4 Do It Yourself Roofing Safety Tips

When dealing with your home's roof, it is usually best to leave the work for the professionals. Whether it is cleaning, repair, or any other maintenance, there is a reason there are professional roofing contractors. And, there is a reason why they are compensated so well for the work that they do.

With all that being said, there are still some homeowners that want to do the work themselves. Sometimes it is to save a little money. Other times it is because the person happens to be feeling like Johnny Weekend Warrior. Whatever the case, if you decide to work on the roof of your home, there are some tips to follow to keep you safe while you complete the job.

For starters, try and have someone help you with the work. Your spouse, parents, kids, brother, sister, friend or anyone is a good idea to have with you while you are working. This way, the person can help hold the ladder or other tool you might be using. Also, should something go wrong they can assist you or can call for help. Try not to work on a roof by yourself because it can be dangerous work!

The next most important thing to you want to have is a good ladder. Do not try and use an old, worn out one or one that is not tall enough. You are putting yourself in harm's way by using a ladder that is not suited for the job. If you do not own one, borrow one from a relative or neighbor. If they don't have one you can rent one from a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe's.

Another important tip to consider is never work on a wet roof.  A damp roof can be slick and cause you to slip and fall and risk injury. In addition, be careful of  loose leaves and other debris that can be a safety hazard. Make sure to keep an eye on your tools while working so that you do not trip on any of them.

Finally, wear the proper clothing and footwear for working on a roof. Do not wear baggy clothing that could get caught on shingles or nails. If you are going to be hammering nails, safety goggles should be worn. And, proper work boots are a must to give you the proper traction.

If you live in the Kansas City area and you want to leave the roofing work to the professionals, then visit www.KansasCityRoofer.com. They offer residential and commercial services and also do roof repair. They are known for their experience and professionalism.

Copper Roofing: Is It Right For You?

When people are deciding on the type of roof for their home, whether it be a new one or a replacement, one option they often overlook is copper. In fact, many people do not even know that there are copper roofs. But they should because copper roofing has some great advantages to it.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of a copper roof is how long it will last. Copper oxidizes, which forms it into a tough, durable material that can last hundreds of years. Take for example the St. Mary's Cathedral, that roof is over 700 years old!

Copper roofing materials are also lightweight. This makes it easier to install for the contractors that are working with it. In addition, this creates less stress for the home or building it is attached to. It is also fire resistant.

Another favorable feature is that it is environmentally friendly. Most copper roofs are made up of some recycled materials. When you combine this with the fact that it is durable, and can last for hundreds of years, this makes copper roofing one of the most eco friendly types of roofs available on the market today.

One other feature that property owners love about this style of shelter is that there is little maintenance. Unlike some other types of roofing, copper does not need to be cleaned. This is another factor that can save you money in the long run since you will not have to hire a roof cleaning company to show up a couple times each year.

Ok, so what are the down sides of having a copper roof? You must be thinking there must be some or else everyone would be using it. Well you are correct, there is one big negative to using this type of material- the cost. It can cost up to $16 per square foot! Compare that to some asphalt tiles that are around $1 per foot. However, much of that cost will be offset by the fact that copper roofing will last so long.

Just like with any other roofing type that you are having installed, make sure you hired a qualified professional to do the work for you. Check for the usual things like licensing, insurance, and whether or not they are bonded. In addition, only hire a contractor that has a good, strong reputation for doing good work with other customers in the past. And finally, fine a crew that is affordable because as mentioned before, it is an extremely expensive material.