Roof maintenance and repairs are two things that everyone that owns a homeowner. The trouble with this is that not everyone understands the basics. You can make sure you are properly taking care of your roof.
Check out your roof yearly. Roof damage is most likely to occur during winter and spring. For this reason, these are the times to pay close attention to your own roof.
If a leak pops up during a storm, wait until things settle down before doing any repairs. You can’t walk safely on a wet and slippery roof.A dry is roof is a safe roof.
If a contractor is pitching you hard, just walk away. Some of them will do whatever it takes to get your signature on a contract. This is never a good sign for the consumer, so stop them long before you get to that point.
Don’t try to fix any roof during wet weather. A slippery or wet roof could cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you decide to repair your roof on your own, make sure to do it during dry and sunny days.
If you have gotten in touch with a roofer but he cannot come out for several days, you may need a temporary fix. A large roll of heavy plastic and nails is all it will take. This may be a somewhat inefficient method of handing leaks, but it can buy you some time.
Always wear rubber-soled boots when working on a rooftop.
Avoid paying full amounts upfront. Normally, you pay 25% or so to start the job. Some contractors will not consider your roof as a priority anymore once you pay the full amount.
Mow your lawn before the contractor work on your roof. This helps make it easier time locating nails that fall on the ground so you can pick them up later.If your roofer has a magnetic nail locator, short grass will also help this tool work more efficiently.
Never go up on your roof without professional training. If you’re having major issues, get a professional out there asap. If you walk around on your roof, you could damage it further or injure yourself.
If your contractor won’t be out for a day or two, temporarily repair the leaks yourself. Get some heavy plastic and you can nail it up.
Selecting a contractor with additional workers may be your best and cheapest option. A team can work quicker and the price may be more affordable, too. If you are hiring a single roofer, be sure that you aren’t overcharged for labor.
Don’t use remedies that only work for your roof repairs. It may seem like a money saver, but in the end, and that may cost you more. You want to always catch any roof problems as early as possible before they cause serious damages.
The age of your roof can help you figure out if replacement is needed. Most roofs need to be replaced about every 20 years. If your existing roof was put directly into an older one, you really do need to replace it.
Be sure that you’re hiring a potential roofer is properly licensed.Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what is required.Contact the building department where you live and ask them what is needed.
Don’t get discouraged if you can’t locate the source of a leak on your roof. You will eventually find the source using process of elimination or by using your water hose with a friend’s help. Use cell phones with one person in the attic and the other outside.
Check roofing materials before installation.
If you think your roof has a leak, bring a hose with you and spray the roof down. This will help you find the exact location of the leak and assess how bad it is. It doesn’t cost as much as hiring a professional, so give it a try.
It’s very important to catch damage to the shingles as soon as possible. Look at the roof each time, remembering to be safe.
Don’t hire a contractor unless they can give you proof of up to date insurance and licensing. If they can’t, don’t hire them. You have no options of recourse if their work is not up to standard.
Roof boots are an area of a roof that is commonly ignored. They are found along the roof fence and can get dried out. When they do, leaks usually are not too far behind so make sure this doesn’t become a problem area for you.
To maintain a mint condition roof, clear excess debris from it, such as sticks and leaves. Too much debris on your roof can cause water to build up. Sitting water on your roof can lead to rotting, leaks and a huge repair bill.
Don’t agree to a contract; get a written down. A verbal contract with a roofer they will find that issues occur when the road. A written contract is the sole way for proving they did not performed his duties.
When undergoing a roof replacement, you may want to consider architectural shingles. Besides being more durable than bargain shingles, architecturaal shingles have more aesthetic appeal. They are highly sought after by many, so that adds value to the home when considering resale.
Quality roofing companies always carry insurance that covers unexpected events. If they aren’t insured, it’s you who will be liable, you should never hire a contractor who doesn’t have insurance or does not have much insurance. Ask for this information and contact that insurance company to see if they can verify it by calling their insurer.
