Roofing-Part 2

I received a comment on the last post that made me want to further clarify something because he is absolutely correct. Before attempting to do a roof yourself, try to find someone who knows what they are doing to consult with or even have help you. Offer to pay him or her to consult with you if it is not a close friend or relative. This gets back to my point that we need to be sharing our skills with each other. Many of the "old" self-sufficient skills are dying with older generations. We need to learn these skills once again. Not only has Chuck learned to put on a roof but we have had three teenagers plus our daughter helping who now have that skill to pass on and use themselves.

I grew up in a family of farmers and "do-it-yourselfers". When someone needed a roof put on, windows, doors or siding replaced, everyone went to their house a day or two and got the job done. The family who was doing the project fed everyone and made sure they had plenty to drink. When they needed help we returned the favor of free labor. My Grandparents and Aunt/Uncle's homes were pretty much built this way.  We also shared large tools and equipment. I grew up thinking that this was how everyone does it. There is nothing wrong with hiring a contractor or professional do these things. We have done this a few times for things we did not know how to do or were beyond our capabilities or time. Unfortunately, we do not have the money for this so we have to get these things done differently. Learning new skills gives you the option to do it yourself or to have someone else do it.