Home maintenance is not something we all have to do.The following article will show you how.
Do not try to repair a roof if it’s raining, snowing or icy outside. Slippery roofs can mean major falls. You can really injure yourself, or worse, you could die. It is in your best interest to tackle your project on a dry, sunny day.
While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, you should also check the foundation of the roof. Dry rot on the side of your home can lead to leaks.You need to be checking all potential entry points so that you can find the problem.
When you fix a leak, you have to be sure that the job is done correctly the first time. This refers to the fact that you do not stop with only a first issue. Check over the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems that you’re going to have a number of issues.
Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire is licensed. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what he says. Contact the building department where you live and see what kinds of things you’re going to need.
It is important that you check the references of any contractor you allow them to work on your roof.Once you have their references, check them out and ask about value and quality of the work.You need to also go and check out some of their previous work. Drive past them and examine the work carefully before choosing your final hiring decision.
If it will be a little while before a contractor will come to fix your roof, temporarily repair the leaks yourself. Get some heavy duty plastic material and cover the leaking area with it.
The age of your roof is going to help you figure out whether you need to replace it. The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. If your current roof is installed over an older layer of roofing, you are going to have to redo your roofing in 20 years.
Make sure the roofer you hire is trained and skilled. You might consider asking family and friends for good people. This is important because you want to avoid poor roofing work that could be expensive later on.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask each what sort of warranties they provide. You want at least a 3-5 years.It must cover workmanship and defective supplies, plus they should give you copies of all manufacturer warranties as well.
Hire only roofing professionals able to show proof of insurance and necessary licenses. If they’re not able to do this, then they should not be hired no matter what. This is because you will have no line of defense or recourse if they end up doing a bad job and damage your home.
Insurance is something you will want to confirm your roofer has. If you hire a contractor without insurance and something goes wrong, you are going to have to pay for any damage that might occur. Don’t just take their word for it either; ask for proof that they have plenty of up to date, 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 locale needs licensed roofers, so make sure yours has a current and valid license.
Always go up onto your roof to inspect it after a strong wind storm if you can’t see it from the ground or a ladder. If shingles have been damaged, it’s important to spot the problem immediately. Allowing damaged shingles to sit can cause serious leaks in the future. Whether you have to get up on your rooftop or can see it from a ladder, be sure to be safe while performing an inspection.
Check your roofing materials before putting new shingles up.
Don’t cut corners when you buy roofing materials. The initial cost savings of low priced materials cannot outweigh the best option as they can end up costing you more money down the road.
When you have a contractor putting in a new roof for you, it is vital that you ask for his amount of experience. If the answer is little to none, move on. You shouldn’t take chances with your roof.
Think about using architectural shingles for a roof replacement project.They’re great looking and also last longer.
Make sure all your questions when hiring a contractor. The worst thing is that you do is keep a question to yourself only to have a problem develop later on. If the contractor refuses to answer your questions, look in another direction.
When looking for a roofer, have them explain their project plans to you. He should go over what kinds of products they’ll have to use, how they’re going to clean up afterwards and everything else like the cost. Be sure that you fully understand the plan they lay out for you. If you think that they didn’t give enough good information or that they’re vague, you should go with a different contractor.
Get several quotes before settling on a contractor. Some contractors have much higher prices that are crooks who want to milk you for your money. To avoid falling for a scam and losing your money, make sure to do your research.
As was stated earlier, maintaining your roof can be a chore. However, it is imperative to the safety and reliability of your home. Take this information to heart when dealing with any roofing issues in the future. You will be rewarded for your efforts after all is said and done.
Rubber-soled shoes must be worn when roofing. This can give you a good amount of traction when on a roof. Rubber-soled shoes provide traction and prevent dangerous falls. Understand that roofs are slick. It can be hard to stay standing on a roof if you don’t prepare properly.