You often hear of a person’s home called the “roof” over their head. The roof is an important part of your home, and definitely more than in a metaphorical sense! Read the following advice on how to take care of your roof in proper shape.
Look at your roof closely once a year. Roofs tend to suffer the most damage in the spring and winter. Be extra watchful during these seasons.
If you discover a leak in your roof while it’s raining, wait til it dries to fix it. You could compromise your safety on a slippery roof. A dry is roof is a safe roof.
While leaks sometimes do come from problems with your shingles, it is also a good idea to check with your roof’s foundation as well. Water can leak into many areas that are rotting. You need to be checking all potential entry points so that you can find the problem.
With roofing, it’s important to think about the weather. Clay roofs do well in dry climates, and they help keep the house cool. Clay tiles that are on a home that is in a place where it rains all the time can deteriorate fast. If you’re not sure about this, then don’t be afraid to ask.
Consider the local climate in your area when replacing your roof. Clay roofs are great in dry climates and may keep the home cool. Clay tiles should not be used in rainy climates as they will cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. If you have doubts, you can always ask.
When you fix a leak, be sure all repairs are done at the same time. This means that it’s not a good idea to patch up the initial spot has been fixed. Check the whole roof for problems; you might find more problems.
Always maintain a system to keep yourself secured whenever you go up on the 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.
When you are selecting a roofer, consult your family, friends and co-workers first. Ask how well contractors cleaned when they finished the job that was done after work was completed and if they offer warranties are offered.
If you are waiting for your roofing contractor to show up, temporarily repair the leaks yourself. Get some heavy plastic and cover the leaking area with it.
Make sure you research any roofer before you hire them. Don’t hire the cheapest or first company you locate. Always research all options available to you instead. Look online, ask friends for recommendations, or use a professional service to find trustworthy workers for your project.
Always be sure that you don’t pay the whole project before it’s all done. You can pay about 25% to start the job, but try not to pay more than that.You don’t want to find yourself on the receiving end of poor or incomplete work.
Don’t attempt to create a temporary fix your roof.It may seem like a money saver, but it may end up causing more damage, you are more likely to have further damage that will only cost you more money. You want to always catch any roof problems before they cause serious damages.
Walking around on your roof looking for damage is not always safe. Get an inspector out to do the job right. You definitely don’t want to be walking on the roof unsuspecting as it caves in on you.
You should avoid going up on your roof yourself and try finding damaged areas yourself. If you have issues, have a professional come take a look. You definitely don’t want to be walking on the roof cave in on you.
Insurance is something that you need to have when it comes to roof work. If you have a roofer that isn’t insured and causes property damage, you will have to foot the bill. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, comprehensive coverage.
The roofing contractor you hire must have proper licensing for the work involved. If you do not know the proper licenses a contractor should have, never trust your contractor’s word on the matter. Look up your local building department and call to ask what paperwork is needed.
Don’t take any shortcuts when you buy cheap 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.
Get several quotes prior to hiring help. There are companies out there that will try and squeeze as much money from you as they can. To avoid falling for a scam and losing your money, make sure you compare fair market prices and know what you’re getting into first.
If you can’t find a leak, don’t be discouraged. You will eventually find the source using process of elimination or by using your water hose with a friend’s help. If you are dealing with a roof that’s on a large home, have another person on a cell phone to see if you’re getting water everywhere inside the house.
Roof boots are an area of a roof that is commonly ignored. They are found along the roof fence and can get dried out. When this occurs, you are very susceptible to leaks so be sure to check on them and replace if necessary.
OSHA requires contractors to have safety plans for all projects. This safety plan is needed because it helps you to be sure that the project will be completed properly.
Always buy quality, name brand roofing materials for the best results. The cheapest supplies aren’t necessarily the best option as they can end up costing you more money down the road.
When you hire a company to fix your roof, find out if their workers are subcontractors. If they are, that may pose a problem if there is a liability issue later. Make sure you understand the sub-contracting situation before hiring.
You are clearly a responsible home owner if you keep your roof in good condition. You can ignore many maintenance issues, but roof issues are not included. Using the tips given here to maintain your roof will save you from future problems.
After a storm, go on your roof to determine the damage. Shingles may need replacement after a vicious storm. Give it a quick look-over every time, but remember to do so safely.