A well-maintained roof protects you and your family from the elements. When the roof begins to fail, the forces of nature can cause havoc with a whole host of other parts of your home. Knowing how to properly care for your roof can really save you trouble in time. Prepare yourself to keep your roof well-maintained by reading the tips in this article.
If you think your shingles need replacing, do not hesitate to act. Waiting to fix small problems is not a good option since you might end up spending a lot more if the problems get worse. Replacing or repairing shingles immediately can save money and stress later. Maintaining your roof will extend its life.
Don’t try to fix your roof in inclement weather. A slippery or wet roof could cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you’re doing roof work yourself, do it when it’s dry and sunny outside.
Leaks come from having damaged shingles, but you should also inspect your roof’s foundation. Water can get into your home anywhere that dry rot has occurred. Look to every area that could be an entry point,including any area with rotted wood, so that you can fix the problem for good.
Consider your climate when thinking about roofing. Clay roofs work great in dry climates and may keep the house cool. Clay roof tiles should not be used in rainy climates will cause your roof to deteriorate much quicker than other materials would. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask.
Wet conditions are the enemy of safe and effective roof work. You are far more likely to sustain an injury–or worse. It is in your best interest to tackle your project on a dry, sunny day.
When you are looking into hiring a roofing contractor, ask your family, friends and co-workers first. Ask how well contractors cleaned when they finished the clean-up job that was done after work was completed and if warranties for future repairs.
Rubber boots should be worn when working on the roof. Even if the weather is dry you don’t want to take any chances of slipping off the roof. Fixing things on your roof indicates you will be in some awkward positions that could cause you to slip, so stay safe.
Don’t attempt to create a temporary fix for your roof repairs. It may seem cost effective at the time, but it may end up causing more damage, you are more likely to have further damage that will only cost you more money. The best thing to do is to completely fix the problem as quickly as you can so that nothing bad happens later on.
Make sure that you’re secured in the right way anytime you’re doing work on your roof. It’s important to remember this because it is quite easy to slip and fall. Many people are hurt or killed by falling off roofs every year.
Once you have your potential contractors list narrowed down, ask them what kind of warranties are available. You want to be offered 3-5 years. The warranty should deal with poor work and defective materials, and they should also supply you with copies of the manufacturer warranties too.
If you plan on hiring a roofing contractor, talk to your family and friends first. If any of them have done business with this contractor, they can let you know how pleased they were with his overall work. In addition, you should ask them about the contractor’s clean-up procedure and if they provide warranties.
A roofing team working in unison can accomplish a job quicker and this usually ends up with a much cheaper final product.
If a salesman is pressuring you into a deal, turn him away. These types of people are difficult to deal with, so it’s best to end any relationship before it begins.
Make sure the roofing materials are in good condition.
If your appointment with the roofer is scheduled, but is not to occur for a few more days, you may want to make a temporary leak repair. You can nail heavy plastic to damaged areas. This isn’t the best way to work with leaks, however, it works in a pinch.
Get references for any roofer you may hire. A reliable contractor should be able to give you a few references. If a contractor is hesitant to give them to you, it’s probably best to just move on. This can be a tell-tale sign of issues down the road.
Don’t just climb onto your roof to look for problem areas. If there is a problem, call a professional to come and have a look. If you walk around on your roof, you could damage it further or injure yourself.
Don’t get too discouraged if you’re not able to find out where a leak on your roof. You are going to find the problem, and having a buddy will help as well.If you have a large house, have someone inside with a cell phone keep in touch with you as you look for the leak.
Ask your potential contractor about the warranty that they provide. You want one that is about 3 to 5 years, and longer is preferable. The warranty should cover defective materials, as well as workmanship, and they should provide you with copies of any relevant manufacturer warranties.
Ask the roofing contractors how long their company has been in business. Those who have been working in your area for some time obviously know how to keep their customers happy.Anyone that is new to this could be a scam you.
