Rather than hiring someone to repair or maintain a roof, you can do it yourself to save a little extra cash. By not hiring a professional, you need to make sure that you do your homework to understand how to finish the roof correctly. Roofing is not that complicated but there is a right and a wrong way to accomplish these tasks.
There are also many safety concerns with working on top of a roof. While many roofs may not have a dramatic slope, others may have an extremely steep slope. There are certain precautions to consider before trekking to the roof to make some minor repairs.
1. Wear Proper Shoes
Photo Courtesy: Alan Levine
Footwear is very important because you do not want to put on a pair of sneakers with the soles rubbed bare. This could make it very slippery when trying to maneuver around objects. Also if it is not already a given, sandals and flip-flops are extremely dangerous on a roof. A pair of rubber-soled shoes or work boots with thick treads is the best set of footwear for getting on a roof.
2. Check the Weather
The worst place to be during a storm is on top of a roof so it makes sense to watch the weather before mounting the roof and periodically checking the sky while on top of the roof. It is best to do roof work when the roof is completely dry. There should be no moisture, wind, ice, or lightning while roofing. If there is an emergency, it is best to call in a professional.
3. Monitor Ladder Safety
Photo Courtesy: Ruthanne Reid
A ladder should not be used on an uneven ground. If it is not possible to find level ground then you can lay ply wood to even out the ground. The bottom of the ladder can be secured by inserting stakes in the ground. After the ladder is in place and fully extended, the top can be fastened to the rafters by using roof anchors or nails. For houses that are two or more stories high, a roof harness systems can be rented to make it easier.
4. Take Inventory of Supplies
Before mounting the roof, check to make sure you have all the supplies you need. It is better to take time to organize everything before getting to the top and realizing you do not have everything you need. Some projects may take more tools to complete then others. Using a lift or pulley systems can get the supplies to the roof easily without having to fumble over holding the tools and climbing the ladder.
5. Work Carefully
Most rooftop injuries take place when a worker is in a hurry or frustrated with something. Take breaks whenever necessary to make sure you do not get tired or exhausted. A combination of roof equipment supports and patience will get the job done safely.
Engineered with code-compliant designs and high integrity, PHP Systems/Design is the leader for roof equipment support systems.
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Photo Courtesy: Gregory Garnich
Whether it’s to keep critters out or pen pets in, fences are a necessity for a majority of home owners. Sometimes fences are necessary, such as when a property has a pool or pets that would run wild otherwise. Others prefer fences for seclusion and privacy.
Regardless, there are different factors that affect the ultimate choice of what type of fencing to purchase and install. Height, cost, and material are perhaps the most important three. While metal and stone fences are certainly popular because of their durability and design, wooden fences can provide much of the same security as well as an aesthetic benefit.
Design and Installation
Photo Courtesy: Andrew Malone
Wooden fences can be purchased or created. Whether they’re constructed from store-bought wood or pieces found in nature, they still serve the same purpose. They can be made using the cheapest wood or the most expensive. The pieces can be cut in intricate designs or just shaped in the most basic manner.
A wooden fence does not have to be rustic, either. Although most people might think of farms or the country when they hear “wooden fence,” the most contemporary homes can enjoy the timeless look of a well-designed wooden fence. Some home owners even choose to create unique fences by blending wood and other materials such as concrete.
Another bonus of wood fences is they can be installed relatively easily. Only minimal materials and knowledge are needed to put up a simple wooden fence. A person can do a lot with some wood pieces, a hammer, and some sturdy nails.
In addition, the internet offers a vast amount of resources including DIY videos. A simple YouTube search of “How to build a wood fence” yields numerous results. Step-by-step videos and guides can offer all the instruction needed for constructing a simple wooden fence.
Sustainability
Photo Courtesy: Antti-Jussi Kovalainen
Wood is an excellent choice for fencing material because it is a renewable resource. Anyone with an Eco-friendly mindset might be more partial to using it for this reason.
Although some argue wood fences are not as strong as other materials and wear down more quickly, they still can last a relatively long time if properly taken care of. In addition, if pieces rot or break and need to be replaced, they can easily be chopped up and used as firewood or for other purposes.
Depending on the area, sure, wooden fences may not withstand extremely high winds or heavy snowfall. However, in locations where those are not concerns, wooden fences can be a beautiful and inexpensive barrier choice for home owners.
About the Author: Alyssa Zandi is an avid crafter, lifetime dog lover, and contributing writer for Michigan Cedar Products, a producer of cedar log siding.
Twitter: @alyssazandi
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