There are many things you must know, and it can be hard to find good information. That’s why we’ve created this article exists. It provides excellent roofing knowledge that will be valuable to you either now or in the future.
Remember: safety first. Do not attempt to repair a leaky roof when the weather is stormy or you could be seriously hurt! Damaged roofs are unstable during rainy weather, so do not take such a risk. Stick a bucket beneath your leak while you wait for the weather to return to normal. Afterwards, you can check out your roof and see what it’ll take to fix things.
Inspect your own roof at least once yearly. Spring and winter months tend to damage is prevalent.
Always take the time to check the references and credentials of any roofing contractor you want to hire. Follow up on the references, calling previous clients to find out if they are satisfied with the work. Also, take some time to drive by the addresses. Drive on by and see for yourself before hiring anyone.
Safety should be a strong consideration with taking on your roof.You can get hurt if you try to fix your roof under severe weather conditions.Put a bucket under that leak until weather conditions improve and wait for clear weather.
Check to see that your roofer has all of the necessary documentation. If you have no idea what your local requirements are, don’t take the contractor’s word for it. Call your area’s building department to find out what is needed.
Consider the climate when thinking about roofing.Clay roofs are great in dry climates and may keep the house cool.Clay roof tiles applied in rainy climates will cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. If not sure what to do, just ask.
Choose a roof contractor with some good credentials. Just about everywhere needs to have licensed roofers working in that area, so be sure they have a valid and current license. In addition, contractors should have full liability insurance in case they have an accident at your home. That way, you will not be liable.
Mow your lawn before the contractor work on your roof. This will make things much easier to find nails that may hit the ground. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, the shorter grass helps this tool work better.
If environmentally-friendly building is something that interests you, look into living roofs when you’re in the market for a new roof. A living roof actually contains layers of soil that can be used to plant a garden or to grow vegetables. Living roofs will only work in some climates and on some flat roofs.
Don’t use remedies that only work for your roof repairs. It may seem cost effective at the time, but it may end up causing more damage, and that may cost you more. You want to always catch any roof problems as early as possible before they get worse.
When meeting with prospective roofing contractors, request a minimum of three references from past clients. Honest companies will have no problem giving you some references. Go with another company if you find one that will not provide you with references. This is a red flag.
You should be careful when you attempt to look for problems on your roof seeking out damaged spots. If you’re having major issues, try hiring a roofing contractor to stop by and look at the spots. You do not want to walk on the roof and it ends up caving in.
Test any potential roof leaks with a garden hose. Doing this will help you find out if a leak exists, and will help you figure out where it is. You will not have to spend money on a contractor just to find out.
After you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, make inquiries about warranties.You need to find someone offering a warranty that is going to last for about three or more years. It must cover workmanship and defective supplies, plus they should give you copies of all manufacturer warranties as well.
You don’t want to forget the small things when you’re hiring a roofer. Do they call you back promptly? Do they show up on time? Additionally, they should be given you a written bid. It shows professionalism. You want your roofer to have both qualities.
If you’re looking into hiring a roofer, you should ensure they have proper credentials that are updated. Nearly every area requires some sort of licensing for roofers, do not neglect checking for current and valid licenses from any contractors you are considering.
Make sure to ask plenty of questions when hiring a contractor. If you miss a question, you could end up with issues down the road. If you can’t get clear answers from a contractor, they’re probably not someone you want to work with.
A roofing team working in unison can achieve good results more quickly.
Installing a coated metal roof is an efficient and “green” solution. The materials used are completely recyclable, and they can reduce your energy bill considerably. You can even put coated metal over your asphalt tiles. This means the materials from your original roof won’t wind up in a landfill.
Don’t get frustrated if you’re not able to find out where a roof is leaking from. You are going to find the problem, and having a buddy will help as well.If you have a big area to cover, utilize cell phones for communication to avoid having water leaking into the house any more than necessary when you test various areas to locate the leak.
Roof boots are an often neglected item. These boots are made of rubber and they are near where the fence of the roof comes up. They have been known to dry out after a while. When this happens, leaks can occur. Therefore, you should regularly check roof boots, and as soon as they need replacing, be sure you replace them.
Ask the roofing contractor how long their company has been roofing. Those who’ve been working in the area for years must have satisfied customers. Anyone who hasn’t been around for very long could be a scammer ready to steal your money.
Check out the supplies being used on your roof when it is being installed or repaired. Shingles are sometimes damaged when you purchase them and they can crack once they are installed. Your materials should be good before and after the job is complete.
Only hire a roofer that is able to supply you with proof of an active license and insurance.
You should always check with the BBB before hiring a roofing contractor. This can help you see whether customers have filed complaints with your prospective contractors. You ought to speak with the Chamber of Commerce as well.
