Though most roofs are meant to last a decade or more, some maintenance may be needed along the way. Maintaining your roof is very important.The following tips will give you keep your roof in good shape.
Check out your roof thoroughly at least one time every year. Spring rains and winter storms are especially hard on your roof. Most damages occur during these months. Keep an eye out during these times.
Never hesitate to replace your shingles need to be replaced.Replacing or repairing shingles immediately can save money and energy in the future. Taking proper care of your roof will make it last.
Repair your leak when the water has dried up. Not only is there no way to quickly patch a leak, but your safety could be compromised on a slippery, wet roof. Once the sun is shining again, you can look at the roof with a fresh set of eyes.
When fixing a leak on your roof, you must finish the job right to begin with. This often means you’re not going to want to only stop on the initial spot has problems. Check the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems that you’re going to have to take care of.
While leaks sometimes do come from problems with your shingles, you should also check the foundation of the roof. If your home is showing signs of dry rot, your house is vulnerable to water intrusion. Review all entry points, look for rotting wood and make sure the issue is resolved.
Make sure that you’re safely secured whenever you need to go on your roof.
Do not try to repair a roof if it’s raining, snowing or icy outside. When your roof is slippery or wet, you might fall and hurt yourself or, in extreme cases, be killed. Wait for sunny weather before you work on your roof.
When you are selecting a roofer, check with family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Ask about the job that was done after work was completed and if they offer warranties for future repairs.
You should choose materials used for your roof in relation of the weather. Dry climates can greatly benefit from clay roofs. They also keep homes cool. Clay does not do well in wet climates and can damage a roof pretty quickly. As always, if you aren’t sure, then you should ask.
Make sure your homework before you decide on what contractor you will hire to do roof work. Don’t hire the cheapest contractor you locate.
When you hire roofing contractors, you need to check into their references and reputation. Call the clients and ask them about their experience. Also, you may want to inspect some of the addresses on your own. Drive by and get a good look before deciding who to hire.
Insurance is something you need to have when it comes to roofing. If the roofer you use causes damage and they are uninsured, it’s going to cost you. Don’t just speak with the person doing the job to see if they have the insurance, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.
Make a list of questions to ask before hiring a roofer. A good question might be how many nails are going to be used in each shingle. Generally, three nails are not enough. Ask them about the methods they use to find out whether or not they give good answers. Go with another contractor if you’re not happy with their answer.
A good team working in unison can accomplish a job quicker and this usually ends up with a much cheaper final product.
Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. Find one that is covers you for at least 3-5 years to be safe. The warranty needs to cover defective materials and poor installation. You should receive a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty too.
Don’t take any shortcuts when you buy cheap roofing materials. 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.
Any roofing contractor you are considering hiring should maintain full and up to date credentials. Nearly every state makes licensing a requirement, so be sure that they have the proper licensing. They should also have liability insurance and a workers’ compensation certificate.
Get several quotes from different contractors before hiring one. Some contractors have much higher prices that are crooks who want to milk you for your money. To make sure you are getting the most for your money, you need to see what the going rate is in your market before making decisions.
If you are big into the environment, consider a living roof. A living roof has layers of soil in which a plant or flowers can be grown. Though not all climates will support year-round vegetation, the roof is still very efficient due to its insulating qualities.
Climbing on top of a roof can be dangerous. Roofs aren’t strategically designed for people to be walking over them. Make sure to wear shoes have rubber soles so as to prevent slipping. You should also try to strap on a harness.
Architectural shingles are another great alternative roofing material. Benefits of this type of shingle include longevity and an attractive appearance. Additionally, homes with this type of roofing are sought after by buyers, meaning it can actually add to your home’s resale value.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations when you’re searching for a roofing contractor. This is the best ways to find someone suitable. They may be able to get you where to look.
Get on the roof to check it following a strong wind if you cannot see anything from a ladder or the ground. A few shingles blown off can result in major leaks, so you must fix the damage as soon as possible. Every time you get through a storm, you need to look it over and be safe about it.
Take your time when hiring a roofer because it is not an easy decision to make.Ask the contractors you are considering lots of questions to ensure they recommend someone that is well worth money and time.
Expect complete professionalism from your contractor at every step in the process. For instance, the contractor should give you a written quote. If the individual is professional with you prior to starting the job, he or she is much more likely to do the work in a professional manner as well.
This will protect you an advantage when it comes to talking with a contractor.
Don’t hire a contractor in haste. Talk to people who have had success with contractors to get an honest opinion. Ask the contractors you are considering lots of questions to ensure you are comfortable with them.
Not all roofers are equal in skill, so choose one with care. Do not pick someone based on fancy ads. Word of mouth happens to be a great indicator of advertisement. Check out reviews online and talk with your friends.Look at the roofer’s rating with business groups in your area. Hiring a sub-par contractor may cost you plenty of money.
All roofing contractors were not created equally. Don’t go for the flashiest ad. Positive feedback from other people is your best bet. Ask for referrals from loved ones or check online. Business groups in your area should have information on the reputation of a contractor. Hiring a bad contractor may cost you tons of money.
If the weather does not cooperate, put off roofing work. Fixing your roof is not worth the injury or death. You need to know what you are doing and use caution.
When you interview potential roofers, ask about their existing project schedule. Inquire as to the number of workers that will be required to repair your roof, and ask how long the repairs are going to take. Then, find out how many people the firm has available for the job. If a company is working several project at the same time and does not maintain enough employees, it will have trouble finishing a job on time.
Ask your contractor is currently doing. Find out how many employees within the company. Companies with lots of current projects and few employees are more likely to miss deadlines.
Beware of door-to-door roofing companies. A good roofer that has a solid reputation isn’t going to need to solicit your business. Usually when a company is credible they will set up an appointment. It is also common to see their uniformed employees driving around in a company vehicle. Of course, this does not apply to every reliable company, but keep your eyes open.
Properly Maintained
Never allow ice to build on the roof. Ice can cause several problems on a roof. You can help protect your roof from ice by using ice shields and drip shields. Proper ventilation will make your roof last a lot longer.
If your roof is properly maintained, your house will stay properly maintained as well. If you think about it, the roof on your home is a very important asset. Remember the advice you’ve read here, so you will be prepared when it’s time to fix your roof.
Painting a roof is a bad idea. Just one coat of paint might be enough to void your roof’s warranty. You should call your insurance agent to find out how painting your roof would impact your warranty. A sparkling roof does little if it isn’t covered by your insurance.
