Being a homeowner comes with a large amount of responsibility. Besides having to do maintenance yourself, figuring out what it will cost you and how long it will take can stress you out as well. Keep reading to learn more about roofing so that you can do or if it is time to contact a contractor.
Don’t hesitate to replace shingles. Waiting to fix small problems is not a good option since you might end up spending a lot more if the problems get worse. Replacing or repairing shingles immediately saves you both time and energy in the future. A properly maintained roof will last you years upon years.
Look over your roof carefully at least once per year. Spring and winter months tend to damage is prevalent.
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 are performing your own roof repair, do it when it’s dry and sunny.
If you’re going to have to get onto the roof to do some repairs, put on rubber boots. Even if the weather is warm and dry, such shoes are necessary for grip. Fixing things on your roof indicates you will be in some awkward positions that could cause you to slip, so stay safe.
Consider the local climate in your area when thinking about roofing. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and may keep the house cool. Clay roof tiles that are on a home that is in a place where it rains all the time can deteriorate quickly. If you are hesitant if it will suit your area, just ask.
If you find a leak, you need to make sure you fix it properly the first time around. This often means searching for other leaks after the initial spot has problems. Check the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems.
Insurance is vital when it comes to this type of work. If you hire a contractor without insurance, you are going to have to pay for any damage that might occur. Don’t just speak with the person doing the job to see if they have the insurance, get documentation that they do and go over it carefully.
It is important that you check the references of any contractor you allow them to work on your roof.Once given the references, give them a call and ask them about the value and quality of the work. You should also look at some of the addresses in person. Drive around and look before deciding who to hire.
Make sure to do your research when you’re hiring a roofing contractor. Don’t just accept the cheapest or first company you locate.
A living roof is a great option for those trying to live a “greener” life. Living roofs are composed of layers of soil and provide space for gardening. Living roofs require a flat surface and appropriate climate conditions to thrive.
If you’ve called a roofer, but he or she is not coming for a couple of days, you should try to provide yourself with a temporary fix for your leaking roof. Get a sheet of heavy plastic and you can nail that over the leaking area with it.
Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire has experience. You can ask family and friends for personal recommendations. This is crucial since you want to have a poor roofing work that could be expensive later on.
Never hire a contractor unless they have the correct licensing and current insurance. If he does not, do not hire him. Without this protection, you have no way to recoup your costs in the event of damages or faulty installation.
When shopping for a contractor, find out what kind of warranties are available. You want at least a 3-5 years of coverage. It should cover both defective supplies as well as poor workmanship, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.
The age of your roof is the most important factor in deciding whether or replace it. Most roofs only have a lifespan of twenty years or so before replacement is needed. If your current roof was placed over an old one, after twenty years you don’t have any other option besides replacing it.
You don’t want to forget the small things when you’re hiring a roofer. If the person returns your call promptly, you can feel good about the fact that they are dependable. Giving typed bids also looks professional. You want your roofer to have both qualities.
Get references for any roofing companies you may hire. A reliable contractor should be able to give you a few references. If a contractor is hesitant to give them to you, it’s probably best to just move on. This is a sure sign of trouble ahead.
When trying to decide if you can handle the roofing work yourself or if you need a professional, you must first understand the basics of roofing. This article serves as a great initial step, but you can still undertake additional investigation. Keep these things in mind if you want to make a smart decision.
If you want an environmentally-friendly roof, try getting a coated metal roof. These roofs are completely recyclable and can cut energy costs. Coated metal roofs may actually be installed over asphalt roofing, which keeps you from adding waste to landfills.