You probably have not given your home’s roof much about roofing.A roof can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home. This article will give you started with the basics of roofing.
Look over your roof carefully at least once a year. Common seasons for roof damage are winter and spring. With this in mind, you should monitor the state of your roof frequently during these times.
Make sure you’re secured properly every time you need to go on your roof.
If you find your roof leaking during rainy weather, don’t try and fix the problem until the weather gets better. It is impossible to quickly fix a leak problem, and you are putting yourself in danger. When it’s dry you can fix it safely and properly.
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor work on your roof is replaced. This helps make it easier to find any dropped nails much easier should they fall during the job. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, it will work best with the short grass.
Although your shingles can sometimes cause a leak to occur, you should check out your roof’s foundation. If you have dry rot on your home’s sides, it can allow water to get into your home. Check every possible entry point, including rotten wood, to ensure you solve the problem once and for all.
If your roofer is a few days away from attending at your home, fix it temporarily. Get a piece of heavy duty plastic and you can nail that over the leaking area with it.
Make sure that your grass is cut before the project begins. This helps keep debris and falling nails in order. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, short grass will also help this tool work more efficiently.
Make sure the roofing materials are in good condition.
References are critical when choosing a roofer or any other contractor. Ask previous customers whether they are satisfied with the work done and the price paid. Also, take some time to drive by the addresses. Walk or drive past the homes to check out the roof and, if homeowners are outside, stop to ask some questions.
Do not get upset if you cannot find your roof leak. You will find the source eventually if you use a water hose, and the use of a water hose and a buddy system can help. If your house is large, use cell phones to communicate so that water isn’t flowing into the house unnecessarily as you test different areas to find the leak.
When you are selecting a roofer, consult your family, friends and colleagues. 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.
You should consider the length of time that a contractor has been doing business.Those who’ve been around in your area for some time likely provide customer satisfaction. A roofer with no track record is pretty suspicious; be aware that hasn’t been in operation for too long may very well be run by scammers who will take your money and run.
When it comes to your roof, you should stay away from quick-fixes. It may not cost you a lot to do, but after a while it could cause more damage than it saves and that costs a lot of money. It is always best to fully repair the problem as quickly as possible so that you do not have much bigger problems down the road.
Find out if your contractor is a part of an industry associations. The good contractors join industry groups to stay informed on the latest technological advances and improvements to standard techniques. If they’re not, then you may just begin to wonder if they are truly dedicated to their chosen field.
Never go up onto your roof to inspect for damage. If you feel there might be a problem, then you need to hire a professional to look at it for you. You certainly shouldn’t walk around on a roof that could collapse.
Make sure to ask plenty of questions are clearly answered before letting your roofing contractor begin work.The worst thing is that you can do not ask a question and then it becomes a problem develop later on. If your contractor isn’t willing to answer questions, don’t work with them.
Make sure a roofing contractor has current, valid certifications. Generally, any roofer you hire will need to have a current and valid license. They should also have liability insurance and a workers’ compensation certificate.
Get multiple quotes when hiring a roofer. There are companies out there that try and squeeze as much money from you as they can.To avoid falling for a scam and losing your money, evaluate the roofing market.
Check roofing materials before putting new shingles up. Cracked or warped shingles, the wrong type or length of nails along with any other inappropriate materials can doom the installation from the beginning. Be sure that you have strong shingles that don’t have any cracks and that you’re using nails that can penetrate your shingles so that they are secured onto the structure.
Many people neglect roof boots when they are maintaining their roof.These boots are located where the roof fence comes up and they can dry out very quickly when performing tasks. When this occurs, you are very susceptible to leaks so be sure to check on them and replace if necessary.
If you want to go green when installing your new roof, think about acquiring a living roof. A living roof allows you to grow greenery on it. This is only appropriate for flat roofs in a certain type of climate, but it provides great insulation.
When you are trying to choose a roofing contractor to inspect or repair your roof, check with the BBB. This will show you if any previous customers of the companies you are considering have lodged any complaints with any contractors you are thinking of hiring. You can also check-in with the Chamber of Commerce.