Make sure all your questions when hiring a contractor. The worst thing is that you do is keep a question to yourself only to have a problem develop later on. If a contractor is not willing to answer your question, your better off working with a different one.
Don’t verbally agree to a contract; get a written one. By not having a contract in writing, you are not guaranteed to any claims if their work is sub-par. A written contract is your best way to ensure that they will be liable for any lapses in quality of work.
Don’t let a contractor do work on your home if they don’t act professional in their entire approach to your job. You need the whole process to remain professional so that you can be sure their work will be too.
Reputable contractors have insurance to cover any accidents they get into. If they’re uninsured, you’ll be the one who’s liable for damages. Because of this, you shouldn’t ever hire someone who doesn’t have the proper insurance. Ask contractors for this and contact that insurance company to see if they can verify it.
The materials used for these roofs are great for reducing energy costs and should help you use less energy. You can even reduce the amount of debris you have to dispose of by installing a metal roof over your current shingles.
Get the paperwork in order before hiring a contractor. Your roofer may need a permit or bond prior to them beginning work on your roof. Put in a call to your local building department, and find out what is required.
Many people neglect the roof boots when roofing. They dry out quickly and can get dried out. When this happens, they become susceptible to leakage, so frequent inspection and replacement may be required.
Wear shoes with rubber soles. Walking around your roof is very dangerous. Wearing these kinds of shoes provides better traction and reduces the chances of slipping and falling. A roof can get very slippery. Keeping your footing can be hard if you are not careful.
Have your contractor outline the whole project in full.He ought to talk about important matters, such as the materials that will be used, the costs, etc. Be sure that you’re knowledgeable about what the plan they lay out for you. If you don’t think you’re getting enough information, or that he is being vague, then you probably should not do business with him.
Do not do roof work solo. An accident can happen at anytime; therefore, having a friend or family member with you can provide assistance in case you have an accident and call for help if necessary.
Take it slow when choosing a roofer because it is not an easy decision to make. Ask lots of questions to see if their recommendation is worth your time and the reputation of all prospective firms.
Avoid storm chasers. These are contractors that pop up in neighborhoods right after a large storm. In many instances, they reside out of the state and are not licensed to work in the area. You can tell if someone’s a storm chaser if they have area codes that aren’t local, stick on signs on their vehicle, and they get references from areas that are disparate.
Don’t ever work on your roof alone.
Do not hire contractors unable to provide proof of licensing. If you aren’t satisfied with the work, you aren’t going to have any recourse. What happens if you pay an unlicensed contractor more than one thousand dollars? You would be breaking the law in many states.
Watch out for those storm chasers.These are contractors usually scour residential areas in neighborhoods right after a major storm. Many of them are from other states and have the appropriate documentation. If you do not recognize the area code or the signs on their truck looks fishy, that’s a red flag.
While painting your roof might look great, it isn’t the best of ideas. Just one coat can void any warranty you may have on your roof. If you think you must paint, talk to your insurance agent. A nice, new roof will not be worth much if it is unprotected.
When hiring your contractor, ensure he is an actual roofing specialist. Ask your contractor for their license number.
You should select roofing material that will go well with your home. If your home has an unnaturally steep roof, opt for shingles that are darker in color. This makes the home appear less imposing. If your house has a shallow pitch, consider roofing materials that are light in color. They will help give the illusion of height to your home.
Don’t decide anything based on an over-the-phone quote because the final expenses are generally different.These quotes are being used to attract business.
Tin roofs are made in a lot of different ways, and recently there have been some innovations. Some of the newer tin roofs are much more durable then they were in the past. These roofs will protect you without worry in hazardous conditions.
Tin roofs offer a lot to choose from in terms of style and recently have been renovated.They are also cost-effective and make a pleasing sound when it rains.
Always keep off your roof. Inspecting your roof regularly is important. But, you can further damage your roof by constantly walking on it. You should try to use some binoculars if possible. If it is necessary to get up there, make sure your footwear has a rubber sole. These shoes are less damaging than other types.
Don’t get onto your roof much. It is sometimes necessary to conduct inspections to keep your roof inspected for damage or debris. Binoculars are the best tool for roof inspection. If it is necessary to get up there, only do so with rubber-soled shoes. This helps you don’t damage and prevent slips and falls.
Though you may think that dry rot has to do with water issues, it actually results from poor ventilation. It is able to destroy shingles, plywood, as well as the ridge vents. Look for signs of dry rot and get in touch with a contractor in enough time to save your roof. It will become a serious problem.
Age can cause serious damage to your roof, even if there are no visible signs. A roof has to be replaced around every twenty years since it is not designed to last longer. If you have a great looking roof but it’s almost 30 years old, you should still replace it.
Don’t be intimidated by the subject of roofing. Your new found knowledge will be of help in many ways. If you want to learn more about roofing, you’ll have the basics to get started. Whatever you do, don’t forget these tips!
