration. They have all the equipment and training necessary to tarp your roof. They will assess your roof, and determine what parts need tarping, as well as the quality of tarp that will be suitable for your situation.