If your home has endured a powerful wind storm, it is important that you thoroughly inspect your roof for damage. If necessary, climb up on top of your roof. Shingles may need replacement after a vicious storm. Whether you have to get up on your rooftop or can see it from a ladder, be sure to be safe while performing an inspection.
Have your contractor explain the whole process. He should discuss things like the type of products that must be used, the clean-up procedure, costs, etc. Make sure you totally understand the plan in its entirety. If you feel that a contractor does not provide you with adequate information, or he’s making you uneasy, then you probably should not do business with him.
Ask your contractor about any concerns you have. What would happen if you failed to ask a question that could have saved you thousands of dollars? If your contractor isn’t willing to answer questions, then you probably should find another contractor.
Get all paperwork to your contractor well before hiring a contractor. Your contractor might need permits or bond prior to them beginning work on your roof.
Many people neglect the roof boots when they are maintaining their roof. They are near the roof fence and can get dried out. Upon drying out, they are extremely susceptible to leaks.
Determine your roof’s age to see if it needs repairs or to be replaced. Knowing when to replace your roof largely depends on how old it is.
Look at all the ways to keep your roof properly maintenance every year. No matter how well the roof is installed, problems can easily arise, especially if your area is prone to bad weather or extreme temperatures. Just one inspection per year can make a huge difference.
Learn more about the different roofing materials. Each one has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. However, installing metal roofing can be hard, and it may look out of place in your neighborhood. Asphalt shingles are lower cost and easier to work with, but it generally doesn’t last as long. You may also want to think about tiles or wood materials.
To determine if you should repair or replace your roof, find out how old it is. The age of the roof can help determine if the roof needs replaced. Most roofs last 15-20 years, so if yours is that old you need an upgrade.
Never allow ice accumulate on your roof for long periods of time if you reside in a colder climate. Ice can potentially cause damage to a roof. You can help protect your roof from ice with handy tools like ice shields or drip shields. Proper ventilation will make your roof last a big help.
Rubber-soled shoes are a must when performing any type of work on your roof. It’s not safe to be up so high. Rubber-soled shoes offer better traction, helping to keep you safe from falling. A slick roof is a dangerous roof. If you slip, you could be killed.
This will help the ladder from falling.
Be skeptical of any company that has roofers going door-to-door. Reputable roofers with solid community ties generally do not need to actively seek out new clients on a door-to-door basis. The majority of legitimate companies normally establish appointments. They also usually outfit their crew with uniforms and vehicles with the company logo. There are always exceptions, but think twice.
Always be wary of weather whenever you do any roofing work. While it’s usually not a good idea to work in the rain obviously, be careful with strong winds.
Know the differences between materials you’re going to use on your roof. Not all materials are equal. Some work better in certain situations and environments, while another may work better in a different setting. For example, metal roofing is very durable and lightweight. However, metal roofs are more difficult to install, and the look may not fit into the house’s appearance. Shingles made from asphalt cost less and are easier to handle, but they do not last as long. You should also consider other roofing materials, such as tile and wood.
Check with your local Better Business Bureau about any roof contractors you are considering to find out if they are registered or if any complaints have a good reputation. Most professional companies have listings with the BBB.The BBB has always been a powerful tool when dealing with any contracting service.
Clear any ice from your roof before there’s a build up. It can cause a variety of roofing problems. You can prevent ice build up by installing drip, rain or ice shields on your roof. Good ventilation can also help with this.
Large tress can make a home look attractive, but they can be harmful to roofs. Trim trees that are near the roof to minimize damage from nearby branches. This will also keep leaves from clogging your gutters.
Avoid hiring a contractor that can’t prove they have an active license and carry adequate insurance. If the work isn’t as promised, you won’t have recourse to do anything. Hiring a contractor who is not licensed is a mistake. It’s illegal in some states!
As stated before, your knowledge of roofing may be lacking. Hopefully, you now have a much better understanding of the subject and can go forward and tackle any roofing issues that may arise in the future. Remember that a well maintained roof is essential to protect you, your family and your home.
A great tip for anyone who is working on their roof is to bring a ladder up there and then nail a couple pieces of wood down to keep the ladder in place. A secure ladder on your roof will help you avoid falling and make it easier for you to do what you need to do.
