Your home’s roof is your first and best line of defense against the elements. That is the main reason why it must be properly maintained. Too many homeowners neglect their roofs until it is too late. Use the advice in this article to learn how you can maintain your roof remains in great shape for years to come.
Though shingles could be the cause of leaks, take a look at your roof’s foundation. Water could be seeping in from somewhere else, such as dry-rotted siding or gaps along windows or doors. Look at every point of entry to make sure you fix the problem completely.
Never neglect safety when working on your roof. You can get hurt if you try to fix your roof under severe weather conditions.Put a bucket where it’s leaking and then look at the roof to determine whether or not you can fix the issue.
If you feel pressured by a roofing contractor, it’s time to turn them down and ask them to leave. Such shysters can be very aggressive, so do what is necessary to shut them down.
Consider the climate in your area when thinking about roofing. Clay roofs are great in dry climates and can help to keep the home cool. Clay tiles applied in damper climates and can damage a roof pretty quickly. If you do not know if these are ideal for you, you can inquire with a roofing professional.
Be certain your roofing contractor is properly licensed. If you do not know the proper licenses a contractor should have, never trust your contractor’s word on the matter. Look up your local building department and call to ask what paperwork is needed.
If you find a leak, do it right the first time. This means never stop with only a first issue. Check every square inch of your roof and you might have a number of issues.
If you are concerned about a leak on the roof, you would be wise to take a garden hose and spray it. This will let you know if you have a leak and where the leak is. This costs much less than hiring contractors.
Rubber soled shoes are a must when you get up on the roof.
Don’t pay for a roof fully before there has been some work done. One common scam among dishonest contractors, is to demand full payment up-front. These shady characters will rarely return to finish the job. Only pay a portion upfront, and pay the rest when a satisfactory job has been completed.
There are some questions that one should ask a roofing contractor prior to the roofer before you hire him. One question is the quantity of nails they will put in each shingle.Three nails are usually doesn’t cut it. Ask them about what their methods are to see if the answer they use to find out whether or not they give good answers.If not, go with another contractor.
Consider installing a metal roof that is specially coated if you are looking to become more environmentally friendly. In addition to reducing your monthly energy bills, this type of roof is 100 percent recyclable. Coated metal roofs may even cover asphalt tiles, negating the need to throw them away.
Make sure any roofer you choose has adequate liability insurance.The main thing that this will show you about a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability.If anything happens while they work on your roof, the insurance will pay for the issues.
Many people neglect the roof boots when they are maintaining their roof. They are found along the roof fence and can become dried out. If this happens, you may get a leak, so inspect them and replace them if need be.
A roofing team can achieve good results more quickly.
Your roof isn’t a safe place to be. A lot of roofs aren’t designed for people to stand on which is why it’s important to be as safe as possible when you get onto a roof. To help you prevent slipping, wear rubber-sole shoes. Also wear a harness, if you have one. Lastly, make sure you have a relative or friend helping you.
Ask the roofing contractor how long they’ve been in business. Those who have been working 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.
You should always check with the BBB before hiring a roofing contractor. That helps you to know whether people have had complaints about someone you want to hire. You ought to make inquiries with the area Chamber of Commerce.
If you are concerned about a leak on the roof, spray the roof with your garden hose. You will be able to see any leaks that exist and assess the damaged areas. This is a lot cheaper and quicker than hiring a contractor.
Never agree to a verbal contract. Verbal contracts can lead to trouble if the work agreed on is not completed properly. A written contract can help should any problems or disagreements arise.
Only hire a roofer that is able to supply you with proof of active licenses and insurance policies.
It is tough to hire a roofer, so be certain you spend sufficient time on the process. Where should you begin? Try coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family. Get as much information from then as you can to assure the person you are considering hiring is worthwhile.
You should not neglect small things when you’re hiring a roofing contractor. Someone who shows up on time and calls you when there are issues is probably fairly dependable. You want your chosen roofer to have both qualities.
Always keep safety in mind. Roofing is a hazardous undertaking. Take your time. Do not climb on your roof if it is raining or windy. This can be disastrous if you slip and fall. Always ensure you understand what you are doing and take the necessary safety precautions.
Ask your contractor to tell you what industry associations he takes part of. The good contractors are going to be involved in these groups to stay informed on the latest technological advances and improvements to standard techniques. If they are not keeping up to date, their dedication may be questionable.
Make sure you wear rubber-soled shoes. It can be dangerous working and walking around on your roof. The traction offered by the rubber soled footwear will make falls less likely and make walking on the roof easier. A roof can be rather slippery. Maintaining your footing can be very difficult if you do not prepare for it.
Get quotes from different contractors before you pick a contractor to replace or repair the roof. There are companies out there that will try and squeeze as much money from you as they can. To avoid becoming the victim of shoddy work or someone who will rip you off, check the market before you decide who to hire.
Think about weather in your area when you choose roofing materials. Wood shingles, for example, perform poorly in arid regions. Other products, like those that are synthetic, should not be used in very warm climates. Metal roofs are not good for colder conditions. Speak with a professional contractor if you need to be sure about what kind of roof to get.
Don’t allow individuals that doesn’t have demonstrated anything less than professional attitude do any work on the roof of your roof. You need the whole process to be professional to ensure that their work is too.
Avoid storm chasers. These fly-by-night contractors usually scour residential areas in the immediate aftermath of a major storm. Many are from another state and don’t have the right documentation to work on your roof. You can easily spot these contractors by their different area codes, their licence plate and their references from many different states.
The materials used for these roofs are great for reducing energy costs and should help you use less energy. You can even install such a metal roof over your current shingles.
Learn more about the weather before working on your roof. While it’s usually not a good idea to work in the rain obviously, it’s also not a good idea to work in strong winds. An unexpected gust could cause you to lose your footing.
Many people neglect roof boots when they are maintaining their roof.They are near the roof fence and can become dried out. When they do, leaks usually are not too far behind so make sure this doesn’t become a problem area for you.
Contact your local Better Business Bureau branch to learn about your contractor. The best contractors should be registered with your local Better Business Bureau and you should get access to a list of complaints for the contractors who do not have a good reputation. For years, the BBB has been the source people rely on to ensure they are working with reputable business owners.
Loved Ones
Trees, though pretty to look at, should not be too close to your roof. Trim trees that are too close to the roof to minimize damage from nearby branches. Your roof will stay sturdy and you won’t get leaves in your gutters.
As mentioned before, the roof is what keeps your belongings and loved ones safe and dry. Be sure and use the tips and tricks mentioned above so that you and your loved ones remain safe throughout the year. Taking care of your roof is a lot of work but remember that it is best to address problems early.
Clean gutters are essential to roof maintenance. As gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, water begins to build up. This increases your roof’s vulnerability to damage and leaks. A once a month cleaning is sufficient to maintain your gutters.
