A roof is necessary to keep your environment. That is the main reason why it must be properly maintained. Many homeowners don’t bother to take care of their roofs until the issues are major. Use the advice in this article to learn how you can maintain your roof remains in great shape for years to come.
Always be sure that you’re safe when you have to do any work on your roof. Don’t try to fix a leaking roof, for instance, while it is still storming outside. This is very dangerous. Put a bucket where it’s leaking and wait for clear weather.
Look over your roof carefully at least once per year. Spring and winter are times when damage the roof the most.
Avoid fixing your roof when things are icy, snowing or raining. This could cause injury and roofs are difficult to replace while moist. Only work on your roof if the weather is dry and sunny.
Don’t procrastinate on replacing worn or broken shingles. Replacing or repairing shingles immediately can save money and heartache. Maintaining your roof means it will extend its life.
Rubber soled shoes are a must when you get up on your roof. They will help you maintain footing whether the roof is wet or dry. Roof repairs will typically place you in harms way several times during the duration of their repairs, so be careful and think twice.
Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect your roof’s foundation. Water can leak into many areas that are rotting. You need to be checking all potential entry points so that you can find the problem.
Don’t hesitate to interrogate a would-be contractor before signing anything. Do they intend to secure each shingle using more than one nails? Three isn’t enough. Ask them about what their methods are to see if the answer they give is satisfactory. If you cannot get a reasonable answer, find someone else.
Consider the local climate in your area when replacing your roof. Clay roofs work great for dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. Clay tiles applied in damper climates will cause rapid deterioration. If not sure what to do, ask an expert.
When a roofing salesman throws a high-pressure pitch at you, it’s time to end the conversation. 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.
Mow your lawn before the contractor work on your roof. This will make it easier to find nails that fall from the roof. If he has a magnetic tool for finding nails, it will work better in shorter grasses.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask them what kind of warranties are available. Don’t contract with anyone who offers a warranty of less than three years. Five or more years is ideal. The warranty must cover defective supplies and shoddy workmanship. Make sure the contractor gives you a copy of it.
If your appointment with the roofer is scheduled, but the roofing contractor you contacted can’t get there for a couple days, you should try to provide yourself with a temporary fix for your leaking roof. Get a piece of heavy duty plastic and you can nail that over the leaking area with it.
Be sure that you’re hiring a roofer that has the proper licensing before they do any work. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what is required. Look up your local building department and call to ask what paperwork is needed.
Never go up onto your roof without professional training. If you have roof problems, find a pro to come look at it. You do not want to have the roof and it ends up caving in.
A contractor who hires employees is usually cheaper and more efficient than a contractor who works alone. Several roofers can get things done faster, which may also lower the cost. However, if one contractor is your only option, then ensure their price is not too high.
Make sure any roofer you employ has the proper licence to do the job. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what he says. Call your area’s building department to find out what the roofer needs to provide.
Before you install a new roof, check out your supplies. Installation issues like crooked nails or cracked shingles are a major source of leaks. Be certain the shingles you are using are in good repair and all nails are of an appropriate length to really anchor the shingles to your roof.
Insurance is vital when it comes to this line of work. If the roofer has no insurance and the property gets damaged, you are responsible for the bill. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, comprehensive coverage.
If you’re in need of a new roof on your home and consider yourself an environmentalist, consider installing a living roof. A living roof provides you with planting grounds! Although only appropriate on flat roofs in certain climates, a living roof also provides excellent insulation.
The age of your roof often dictates whether it needs to be replaced or not. Many roofs only last for around twenty years before they need replaced. If your new roof is installed over the old one, you really do need to replace it.
Only award your roofing work to a contractor who can prove he has valid insurance and proper licensing. If they can’t, don’t hire them. If you hire a contractor who is not properly insured, you will have to cover any damage they cause.
You need to think about how long a contractor has worked. Those who have been around in the area for some time obviously know how to keep their customers happy. Anyone that is new to this could be a scam you.