Ask prospective contractors about their memberships in industry associations. Reputable firms will be interested in staying up to date with current trends and methods in the industry. It is reasonable to wonder about the company’s dedication to the field if they do not participate with any of the relevant associations.
OSHA requires contractors to have safety plan for projects. This plan is important for ensuring projects are completed correctly.
Inspect all roofing materials that are being used on your home carefully. Cracked shingles are easy to find in advance, but can cause big problems in the future if overlooked. Make sure all of your material is up to snuff before, during and after the installation.
This will give you an advantage when it comes to talking with a ride since you’ll know about the work that needs to be done.
Learn if your roofing contractor is able to perform annual maintenance work. Even a perfectly executed roofing project can incur damage later on. This is especially true in parts of the country with extreme heat or cold. An annual inspection will keep your roof properly maintained.
Do not assume you need of a new roof. Call a pro and have them look at your roof before you invest any money.
When you are trying to choose a roofing contractor to inspect or repair your roof, you would be wise to check with the Better Business Bureau. You will be able to view complaints from past customers. Checking in with your locality’s Chamber of Commerce is also a good idea.
Not all roofers are equal in skill, so select yours carefully. Do not pick someone based on fancy ads. Word of mouth happens to be a great indicator of advertisement. Check reviews online or seek out the advice of friends. Check local business groups. Hiring a sub-par contractor may cost you thousands.
Make sure that you get your contract in writing. A verbal contract won’t protect you if anything happens down the road. A written contract can help should any problems or disagreements arise.
Ask your contractor about their present workload. How many employees work at the job?Companies with several projects and few employees could struggle to meet deadlines.
Speak with family and friends when seeking a roofing contractor. This is one of the best ways to find someone reliable and honest. Consult with other contractors for referrals. This can be anything from a plumber to a carpenter. Worst case, they should definitely be able to get you heading in the proper direction.
Learn about different roofing materials. Each one has positives and cons. However, metal is a bit more difficult to install, and the look may not fit into the house’s appearance. Asphalt shingling is cheaper and easier to install, but have a shorter life span. You may also consider the advantages/disadvantages of wood and cons of tile and wood shingles too.
Have your contractor explain the whole project in full. Talk about the materials used, how the roof will be cleaned and how long it will take. Be sure that you fully understand the plan they lay out for you. If your contractor does not appear knowledgeable or seems to withhold information, search elsewhere.
Don’t ever hire roofing contractors that don’t have proof of licensing. If the job doesn’t go as expected, there will be nothing you can do about it. What if you pay a thousand dollars on a contractor without a license? You would be breaking the law in most states.
A total roof replacement is an excellent idea — as long as it is needed, that is. Call a professional for an inspection prior to making an expensive decision. People often make the mistake of paying for a whole new roof when all they needed were repairs.
Don’t agree to any big decisions over the phone just because you receive a lucky quote. These quotes are being used to hook and lock in customers by phone.
All roofing contractors aren’t equal. It is important to find a good one. Avoid choosing because of a splashy ad. Customer reviews are a much better, and reliable, source of information. Ask your friends for advice, or look up reviews on the Internet. Check local business groups for the contractor’s reputation. Choosing a poor contractor could turn out to be very costly.
Cleaning the gutters is one of the most important tasks for your roof. Clogged gutters can back up water and damages the roof. Make sure your gutters are checked and cleaned on a monthly basis.
Don’t ignore safety. Roofing is dangerous work. Don’t try to rush everything. Wait if the weather isn’t perfect. There is no need to risk injury or death to make little repairs. Make sure that you do your homework before stepping on the roof.
Every homeowner understands how important it is to have a roof in good condition. Having said that, knowledge on how to achieve a great roof can be difficult. Fortunately, this article has given you all of the knowledge you need to become more familiar with this important topic.
Large tress can make a home look attractive, but they are bad for the roof. If you have large trees, be sure to trim them so that they are not in contact with your roof. This keeps the roof in great condition and prevents excess leaf buildup in the gutters.
