No homeowner wants to be facing major roof repair project. It is important to nip issues in the bud before they end up becoming big problems. Read through these tips to learn what goes into proper roof maintenance.
You need to consider the climate when choosing a roof type. Dry climates can greatly benefit from clay roofs. They also keep homes cool. If you place this type of roof on your home in a rainy area, it will start to deteriorate quickly. If not sure what to do, don’t be afraid to ask.
If you notice a leak during a rain storm, wait until it’s dry to examine and repair the leak. You could compromise your safety on a slippery roof. A dry roof is much safer.
Never neglect safety when working on your roof. You can be seriously injured by attempting to fix a leak during a storm. Put a bucket under that leak until weather conditions improve and wait for clear weather.
If you’re working on a leak, do it right the first time. If you find one bad spot, there could be more, so keep looking for them. Check over the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems that you’re going to have to take care of.
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor work on your roof is replaced. This helps make it easier to find any nails that fall from the roof. If you get a contractor that has a nail finder with magnets on it, cut grass can also help.
When you are selecting a roofer, ask your family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Ask how well contractors cleaned when they finished the clean-up job and if warranties are offered.
Make sure that you’re secured properly every time you climb onto your roof. This is vital since you can easily lose balance if you have not been on a roof much. Thousands of people get killed or injured from falling off their roofs.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to inquire about the provided warranties of each company. You want at least a 3-5 years of coverage. The warranty needs to cover defective supplies and sup-par workmanship, and you should have manufacturer warranty copies too.
Make sure whatever roofer that you employ has the licensing necessary to do the work. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what he says. Contact the building department and inquire about what is necessary.
When selecting a roofer, you need to make sure that they have a liability insurance policy. Reliable roofers have this kind of insurance. If something happens to the roof when they are working up there, the insurance will pay for the issues.
Insurance is something that you need to have when it comes to roof work. If you hire a contractor without insurance and something goes wrong, you will be responsible for any damage they cause. Don’t just speak with the person doing the job to see if they have the insurance, make them show you the documentation that proves it.
Always ask for several references before hiring a roofing company’s references. A company that performs well and is honest is going to always be glad to give you a few references. If a contractor is hesitant to give them to you, look elsewhere. This is a sure sign of issues down the work isn’t going to go as planned usually.
Don’t consider ‘quick-fixes’ for your roof. You may think you are saving money, but in the long run you could end up spending a lot more due to major damage. It is always best to fully repair the problem as quickly as possible so that you do not have much bigger problems down the road.
Ask the roofing contractors how long they’ve been in business. Those who have been around in your area for some time obviously know how to keep their customers happy. A roofer with no track record is pretty suspicious; be aware that hasn’t been in operation for too long may very well be run by scammers who will take advantage of you.
Only hire a roofing contractor that is able to show proof of an active license and insurance.
Once your list of potential contractors is narrowed down you should see if any of them provide warranties. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. You’ll want a warranty that’ll cover things such as issues with the materials or workmanship. You’ll also want a copy of the manufacturer’s warranties.
Find out if your contractor is a part of an industry association. The good contractors are going to be involved in these groups to stay informed on the latest trends and improvements to standard techniques. If they aren’t a part of these associations, it may be wise to look elsewhere.
Don’t allow people to work for you if they don’t act professional in their entire approach to your job. You need to have confidence in the whole process is professional from the very beginning.
Contractors with workers tend to be cheaper than those who work alone. Roofers working well as a team can finish more quickly at lower cost. But, if just one person is doing the job, make sure they don’t overcharge for labor.
If you are seeking a more unique look to your roof, such as having a metal roof or putting up turrets, speak to a roofer about their experience in that area. If they respond that they don’t have much if any, you probably want to search for another contractor. You aren’t going to want to take any chances when dealing with a roof.
If you plan on being a responsible homeowner, you can’t afford to neglect your roof. This is a path to larger issues in the future. Instead, use the knowledge you’ve just reviewed to be a savvy homeowner when it comes to roofs. Keeping yours well-maintained can save you tons of money and trouble in the long run.
The age of your roof is a good indication of whether it needs replacing or not. A lot of roofs have a mere 20 years of life before needing to be replaced. If you installed your roof above an old one, you definitely need to have it replaced after twenty years.