I get the DIY urge, but there’s another angle—every time you’re up there, you’re not just risking a slip, you’re also potentially damaging the roof itself, especially if it’s an eco or green roof setup. Even with a low slope, dragging a broom or walking around can crush plants or compact soil layers. I used to be all about doing it myself until I realized how much subtle wear and tear I was causing. Sometimes paying a pro (who actually knows how to handle these roofs) ends up saving money and headaches later... especially if you’ve invested in anything beyond basic shingles.
Ever tried explaining to your neighbor why you’re tiptoeing around on your roof with a salad fork, trying not to crush the sedum? Yeah, it gets weird fast. Honestly, I thought DIY was the way until I saw how patchy my green roof started looking after a couple “gentle” cleanups. Is it really saving money if you end up reseeding half the thing every spring? Sometimes I think the pros have secret ninja moves for not trashing the plants... or maybe just better shoes.
I’ve definitely been there, trying to “gently” clear leaves and ending up with a handful of uprooted sedum. It’s wild how fragile those mats can be, especially if you’re not wearing the right shoes or stepping in the wrong spots. I used to think DIY was cheaper too, but after a couple seasons of patching bare spots, I started wondering if the pros just know some tricks we don’t. Maybe it’s the tools, or maybe they just have better balance than me... Either way, I’m starting to think the cost of hiring out might even out over time, especially if you factor in all the extra plants and soil.
Yeah, those sedum mats are way more delicate than they look. I’ve seen a lot of folks underestimate how easy it is to mess them up, especially after storms when debris is everywhere. Even with the right shoes, one wrong step and you’re patching bare spots for weeks. The pros definitely have some tricks—like using wide boards to spread their weight or special rakes that don’t snag the roots. It’s not just balance, either; they know how to spot weak spots before stepping.
I used to think hiring out was overkill, but after replacing plants and redoing sections, I’m not sure it saves money in the long run. Plus, if you factor in your time and the hassle... it adds up fast. Still, I get wanting to do it yourself—sometimes it’s just hard to justify the cost upfront. But if you’ve got a big roof or a tricky layout, I’d lean toward calling in help, especially after heavy weather.
- Seen a lot of folks try to save a buck and end up with patchy mats or worse, leaks.
- If your roof’s got any pitch or weird angles, DIY gets risky fast.
- After storms, debris can hide soft spots—easy to step through and do real damage.
- Not saying pros are perfect, but we’ve got the gear and know-how to avoid most headaches.
- If it’s a small, flat section and you’re careful, maybe worth a shot. Anything bigger? I’d budget for help... learned that lesson the hard way myself once.
