Roof maintenance and repair are two things that everyone that owns a home needs to learn about. The trouble is that many people don’t even know the basics. You can make sure you are properly taking care of your roof.
Examine your roof on a yearly basis. Typically, roofs suffer the most damage during winter and spring. Because of this, you must pay special attention during these months.
Don’t try to fix your roof in inclement weather. A slippery or wet roof could cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you work on the roof on your own, do it when it’s dry and sunny outside.
If it is raining and your roof is leaking, you shouldn’t attempt to climb up onto your roof and fix the problem until it has quit raining. Leaks cannot be quickly patched anyhow, and it may be dangerous to climb atop a wet roof. When your roof has dried, you are then able to safely fix your roof.
Consider the climate in your area when thinking about roofing. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and may keep the home cool. Clay roof tiles should not be used in wet climates as they will cause your roof to deteriorate much quicker than other materials would. If you have doubts, ask an expert.
Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect the foundations of your roof. Water could be seeping in from somewhere else, such as dry-rotted siding or gaps along windows or doors. Check all entry points to make sure this doesn’t happen.
When you fix a leak, make sure you fix the problem the first time. This means searching for other leaks after the first place you locate that has been fixed. Check the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems that you’re going to have to take care of.
Wet conditions are the enemy of safe and effective roof work. If the roof is slippery, you risk having a fall that can cause serious injury or death. If you’re doing roof work yourself, make sure to do it during dry and sunny days.
Make sure you’re secured properly every time you climb onto your roof.
When repairing a leaky roof, make sure you fix the problem the first time. You need to ensure that the entire structure of your roof is sound. Be sure and inspect your entire roof to ensure that you don’t have a more widespread problem or additional leaks in other areas.
There are many questions you need to ask a prospective contractor before you hire him. One question is the amount of nails they will put in each shingle. Three nails usually insufficient. Ask question about their procedures and ensure you are satisfied with their responses. If you do not, continue looking.
Do not give in to pitches by salesmen that do not sound reasonable. Stop them before you sign a contract that doesn’t benefit you.
If you are waiting for your roofing contractor to show up, temporarily repair the leaks yourself. Get a sheet of heavy plastic and cover the leaking area with it.
Make sure that your roofer has liability insurance. If for no other reason, this lets you know that your roofer is professional and reliable. This insurance will also cover costs in the event of an accident.
Make sure whatever roofer that you employ has the licensing necessary to do the job. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what is required.Contact the local building department and inquire about what is needed.
If you select a roofer who uses employees, you may get a better deal than if the roofer works alone. A group of roofers are going to perform the job much faster, which should lessen the total cost to you. If you’re working with a sole person, be sure they’re not overcharging you.
Insurance is vital when it comes to roofing. If damage occurs to your property and your roofer doesn’t have the required insurance, you are responsible for the bill. Don’t just take their word for it either; ask for proof that they have plenty of up to date, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.
The age of your roof is going to help you figure out whether you need to replace it. Roofs have, generally, about 20 years of life in them. If your roof was installed on top of an old roof, you really have no choice once twenty years has passed but to replace it.
If you’re looking into hiring a roofer, you should ensure they have proper credentials that are updated. Just about everywhere needs to have licensed roofers working in that area, so check to make sure their license is current and valid.
If you can’t find a leak, don’t be discouraged. Just continue to eliminate all the possible sources, and eventually, you’ll find it. A water hose and a friend can greatly help you find the problem. If your home is large, communicate with cell phones to prevent unnecessary large amounts of water from getting into your home.
Check your roofing materials thoroughly before putting new shingles up.
Check to see how long contractors are in business for and how many employees work for them. Any firm with longevity does a good job. Companies that are new or don’t have an established history may simply be scam artists who want your money.
Don’t try to get too miserly when purchasing 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.
You need to keep debris off of your roof in order to keep it in good shape. When such materials are permitted to build up, they can provide a holding place for water. Sitting water causes rotting shingles and layers, which can lead to expensive repairs.
Don’t put down all the money on a roof fully before there has been some work being done. Many shady contractors ask for full payment.
A new roof is more than just practical; it can also add visual appeal to your home. When considering a new feature or detail that is out of the ordinary, don’t hire a contractor unless he has proven experience in that particular area. If they do not have experience, find someone else. It’s best not to gamble with the roof over your head.
Don’t let anyone that doesn’t have a professional behavior to work on your roof. You want the entire process to be professional so that you can be sure their work is too.
When it comes to maintaining your roof, one area that most people neglect are the roof boots. Rubber boots are where your roof fence rises, and they easily dry out. When this happens, leaks can occur. Therefore, you should regularly check roof boots, and as soon as they need replacing, be sure you replace them.
Always inspect the condition of roofing materials before they go on your house. Be certain your materials are intact at all stages of roofing work.
Projects being undertaken by roofing contractors must have a safety plan in place as per OSHA requirements. Without this plan, the work may not be completed successfully and without injury. Thus, make sure any prospective contractor has such a plan established. If you are not provided with this safety plan, it’s time to look for another contractor.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations when you are looking for a roofing contractor. Word of mouth is the best ways to find a decent contractor. They may be able to get you going the right way.
Don’t let a contractor start work on your roof until he shows you all the necessary paperwork. Your contractor might need permits or bonds before they’ll be able to start working. Call your local building department and find out exactly what is needed, so that everything starts on the right track.
Have your contractor explain the whole process. He ought to talk about important matters, such as the materials that will be used, costs, etc. Be sure you comprehend everything in his plan. If your contractor does not appear knowledgeable or seems to withhold information, look for another one.
Think about how old your roof is, to know whether you need to have it replace or just get a repair. Older roofs should be replaced. When your roof is 20 years old, you need to upgrade.
Be wary of any company that has roofers going door-to-door. A roofer with a good reputation isn’t going to need to get business that way. Most companies that are credible roofers like to have appointments. They usually have their employees that wear uniforms and drive vehicles with a form of company logos. There may be a few exceptions out there, however lack of these signs should be considered it a warning to check further into a company.
Think about the climate and the weather as you prepare to repair your roof. Wood shingles are not a good option in dry areas. Many modern synthetic roofing materials are not durable in very hot climates. Metal roofs perform poorly when the weather is very cold. You may even talk to a contractor to assure your choice with the smart one.
Think about what the weather in your area when you choose roofing materials. For example, wood shingles are not a good idea if you live in an arid climate. Synthetic materials do not last very long in warm climates. Metal roofs aren’t ideal for colder conditions.Talk to a professional contractor to ensure you’re making a good choice.
Be on the lookout for storm chasers. These fly-by-night contractors usually scour residential areas in the immediate aftermath of a major storm. Some are not local and aren’t documented to work in your state. Some ways to spot these guys is through by the area codes on their contact information, and far away references.
All homeowners know how important it is to have a perfect roof. However, it can be tough to get to that point if you don’t know what to do. Fortunately you have the knowledge that was given to you above so that you’re able to know what you’re doing the next time you have an issue with roofing that you have to take care of.
If your climate is cold, avoid an accumulation of ice on your roof. It can cause a variety of roofing problems. You can prevent ice build up by installing ice, drain or drip shield. An often overlooked ice-prevention measure is proper ventilation.