Always check the credentials of the roofing contractors you are considering for work on your home. The need for licensing is nearly universal. Ensure that all documentation is present and in date. A reliable roofer will also be signed up for workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
If a roof leak has you worried, bring a hose with you and spray the roof down. You will be able to see any leaks that exist and where exactly it is located. This is a lot cheaper and quicker than hiring a contractor.
How old your roof is will often determine whether or not it is time to replace it. Most roofs need to be replaced about every 20 years. If your new roof is installed over the old one, you must replace it after 20 years.
Don’t cut corners when you are purchasing new materials for your home’s roof. The initial cost savings of low priced materials cannot outweigh the best option as they can end up costing you more money down the road.
If you are big into the environment, consider a living roof. Living roofs have soil layers that you can plant a garden with or grow some vegetables. While they only work on various kinds of flat roofs in specific climates, they give you great insulation.
Make sure all your questions when hiring a contractor. The worst thing is that you can do is keep a question and then it becomes a problem develop later on. If you find your roofer to be a bit standoffish, you should not work with them anyway.
You need to keep debris off of your roof in order to keep it in good shape. These materials can cause water to pool and it will damage your roof. When water sits on the roof, shingle layers start to rot, which requires costly repair work.
Get quotes prior to hiring a roofing contractor. Some contractors are unwarranted. To steer clear of rip-offs, evaluate the roofing market.
Pay attention to the little things when you hire a roofing contractor. A punctual contractor is likely someone who is dependable. Giving typed bids also looks professional. It is important that the roofer you hire has these two qualities.
If you’re considering some creative and unique roofing options, then you need to ask about the experience of the contractor in that specific area. If they say no, choose someone else. You can’t take any chances like that when it pertains to your roof.
Always go up onto your roof to inspect it after a strong wind storm if you can’t see it from the ground or a ladder. It is important to catch shingle damage early since a few coming off can mean huge leaks. Give it a quick look-over every time, but remember to do so safely.
Always check the condition of roofing materials that are being used to repair or replace your house. Be sure that you’re paying attention to what you’re doing at all stages of the work.
Many homeowners who attempt to fix their roof often neglect the roof boots. Roof boots are made of rubber and are susceptible to drying out. If this happens then it can cause leaks which is why they need to be checked on and replaced when necessary.
Regardless of the expertise of your roofer, issues are bound to crop up, particularly if you live in an area that has extreme temperatures. A yearly visit by a roofer can ensure your roof in the best shape possible.
Your contractor should have all his paperwork in order prior to starting your project. Your contractor might need to get permits or bonds before starting to work. Your local building department will know what is required for your specific project.
Climbing on top of a roof is usually very dangerous. Roofs aren’t designed for human traffic. Make sure that your shoes with rubber soles so as to prevent slipping. You should also consider wearing a harness if you have one.
To decide whether you need a complete roof replacement or just a few repairs, be sure to take your roof’s age into account. This is the chief determining factor of when to make changes to your roof. Many roofs last from 15-20 years, so if the roof is this old, you need to upgrade it.
If the weather is not ideal to climb out onto your roof, put off roofing work. Fixing your roof is not worth injury or dying for. You need to know exactly what to do and take all of the necessary precautions.
Put safety first with any home project. Roofing is generally dangerous. There is no need to rush. When there’s inclement weather outside, stay off your roof! Your roof is important, but your safety comes first. It is important that you make sure you know what you’re doing and that you are cautious.
A roof in disrepair can cause big problems for the homeowner. Costly repairs, or even a new roof, may be the drastic consequence. You can avoid those problems by following the advice in this article. Use this new information and you will gain a lot of insight into proper roof maintenance.
Beware of door-to-door roofing companies. A roofer with an established business and good reputation shouldn’t have to go soliciting for business. The majority of legitimate companies normally establish appointments. Established roofing companies are also likely to employ roofers who drive vehicles with company identification. There are always exceptions to the rule, however lack of these signs should be considered it a warning to check further into a company.
