Hospital bills cost way more than a cleanup crew.
That’s the part folks always forget. I’ve seen people try to “save money” by climbing up there with a broom and end up with busted gutters or, worse, a busted ankle. I get wanting to handle things yourself—believe me, I do—but if you’re even a little uneasy about heights or your roof’s got any real pitch, it’s just not worth the gamble. Even the most careful DIYer can slip on wet leaves or loose granules. Sometimes hiring out is just the smarter move, even if it stings your wallet a bit.
I’ve seen folks underestimate how slick those asphalt shingles get, especially after a rain. Even with the right shoes, it’s risky. Out of curiosity, has anyone here actually had luck with those roof harness kits you can buy at hardware stores? Worth it, or just false security?
- Tried one of those harness kits last fall—honestly, it felt more awkward than secure. The anchor bolt was a pain to set up, and I kept worrying if the shingles would hold if I actually slipped.
- They’re probably better than nothing, but I wouldn’t call them foolproof. If you’re not used to working at heights, it’s still sketchy.
- Curious—has anyone had issues with insurance if you get hurt doing DIY roof work? Wondering if that’s another risk folks overlook...
- Gotta say, I actually felt safer with the harness once I got used to it. The first time was awkward, but after a couple uses, it was way better than just winging it.
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If you hit a rafter, that anchor’s not going anywhere. Just takes some patience to find the right spot.The anchor bolt was a pain to set up, and I kept worrying if the shingles would hold if I actually slipped.
- Insurance-wise, my policy had a clause about “hazardous DIY”—they tried to wiggle out of a claim when I fell off a ladder (not even the roof). Worth double-checking the fine print.
- For steep or two-story roofs, I’d still lean pro. Single-story, low pitch? I’ll keep doing it myself, but only on dry days.
That’s a good point about the anchor—if you can line it up with a rafter, it’s solid. I’ve found the harness awkward at first too, but after a couple uses it’s second nature. Insurance fine print is no joke... mine had similar language buried in the exclusions. For anything steeper than a 6/12 pitch, I’m with you—pros only. But on a dry, low-slope roof, DIY feels manageable if you’re careful.
