A well-maintained roof is going to shield your home from the elements. If there is an issue, mother nature can really take a toll on your entire house. Knowing how to care for your roof saves you money and time in the future. Read the tips on keeping your roof in good shape.
Inspect your own roof annually. Spring and winter months tend to damage the roof the most. With this in mind, you should monitor the state of your roof frequently during these times.
Don’t procrastinate on replacing worn or broken shingles. Replacing or repairing your roof as problems arise can save you a ton of money and stress later. Your roof will last much longer if it is maintained well.
You shouldn’t put off replacing shingles. While you may prefer to put the work off, this will most likely result in greater damages. You should fix or replace weak shingles as soon as possible to prevent leaks from appearing. If your roof is properly maintained, it will last quite a while.
Consider the climate when thinking about roofing.Clay roofs work great in dry climates and may keep the house cool. Clay tiles applied in rainy climates will cause rapid deterioration. If you don’t know what material is best in your area, then don’t be afraid to ask.
Remember: safety first. The weather is key to whether or not you should be up on a roof. Put a bucket to catch the water until the rain stops, then get up on the roof to find the problem.
If you find a leak, make sure you get it right with the first try. This means you’re not going to want to only stop on the first issue. Check your entire roof and you may find more problems.
Never attempt to fix a roof when it is raining, snowing, or conditions are icy. If your roof is slippery and wet, you may fall, causing bad injuries or perhaps death. If you decide to repair your roof on your own, do it when it’s dry and sunny outside.
Wear shoes with rubber soles whenever you work on your roof.
Always wear rubber-soled boots when working on your roof. This is necessary to ensure that you have good footing, even in dry conditions. Working on a roof is always a dangerous proposition. It is easy to slip and fall while balancing on high, slanted rooftops, so take your safety very seriously.
Make sure you’re secured whenever you climb onto your roof.
Co-workers, friends, and family should be the first resources for picking a contractor. Find out if they were happy with the work and the cost of a particular roofer. As about how clean they were, too.
It is important that you check out your potential contractor’s history before you hire. Once you have their references, ask the homeowners who the roofer worked for how they feel about the quality and value of the work. You need to also go and check out some of their previous work. Drive past them and take a look before making your roofer.
Turn down offers made using pressure tactics. Roofers who try to sell their product this way are not people you want to deal with. This type of salesman will do what they have to do to convince you that you cannot live without what they are offering. It could end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars if you do not put a stop to their pitch.
Always research contractors you are considering for your roofing job. Don’t just accept the cheapest or first company you locate.
When you have a short list of contractors you want to contact, find out what kind of warranties are available. The warranty should last at least three years. The longer it lasts, the better. The warranty must cover defective supplies and shoddy workmanship. Make sure the contractor gives you a copy of it.
Make sure the roofer you hire is trained and skilled. You can ask family and friends for personal recommendations. This is important because you don’t want to have a poor roofing work that could be expensive later on.
Have you checked the contractor’s credentials? Roofers should be licensed. Also, be sure they are currently holding good liability insurance and a worker’s compensation certificate.
You should generally avoid walking around your own roof in search of damaged spots. If you have been having any issues, you should hire a person to examine things. You definitely don’t want to have the roof cave in under your feet.
Check your roofing materials thoroughly before installation. A lot of leaks come from just installing the roof because shingles are cracked or nails aren’t the correct size. Make sure all shingles do not have cracks and are strong, and that your nails are long enough to penetrate the shingle completely and secure them to the roof.
Be sure that you’re hiring a potential roofer that has the proper licensing before they do any work. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what he says. Contact your local building department and see what is needed.
If you think your roof might have a leak, try using a garden hose to spray it down. You will then be able to see any leaks that exist and assess the damaged areas. This can be a cheaper alternative to having to hire a contractor.
Make sure a roofing contractor has current, and make sure thy are current.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 your roof contains no excess debris. When there is build up, water stays put. Sitting water on your roof can lead to rotting, leaks and a huge repair bill.
Check roofing materials thoroughly before putting new shingles up.
You don’t want to forget the small things when you’re hiring a roofer. A punctual contractor is likely someone who is dependable. Additionally, they should be given you a written bid. It shows professionalism. Your roofer must do both.
Only hire a roofer that can provide proof of an active licenses and insurance.
If you want a unique looking roof, make sure to ask your potential roofer how experienced they are in this particular area. If they do not have experience, find someone else. You want to ensure that the best professionals are repairing your roof.
Think about using architectural shingles for a roof replacement project.They’re great looking and also last longer.
Confirm your roofing contractor’s credentials before hiring. Doing so, you’ll be able to see any previous complaints against the contractors you’re considering. You should also check with your local Chamber of Commerce.
Ask your contractor which industry associations he takes part of. The good contractors are going to be involved in these groups to stay informed on the latest technological advances and current information. If your roofer is not, their dedication may be questionable.
Avoid entering into verbal contracts that have not been written. If you forgo a printed contract in favor of a verbal one, you have no recourse if something goes awry. A thorough, written contract is the most efficient way to ensure the job is completed when and how it should be completed.
You need to be able to see if there are any damaged shingles quickly so that you can to prevent leaks. Look over your roof, but do so safely.
Talk to everyone you know and ask them for recommendations when it comes to selecting a roofer. Finding a contractor by word of mouth remains the best strategy. Past tradesman who have worked on other areas of your home may also be a source of knowledge. If nothing else, it can help you start correctly.
OSHA requires all roofing contractors to establish a safety plans for projects. These plans are crucial for making sure that a project is completed properly.
It is important to know your roof’s age in order to determine what type of repair is necessary. Older roofs should be replaced. If you’ve gone 15 or 20 years without replacing your roofing, it’s time to start considering it.
Take it slow when hiring a contractor for your roofing needs. Ask the contractors you are considering lots of questions to ensure they recommend someone that is well worth money and time.
Wear rubber-soled shoes. The roof is a dangerous place to be working. The traction offered by the rubber soled footwear will make falls less likely and make walking on the roof easier. Roofs are known to be slippery. It will be hard to stay sure footed without the proper preparation.
Be wary of roofing companies that have employees soliciting you at home. A roofer doesn’t need to peddle his business this way. Most companies that are credible companies prefer to set appointments. They usually have uniformed employees that wear uniforms and company logos. There are exceptions, of course, always exceptions.
Large trees are pretty to look at, but they can be harmful to roofs. Tree branches near your roof can cause damage whenever it storms; therefore, ensure you trim them regularly. This will prevent them from damaging your roof and also help to keep leaves from piling up in your gutters.
Never allow ice accumulate on your roof for long periods of time if you reside in a colder climate. It can cause a number of roofing problems. You can help to stop ice with handy tools like ice shields and drip shields. Proper ventilation will also be a bit as well.
Make sure everything is outlined on paper during the length of the job like the repairs needed, materials, insurance claims, and any expenses. A repair that is well-documented is going to run far smoother and makes problems simpler to fix in the future. The paperwork will help resolve any disputes, claims, or confusion with the involved parties.
If a roof is poorly maintained, it can be a nightmare to deal with the repairs or replacement. Armed with the suggestions presented above, you can spare yourself that trouble. Be sure that these things are used when roofing issues occur so that you’re confident in any work that you do to fix things.
If you are going to hire a contractor for your roof work, get quotes from multiple companies. Compare their warranties, guarantees, time lines and pricing structure. You will be able to save quite a bit of money and time by doing this.