Consider trying architectural shingles when you replace your roof. Benefits of this type of shingle include longevity and an attractive appearance. Using architectural shingles for your roof could also increase the value of your home when you decide to sell it.
Only hire a roofer that can provide proof of active license and insurance.
Ask contractors about the associations the company belongs to. The best roofing companies will want to remain updated on the latest technology and roofing techniques; therefore, they will associate themselves with these kinds of groups. If this isn’t the case, you need to be wondering whether the contractor is fully dedicated to his work.
Don’t try to get too miserly when you’re getting the 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.
Before hiring a roofer, ask if the workers used are sub-contractors. If the company does not directly employ those who will work on your roof, it could cause liability concerns. Make sure you understand the sub-contracting situation before you make a commitment.
Keep your roof and other debris to make it last. If debris builds up, water can start to build up. When water sits on the roof, the wood beneath the shingle may rot, which requires costly repair work.
Safety should be your main priority. Danger abounds in roofing work. Don’t hurry things. If your weather is bad, it’s not smart to walk out on your roof. Just wait. Don’t injure yourself or worse in the name of home repair. You must pay attention to safety and take all possible precautions.
Don’t ever pay the full cost of a roof repair before there has started. Many conniving contractors ask for full payment only to disappear once they receive the funds.
Beware of door-to-door roofing companies. A good, reliable roofer does not have to solicit business. Credible companies usually prefer to set an appointment. In addition, their employees normally wear uniforms and drive vehicles that display the company name. Keep this in mind.
Always check the materials before they go on your house. Be certain your materials are intact at all stages of roofing work.
Know what the difference is between all the materials used in roofing. Each have advantages and disadvantages. For example, metal roofing is light, durable and has a relatively long life-span. However, it is not the most aesthetically pleasing of materials, and installation can be complicated. Asphalt shingles may not last as long but they’re easy to install and cheap. You may also want to think about tiled and wooden roofs.
Take it slow when choosing a contractor. Ask a ton of questions to ensure they are worth speaking to.
If you prefer to tackle roofing projects on your own, mind the weather conditions. Although you should obviously stay off the roof when it’s raining or snowing, you also need to be on the lookout for strong winds. A gust of wind can easily make you lose your balance and cause you to fall.
When you are trying to find a roofer, see if they have workers that are sub contractors. If the workers do not work for the company directly, it’s possible that you will have no protection against shoddy workmanship. Make sure you understand the sub-contracting situation before entering into a repair contract.
When hiring a contractor, get a roofing specialist. In order to know what you have, obtain the license number for the contractor. Licence numbers beginning with a letter “C” signifies a specialty in roofing where as licences that begin with the letter “B” are for general contractors.
Be wary of roofing companies that has roofers going door-to-door. A roofer doesn’t need to peddle his business this way. Credible companies work on an appointment. They usually have their employees that wear uniforms and drive vehicles with company identification on it. There may be a few exceptions out there, but you should keep this in mind.
It is a good idea to check for negative BBB reports before hiring your roofer. A good company is going to have some kind of listing with the Better Business Bureau while one that isn’t that good won’t have one. The BBB is a great resource for dealing with any contracting services.
Watch out for storm chasers! These contractors search for areas that have just been hit by a major storm. Most live elsewhere and do not have proper licensing or insurance. You can identify them in several ways, their licence plate and their references from many different states.
If you’ve recently had work done on your roof, head to your attic the next time rain falls. This lets you see whether the leaks have been repaired. It will also make you aware of any weak shingles you may have.
As mentioned earlier, your roof is very important in protecting your home and everyone living in it. Make sure you apply the advice found above to keep your home in good shape. You will find out that your efforts pay off.
The roofing material you choose can really give your home a new look. Go with darker shingles if your roof is steep. Doing this provides a subtle look to your home. If your house has a shallow pitch, consider roofing materials that are light in color. This gives the appearance of a taller house.
