Some of the biggest issues that any homeowner comes across involve roof maintenance and repair. But, not every homeowner fully grasps the best practices in keeping the roof in good condition. Read over the following advice, and learn ways to ensure you are doing what needs to be done in order for your roof to live a long and reliable life.
While damaged shingles are sometimes the cause of leaks, it is also a good idea to check with your roof’s foundation as well. Water could be seeping in from somewhere else, such as dry-rotted siding or gaps along windows or doors. You should examine all potential entry points so that you can find the problem.
Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect the foundations of your roof. Water can leak into your home through dry-rotted siding. It is important to examine every potential water entry point, like rotting wood, so that you are really resolving all the problem areas.
Safety is priority one when roof repair is involved. A quick way to seriously injure yourself is to try to work on your roof in wet conditions. Until the rain stops, use a bucket to catch the water. Later, when the roof is dry, inspect the roof and make any repairs.
When climbing on the roof, it is important that you stay safe. It’s critical, and you can lose balance when you haven’t climbed onto a roof often; thousands are hurt or lose their life from falling each year.
Keep your climate in mind before getting any roof work done. When you live in a dry climate, go for clay tile. Clay tiles should not be used in wet climates as they will deteriorate much quicker than other materials would. If you are unsure, you can always ask.
The first thing you should do is ask people you know to recommend a roofer. This will help you find someone who does good quality work at a reasonable price. Also, find out whether the contractor cleaned when the job was finished and whether a warranty was provided.
When you fix a leak, it is imperative that you get the job done on the first go. Do not find one bad spot and stop. Continue to inspect the entire roof to ensure that multiple leaks are not to blame.
The last thing you should do is go onto your roof and walk around looking for damaged areas. Get an inspector out to do the job right. Walking on a damaged roof can spell trouble.
When you find a contractor, make sure they are covered by liability insurance. First of all, there are plenty of shady roofers out there, but the ability to carry valid liability insurance is beyond most of them. Insurance is necessary to cover any accidents that may happen while your roof is being repaired.
When you have come up with a short list of possible contractors, check with each with regard to their warranties. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. The warranty needs to cover defective materials and poor installation. You should receive a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty too.
Anyone who does work such as this absolutely needs to have insurance. If damage occurs to your property and your roofer doesn’t have the required insurance, you’re left to pay the bill. When it comes to insurance, you shouldn’t just take roofers at their word. Make sure you see documentation so that you know their insurance is up to date.
You don’t want to hire a roofer unless you’re sure that they’re properly licensed for the job. If you don’t know what’s required of the area, don’t just trust the roofer’s word. Call up the local building department and ask what you will need.
The age of your roof can help you figure out if replacement is needed. With most roofing materials, a 20-year lifespan is standard. After 20 years or so, it is in your best interest to replace your old, worn roof.
The age of your roof often determines if it’s time to have it replaced. A lot of roofs have a mere 20 years of life before needing to be replaced. If the roof you have now covered the old roof, you are going to have to get a new one after 20 years.
Ask about the warranties that you can get for the work done. One company may offer you a better warranty than another. Ensure the warranty is given in writing along with your cost estimate. This will prevent possible disagreements on terms later.
Don’t take any shortcuts when you buy roofing materials. Although it is possible to obtain cheap materials, they are often lower quality. As a result, they will likely wear out sooner, which means you will have to replace them more often. This can cost you even more money than simply purchasing more expensive, but higher quality, materials.
Do not pay upfront for the services a roofer provides. Shady contractors will get full payment up front, then they do not finish the job. Pay a specific percentage of the rate beforehand, and then pay the remainder upon completion.
Pay attention to the little things when you hire a roofing contractor. Consider the punctuality they have demonstrated concerning appointments and follow-up calls. Also, written quotes and estimates are good signs of professional conduct. You want these qualities present in your roofing contractor.
Don’t hire a roofer until you’ve received quotes from several contractors. Some contractors are crooks who want to milk you for your money. You must check out the competition in order to make good decisions.
You shouldn’t allow someone to work on your house if they’re not behaving like a professional. A professional quote is a sign of a good contractor. 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.
When maintaining a roof, many people neglect to check the roof boots. Roof boots can be found at the point where your roof fence heads up. The boots are at risk of drying 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.
Have your contractor explain the whole project in full. Speak about the products and techniques that he will be using. You should understand his plan completely. If you don’t think you’re getting enough information, or that he is being vague, you shouldn’t hire him.
Look at all the ways to keep your roof properly maintenance every year. No matter how proficient your roofer is, problems can come up, especially if your area is prone to extreme temperatures. Getting things checked out yearly can help you to be sure things are in good shape.
If you’re considering working with a roofing company, check to see if their employees are sub-contracted. If the workers aren’t employed by them, liability issues could arise in the future. Don’t sign anything until you know the answer.
OSHA requires contractors to have safety plans in order. These plans are crucial to ensure that the work will be done right. Ask your contractor for his safety plan. If they can’t provide one, find someone else to do the job.
All homeowners know how important it is to have a perfect roof. Sometimes it can be hard to know how to make that happen. Take the advice you’ve just been given to heart, and prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.
Do not rush into hiring a contractor to repair your roof. If you do not know how to approach your selection, ask someone you know who has had roofing work done to recommend someone. Ask a ton of questions about the contractors these people have used to ascertain whether they are worth speaking to.
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