Home generally means “a roof over your family’s head.” The roof is the biggest, and definitely more than in a metaphorical sense! The following advice will be of vital use to you.
Give your roof a good looking at least once each year. Roofs normally suffer from significant damage during the months in winter and spring. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to your roof at these times.
Don’t hesitate when it comes to replacing your shingles. Replacing or repairing your roof as problems arise can save money and heartache. Your roof will last longer if it is properly maintained.
Though leaks may be the result of shingle issues, take a look at your roof’s foundation. Water can enter into your home anywhere that dry rot has occurred. You should examine all potential entry points to make sure there is no problem.
When hiring a roofing contractor, checking their background references is an absolute must. Once you have the references you should speak with the homeowners and see how well the job was done. Also, you may want to inspect some of the addresses on your own. Drive past them and examine the work carefully before choosing your roofer.
Don’t try to fix your roof in inclement weather. A slippery or wet roof could cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you’re making roof repairs, do it when it’s dry and sunny outside.
Wear rubber soles whenever you need to get on top of your roof.
Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. You need to find someone offering a warranty that lasts for about three or more years. The warranty should cover defective materials, as well as workmanship, and they should provide you with copies of any relevant manufacturer warranties.
Nail Finder
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor work on your roof is replaced. This will ensure he can find any dropped nails that fall to the ground much easier for your contractor and for you. Even if your contractor has a nail finder, a magnetized nail finder will work at its optimum in short grass.
When it comes to hiring a roofer, they must have insurance. If the roofer has no insurance and the property gets damaged, you have to pay for it. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.
There are some questions you’ll need to ask the roofer before you hire him. One question is the amount of nails they will put in each shingle. Three nails are usually doesn’t cut it. Ask them about the methods they give is satisfactory. If the contractor does not provide you with an adequate response, continue looking.
When looking for a good roofing contractor, check with family, friends and co-workers first. Ask about the clean-up job and if warranties for future repairs.
If you’re in need of a new roof on your home and consider yourself an environmentalist, consider installing a living roof. A living roof actually contains layers of soil that can be used to plant a garden or to grow vegetables. Although it only works well in good climates and on a roof that’s flat, it’s a great form of insulation as well.
Always make sure that you’re not paying for the full amount up front if you don’t have to. You might need to pay a quarter of the full price in order for the job to begin, but avoid paying more than that. You would hate to spend a lot of money in case their work than expected.
After you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, determine which one offers the best warranty. You need to find someone offering a warranty that lasts for at least 3-5 years. It should cover both defective supplies as well as poor workmanship, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.
Can your contractor provide proof of insurance and a license? If they cannot, then you should not even consider hiring them. Without proper licensing, you’ll have very little recourse if the company turns in poor workmanship.
Make sure a roofing contractor has current, and make sure thy are current. Nearly every state makes licensing a requirement, do not neglect checking for current and valid licenses from any contractors you are considering.
Ask the roofing contractors how long their company has been roofing. Those who’ve been around in the area for a long time likely provide customer satisfaction. Anyone that is unknown could be trying to scam you for your money.
Keep your roof clear of leaves and other debris to make it last. Whenever debris builds up, water can accumulate on your roof. This can lead to shingle rot and leaks, both which can cost you lots of money.
Only hire a roofing contractor that can provide proof of active licenses and insurance policies.
It’s imperative that damaged shingles are replaced as early as possible and even a few flying off can add up to major leaks. Give it a brief look, but remember to do so safely.
Your roof isn’t a safe place to be. Most roofs are not designed to accommodate humans, so it is important that you do your best to stay safe. To help you prevent slipping, wear rubber-sole shoes. Also, it would be a good idea to use a harness. Finally, have a family member or friend help you.
Get several quotes before you pick a roofing contractor. Some in the roofing business may be looking for suckers and will try to get every dime out of you that 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.
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 metal roof right on top of your current shingles.
Do not just assume that you are in need of a new roof. Make some phone calls and have a professional give your roof a look prior to purchasing a new one. Repairs are cheap and often good enough.
When the roof of your home is in good repair, you’re doing a your job as a homeowner. While you can ignore sweeping the porch, you can’t ignore your roof. Be sure and use the advice mentioned above to ensure that your roof in tip-top shape.