Most roofs are built to protect a home anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but it can’t do everything by itself. You have to maintain your roof properly. Keep reading to find out some key things about roofs.
Don’t wait when you need to have shingles replaced. You may think it’s a good idea to hold off on fixing something, but the damage will only get worse with time. Fixing shingles immediately will actually save you bigger bucks down the line. Plus there will be a lot less headache. If your roof is properly maintained, it will last quite a while.
Safety should be a strong consideration with taking on your roof.You can get hurt if you try to fix your roof under severe weather conditions.Put a bucket under that leak until weather conditions improve and wait for clear weather.
While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, be sure you look at your roof’s foundation too. If you notice dry root on the sides, then water has a chance to enter. Look to every area that could be an entry point,including any area with rotted wood, so that you can fix the problem for good.
Don’t try to fix your roof when the weather conditions are poor. A wet roof can cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, make sure to do it during dry and sunny days.
When faced with snow, ice, or rain, it is best to postpone your roofing project. If the roof is slippery or wet, you may fall, resulting in a potentially major injury or even death. If you are performing your own roof repair, only work when conditions are sunny and dry.
Always wear rubber-soled boots when working on a rooftop.
When you fix a leak, it is imperative that you get the job done on the first go. If you find one bad spot, there could be more, so keep looking for them. It’s easier to find and take care of all current and potential leaks at once, rather than have to repeat the repairs a few months down the road.
Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire has experience. Ask your friends and family for any referrals they may have. This is important because you don’t want to avoid poor roofing job done which would result in costly repairs in the future.
Your grass should be cut before you have someone come over and remove your roof. It’s not uncommon for nails and other debris to land in the grass during construction. Shorter grass allows you to locate any errant nails. If the contractor uses a magnetized nail finder, cut grass can also help.
Insurance is vital for this line of work. If you hire a roofer that is not insured, you may end up paying that bill. Don’t simply ask if your contractor is insured, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.
When hiring a contractor, research properly. Don’t simply hire the cheapest contractor you can find. Take the time to find out more about all the roofing contractors in the area. You can ask family and friends and search online for this valuable information.
Only employ roofing work to a contractor who can prove he has valid insurance and an active license.
You never want to pay for everything upfront if it isn’t necessary. You should negotiate with your contractor to pay up to a quarter of the amount before he starts working on your roof. The last thing you want is to have paid the full amount upfront in return for a shoddy job.
Keep your roof clear of leaves and gutters clean.If you let these materials build up, it can cause water to stagnate. When you have water on your roof, the materials that make up your roof can rot, which can lead to costly leaks.
When it comes to your roof, you should stay away from quick-fixes. Sure, you’ll spend less money up front. However, this often leads to worsened conditions and a hefty price. You should take care of problems as early as possible before they cause serious damages.
Don’t neglect the small details when you hire a roofer. Someone that’s on time to appointments or calls when there are issues is probably dependable. You want your chosen roofer to possess both qualities.
After narrowing down your list of roofers, determine which one offers the best warranty. Most roofers offer a warranty on their work for up to five years. The longer the warranty you can get, the better. Ideally, look for warranties that cover any issues caused by human error and defective materials. Ask for copies of each warranty.
Architectural shingles can be a great alternative roofing material. They’re more attractive and also last a long time.
Your roof’s age can indicate if it needs replacing. The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. If the roof you have now covered the old roof, you are going to have to get a new one after 20 years.
Ask any contractor which industry associations the roofing company is a member of. The top contractors are going to be involved in these groups so that they keep up with all the latest trends and current information. If they are not, their dedication may be questionable.
Consider a living roof if you are thinking about putting a new roof on your home and you are environmentally conscious. A living roof actually contains layers of soil that can be used to plant a garden or to grow vegetables. While a living roof can only be used in certain climates, it also adds extra insulation.
Make sure all your questions when hiring a contractor. The worst thing you can do not ask a question to yourself only to have a problem later on. If your questions aren’t being answered by a contractor, then you shouldn’t be doing business with them.
Don’t overlook small things when you hire a roofer. If someone makes it to all their appointments on time, or calls you at the time they told you they would, it’s likely that they’re reliable. Also, written quotes and estimates are good signs of professional conduct. These qualities are important when it comes to a roofer.
Don’t let anyone that have demonstrated anything less than professional attitude do any work on your roof. You need the entire process to be professional so that you can be sure their work is too.
Make sure to ask plenty of questions when hiring a contractor. You do not want to leave a question unasked and have the issue get out of hand down the road. If a contractor is not willing to answer your question, you should not work with them anyway.
