You don’t want to make any bad decisions and regret later. This is the roof that rests over your family. Keep reading to understand more about what is involved with roofing.
Your roof needs to be inspected by you on a yearly basis at the least. Spring rains and winter storms are especially hard on your roof. Most damages occur during these months. So, be sure to inspect your roof during or after these troublesome months.
Look over your roof at least once a year. Spring and winter are times when damage the roof the most.
While damaged shingles are sometimes the cause of leaks, you should also check the foundation of the roof. Dry rot on the side of your home can lead to leaks. You should examine all potential entry points to make sure there is no problem.
Don’t go up on your roof in inclement weather. When the roof is wet or slippery, you could end up falling, causing major injury and even death. Only work on a sunny, dry day.
Always wear rubber-soled boots if you are going up to work on your roof.
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor comes to remove your roof. This will make it easier time locating nails that fall from the ground so you can pick them up later. If you get a contractor that has a nail finder with magnets on it, short grass will make things much easier.
When selecting roofers, verify their insurance coverage. This will confirm the legitimacy of the company. If anything happens while they work on your roof, the insurance will take care of it.
If your appointment with the roofer is scheduled, but the roofing contractor you contacted can’t get there for a couple days, have a temporary solution in place. Get some heavy plastic and nail that over the leaking area.
The age of your roof is a major factor in determining whether you should replace it or not. Many roofs only last for around twenty years before they need replaced. If the roof you have now covered the old roof, you must replace it after 20 years.
Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. You want a warranty of at least three years, but the longer the warranty the better. You should have defective supplies covered and poor workmanship, too. Don’t forget to get copies of any warranty that you are offered.
Ask the contractor if they offer a warranty is offered on their work. Some may provide better coverage than their competitors. This way there won’t be a disagreement later time.
Ask prospective roofing contractors how long their company has been roofing. Those who have been working in your area for a long time obviously know how to keep their customers happy. Anyone that is unknown could be trying to scam you for your money.
If you think you may have a leak, spray your roof with a garden hose. This will show if you have a leak and the area where the leak emanates from. It doesn’t cost as much as hiring a professional, so give it a try.
Architectural shingles are another great addition to your roof. They’re great looking and also last a long time.
Don’t ever pay for a roof fully before the job has started. Many conniving contractors ask for full payment.
The best way to get a good deal on roof repairs is to collect multiple quotes for the job. There are companies out there that try to gouge their clients. To steer clear of rip-offs, make sure to do your research.
Many people neglect roof boots when they are maintaining their roof. They are near the roof fence and can become dried out. When this occurs, you are very susceptible to leaks so be sure to check on them and replace if necessary.
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.
Read up about roofing before hiring a contractor. Learn everything possible about types of roofs, best practices and any other relevant topic prior to speaking to contractors. If you know what you’re talking about, it is less likely that you’ll be taken advantage of by some unscrupulous contractor.
Take your time when hiring a roofer because it is not an easy decision to make. Ask lots of questions in order to determine the money you’ll be spending.
Get the paperwork to your contractor well before hiring a contractor. Your roofer may need permits or bonds before they start working.
Don’t ever work on your roof without help. Accidents do occur, and you’ll want someone there that can help if bad things do happen.
Never work on your roof by yourself.
Never allow ice accumulate on your roof for long periods of time if you reside in a colder climate. Ice can be damaging to your roof. You can help protect your roof from ice with handy tools like ice shields and drip shields. Good ventilation will also help with this.
If your located in a colder climate, be wary of ice building up on the roof. Your roof could be damaged because of the weight and humidity. Drip shields, as well as rain or ice shields can prevent ice from becoming a problem. Proper ventilation is something that can help quite a bit as well.
Don’t hire a contractor without proof that they’re licensed in your state. If the work does not turn out as promised, you’ll have no way to resolve the issue. What would occur if you are paying someone unlicensed more than a thousand dollars? You would be breaking the law in most states.
Don’t rely on phone quotes since final expenses are generally different. These quotes are just a tool used to attract customers over the phone.
Check with the BBB before you hire a roofer to make sure they have a good reputation. A good firm will be listed with the local BBB, and a poor one may not. The Better Business Bureau is there for the safety of consumers and should be used to its maximum advantage.
Do you feel more confident about roofing now? Start planning your next roofing project with the tips you just read. Choose your contractor carefully and do your best to prevent damages to your roof. Refer to the information in this piece as necessary.