While the typical roof is designed to keep a home protected for ten to fifteen years, that is not the same as being maintenance-free. You need to make sure you keep your roof all of the time. The following article will help you keep your roof in good shape.
Inspect your roof at least once yearly. Spring and winter are times when damage is prevalent. So, the best time of year to check for damage is after the spring season.
Don’t try to fix any roof during wet weather. A slippery or wet roof can cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you are doing your roof yourself, do it when it’s dry and sunny outside.
Consider the local climate in your area when replacing your roof. Clay roofs are great in dry climates and may keep the house cool. Clay tiles applied in wet climates can cause rapid deterioration. If you aren’t sure, then don’t be afraid to ask.
When faced with snow, ice, or rain, it is best to postpone your roofing project. Rain, sleet, and snow can cause you to fall, which can seriously injure or even kill you. Therefore, you should only work on your roof when the weather is good.
You don’t want to walk on the roof looking for any damage. If you’re having major issues, you should hire a professional. You want to have the roof cave in.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask each what sort of warranties they provide. You want to be offered 3-5 year warranty. It should cover both defective supplies as well as poor workmanship, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.
When choosing a roofer to work on your home, be sure they have liability insurance. This will confirm the legitimacy of the company. In addition, if they have an accident or cause serious damage to your roof, you won’t be held liable. Their insurance company will handle it.
Insurance is a must when it comes to this type of work. If you hire an uninsured roofer who damages your property, you will be financially responsible if there is any property damage. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, get documentation that they do and go over it carefully.
Make sure a roofing contractor has current, and make sure thy are current. Nearly every state insists that roofers be properly licensed, so make sure yours has a current and valid license.
The age of your roof is a major factor in deciding whether it needs replacing. Most roofs need to be replaced about every 20 years. If you have a roof that was put in over an old one you need to have it replaced after twenty years no matter what.
Make sure the roofing materials are in good condition.
Ask the contractor if they offer a warranty is offered on the work done. Some contractors might offer better deals than their competitors. This will allow you to clear up any disagreements in the future.
Find out what trade associations your contractor belongs to. These associations help contractors learn more about latest techniques and tools, which means your contractor should be more efficient if he belongs to a few associations. If this isn’t the case, you need to be wondering whether the contractor is fully dedicated to his work.
If you’re wondering if your roof is leaking, try using a garden hose to spray it down. This will help you find the exact location of the leak and where it is. This can be a cheaper and quicker than hiring a contractor.
Only consider hiring roofers who are able to supply you with proof of current insurance and licenses.
Contracts that aren’t in writing should not be agreed to. People often agree to contracts verbally and then face problems if the work done on their roof isn’t up to par. The best form of proof you can have when the job is not done properly is a contract.
Don’t neglect the small things when you hire a roofer. Someone who shows up on time and calls you when there are issues is probably fairly dependable. Your roofer should have both qualities.
Ask your contractor to tell you what industry associations the roofing company is a member 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 don’t happen to be members, their dedication may be questionable.
If you know how old your roof is, you can make a better decision about whether to replace or repair it. Understanding when you should hire a professional contractor for a roof replacement depends mainly on how old your roof is. A typical roof lasts 15-20 years. If yours is that old, replace it rather than repair it.
The materials used for these roofs are great for reducing energy costs and should help you use less energy. You can even reduce the amount of debris you have to dispose of by installing a roof right on top of your old one.
Always inspect the materials before they go on your roof for possible defects. Be sure that you’re paying attention to what you’re doing at all stages of the work.
Be wary of any roofers that have employees soliciting you at home. A good contractor should not need to promote their services door to door. The majority of legitimate companies normally establish appointments. The best contractors have a few employees who wear uniforms and drive company vehicles. Naturally, there are always exceptions, but be careful.
No matter how proficient your roofer is, things are certain to arise, especially if the area you live in has an extreme climate. A visit by a roofer can ensure your roof looking pristine.
OSHA dictates that roofing contractor needs to have a safety plans. This plan is important for a properly completed properly.
Do not do roof work solo. You don’t know if an accident will happen, so you should have a friend that can help you, or get help if something bad happens when you’re both working.
If you make sure your roof’s in good shape, it’ll be able to keep your home in good shape as well. In a lot of ways, the roof of your home is an important asset to you. Use this advice when you need it.