When you’re thinking about hiring someone to work on your roof, you would be wise to check with the Better Business Bureau. This will show you to see whether or not previous customers of the companies you are considering have lodged complaints. You should also check-in with the Chamber of Commerce.
If being eco-friendly is important to you, look into coated metal roofing. These materials can also be recycled, which saves the environment Coated metal roofs may even cover asphalt tiles, negating the need to throw them away.
A reputable roofer will always carry insurance that covers potential damage and accidents that might occur. If they don’t, you have to pay for their damages; so you need to ensure that their contractor has insurance.Ask for this and verify it.
When repairing a roof or getting one installed, check the materials thoroughly. A cracked shingle can become a large problem a few weeks or even months later. This necessitates additional repairs and even more money. Be sure that you’re paying attention to what you’re doing at all stages of roofing work.
Safety Plan
Don’t agree to any verbal contracts. Sometimes, homeowners just verbally agree to something, which can cause issues if work is done the right way. Getting things in writing is key if you want to be able to prove damages in the future.
OSHA requires all roofing contractors have safety plan for projects. This safety plan is needed because it helps you to be sure that the project will be completed properly.
Always have your contractor outline your roofing project. They should talk about the products they use, how they clean up, the costs, and more. Be sure you know his plan and understand it. If you aren’t comfortable with the information your contractor is providing you with, it may be time to look in a different direction.
Determine your roof’s age to see if a minor repair or to be replaced. Knowing when to hire a contractor and replace your roof is largely-dependent on how old it is.
Don’t just think that your roof needs to be replaced for no reason. You should call a professional who can come inspect your roof before deciding to invest in a new roof. People often pay a lot of money for a new roof unnecessarily. Instead, they could have repaired their old one for a cheaper price.
Roofing Materials
Understand how old your roof is to get a better idea of when it needs replacement. Figuring out when you should hire a contractor is something that depends on how old your roof is. When your roof is 20 years old, you need to upgrade.
Think about what the weather is like in your area when you choose roofing materials. For example, wood shingles are not a good option for arid climates. Synthetic roofing materials don’t last in hot areas. Metal roofs aren’t ideal for colder conditions.Talk to a good one.
Whenever you need to work on your roof, make sure you don’t do it alone. You never know when an accident may occur so it is always best to make sure you buddy is there with you to assist you or call for help should something unfortunate happen while the two of you are working.
Watch out for those storm chasers.These flighty contractors prey on residents in neighborhoods that try to take advantage of the damage caused by a storm. Many are from another state and don’t have no documentation for your state. If their vehicle has magnetic signage, they might be storm chasers.
You might be thinking of painting your roof. This is probably a bad idea. One coat of any type of paint may instantly void your roof’s warranty! Contact your insurance provider prior to doing anything. A brand new roof isn’t going to mean anything if it isn’t protected.
Don’t ever hire roofing contractors that don’t have proof of licensing. If you want to have recourse in case of a botched job, you will have no recourse available. What does it mean if you spend over a contractor who is unlicensed more than a thousand dollars? You would be breaking the law in most states.
Find trusted workers from the BBB, Better Business Bureau. A good firm will be listed with the local BBB, and a poor one may not. For years, the BBB has been the source people rely on to ensure they are working with reputable business owners.
When choosing a contractor, get a roofing specialist. His or her license number can provide you with the gateway to information on his area of expertise.
Though big trees may look wonderful, they’re bad for your roof. Keep the branches trimmed and clear of your roof. By doing this, you will help ensure your roof’s good health, as well as help eliminate excess debris in your gutters.
Although big trees may increase your home’s curb appeal, they can be enemy to your roof.Trim trees that are too close to the roof so it is not damaged from nearby branches. This will allow you to know that your roof in great condition and you won’t have to worry about a gutter full of leaves.
Clean your gutters frequently. If the gutters stay full, water can be backed up onto the roof and cause a leak. Ideally, you should check your gutters once per month and especially often during the autumn when leaves are falling.
Don’t think that you should make a decision when getting a quote over the phone. These quotes are just used to hook and lock in customers over the phone.
If you want to undertake a roof repair yourself, make sure that there is somebody around to check on you. You never want to get into an accident situation only to be undiscovered for a long period. Have a friend or family member around that can help check on you constantly.
Remember, any roof that is in good shape normally means a home that’s in good shape too. That roof above you is a very important asset for your home. Remember the advice you’ve read here, so you will be prepared when it’s time to fix your roof.
