How To Stay On Top Of Taking Care Of Your Roof

There is a bit that you need to learn when it comes to roofing and that can be overwhelming. How frequently should your gutters cleaned? When is it time to bring in a roofer? The following article contains helpful information you can really help. Read on to learn some really great tips.

Make sure to inspect your roof annually. Springtime and winter are the harshest times of the year for rooftops. For this reason, these are the times to pay close attention to your own roof.

TIP! Safety needs to be first. Trying to repair a leak while it’s raining or during a storm can seriously injure you, or worse! Place a bucket under the leak until the weather clears up, then go have a look at your roof to see if you can repair the problem.

Consider the climate when thinking about roofing.Clay roofs are great in dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. Clay tiles in rainy climates as they will deteriorate quickly. If you are hesitant if it will suit your area, then don’t be afraid to ask.

Wear rubber boots when you need to get on top of your roof.

Make sure that you’re secured properly every time you climb onto your roof. This is critical because losing your balance on a roof is not difficult if you do not have regular experience on roofs. Falls from roofs kill or injure many people annually.

TIP! When selecting roofers, verify their insurance coverage. Insurance is a sign of a reliable contractor.

If you have a leaking roof, but he is not scheduled to visit for a few days, have a temporary solution in place. Get yourself a sheet of heavy duty plastic and you can nail that over the leaking area with it.

You never want to walk on your roof in search of damaged spots. If you feel there might be a problem, you should hire a professional. You don’t want to have the roof cave in under your feet.

Insurance is a must when it comes to roofing. If the roofer has no insurance and the property gets damaged, you have to pay for it. You should ask your contractor to give you a copy of their policy and proof of insurance.

TIP! The age of your roof often determines if it’s time to have it replaced. Most roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years.

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.The warranty needs to cover defective supplies and sup-par workmanship, and you should have manufacturer warranty copies too.

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, it’s going to cost you. 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.

If your roof is not visible from the ground, climb up and inspect it following a big storm. It is important to catch shingle damage early since a few coming off can mean huge leaks. All it takes is a quick inspection following every storm. Just stay safe and don’t rush yourself.

This type of roof has soil and garden plants or other greenery as the roofing materials.

Do not worry if you cannot find your roof leak. You will find the source eventually if you use a water hose, and the use of a water hose and a buddy system can help. If your home is large, have another person on a cell phone to see if you’re getting water everywhere inside the house.

Many people neglect roof boots when roofing. These boots reside at the roof fence, and they tend to dry out. Dry, cracked roof boots will eventually lead to leaks and should be replaced.

TIP! Try finding a roofing contractor who can come back for maintenance throughout the year. Even if the roof installer is very good at what they do there could be issues that arise, especially if you’re in an area with a rough climate.

If a roof leak has you worried, bring a hose with you and spray the roof down. This will let you know if you have a leak and also where the leak is. This can be a lot cheaper alternative to having to hire a contractor.

Keep your roof and other debris to make it last. When this debris builds up, water stays put. This water build-up can cause your shingles to rot, lead to rot and cause leaks.

Confirm your roofing contractor’s credentials before hiring. The BBB is a reliable source to find out about other customers’ past experiences with contractors in your area. You ought to make inquiries with the area Chamber of Commerce.

TIP! OSHA requires contractors to have safety plans in order. A safety plan is very important to account for the security of all those on the project.

It’s imperative that damaged shingles as early as possible and even a few flying off can add up to major leaks. Look at the roof each time, remembering to be safe.

If a unique roof is something that you want to get, for instance by installing a metal roof or getting some turrets, you have to talk with the roofer to see if they have experience with those things. If they do not have experience, find someone else that does. You never want to have to take a chance when dealing with a roof.

Have your contractor explain the whole project in full. Ask about the products and supplies he will use, cost of the product, warranties on work, clean up process and total time frame. Be sure to fully understand everything in his plan. If you don’t think you’re getting enough information, or that he is being vague, you shouldn’t hire him.

TIP! Don’t hire a contractor in haste. Ask people you trust for referrals.

When selecting professional roofers, check with the BBB. This will show you to see whether or not previous customers have lodged any complaints with any contractors you are thinking of hiring. You ought to make inquiries with the Chamber of Commerce in your local area.

There is bound to be something about roofing that has not been covered here, but the fundamentals lie before you. The information above is extremely useful, and will help you to keep your roof in excellent shape. Don’t stop here – keep learning! Continue to learn all you can about roofing. Knowledge is key with regards to roofing, so gain as much of it as you can.

Your contractor should have all his paperwork in order prior to starting your project. Know what is legally required in your area in the way of licenses, building permits and bonds. Talk to your local building department and learn which licenses and permits are required before a contractor can work on your roof.