Being a homeowner comes with a large amount of responsibility. You have to do your own maintenance, whether you do it yourself or choose a professional. Keep reading to learn more about roofing so that you can do or if it is time to contact a contractor.
Safety should always be your primary concern when repairing a roof. You can get hurt if you try to fix a leak during a storm. Keep a bucket underneath any leaks until you have improved weather and then go inspect your roof.
Don’t try to fix any roof during wet weather. A slippery or wet roof can cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself.If you work on the roof on your own, do it when it’s dry and sunny.
Don’t attempt to create a temporary fix for your roof with short-term solutions. It may seem cost effective at the time, but in the end, and that may cost you more. The best thing to do is take care of any problem as quickly as possible to prevent things from getting worse.
When faced with snow, ice, or rain, it is best to postpone your roofing project. If your roof is slippery and wet, you may fall, causing bad injuries or perhaps death. If you work on the roof on your own, only do it when the weather is dry and sunny.
When you have your contractors narrowed down, check with each with regard to their warranties. You want a warranty that lasts for at least 3-5 years. The warranty should deal with poor work and defective materials, and they should also supply you with copies of the manufacturer warranties too.
Make sure any roofer you hire has the licensing necessary to do the work. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what is required.Call your area’s building department and ask what you will need.
Mow the lawn prior to the removal of your old roof. This way, you can easily locate any nails that have fallen off during the work process. Even if your contractor has a nail finder, it’ll work better with clipped grass.
Only hire a roofer that is able to supply you with proof of active licenses and insurance.
Pay attention to details when you hire a roofing contractor. Someone who shows up on time and calls when there are issues is probably dependable. You want your roofer to have these important qualities.
Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. You want at least a 3-5 year warranty. The warranty should cover defective materials, as well as workmanship, and they should provide you with copies of any relevant manufacturer warranties.
Ask contractors about their memberships in industry associations. The good contractors are going to be involved in these groups so that they keep up with all the latest trends and improvements to standard techniques. If they are not, you need to be wondering whether the contractor is fully dedicated to his work.
Make sure all your questions when hiring a contractor. The worst thing is that you can do not ask a question and then it becomes a problem later on. If your contractor isn’t willing to answer questions, then you shouldn’t be doing business with them.
Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire is licensed. If you are unsure as to what type is required, don’t just take your contractor’s word for it. Look up the building department in your area and give them a call to see what is needed.
Get several quotes before hiring help. Some contractors are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. To make sure you are getting the most for your money, you need to see what the going rate is in your market before making decisions.
Inspect all roofing materials that are being used on your roof.Be certain your materials are intact at all stages of roofing work.
Proper insurance is an absolute must-have. If the roofer you use causes damage and they are uninsured, you are responsible for the bill. The word of a roofer is not enough; be sure they can provide you with up-to-date proof of insurance.
Don’t agree to anything that is not written one. A verbal contract with a roofer they will find that issues occur when the work isn’t done right. Having a written contract is the only way for you from disputes.
OSHA has requirements that roofing contractor needs to have a safety plan in place during a project. This plan is needed because it helps you to be sure the project is completed safely.
A roofer who works on their own can wind up costing you more money than someone with a team of workers. A small team of roofers can frequently get the job done faster, resulting in cost savings. Make sure you are not being overcharged if you have hired a solo contractor.
Have your contractor explain the whole process. He should tell you about materials, how they’re going to clean up afterwards and everything else like the cost. Ask questions so you fully understand the plan. If you think the roofer is not giving you enough information, you should go with a different contractor.
When you are trying to find a roofer, see if their workers are sub-contractors. If the people you’re employing to work on the roof aren’t employed by that company, liability issues could arise in the future. Make sure to check this in advance before you make a commitment.
The age of your roof can help you figure out if replacement is needed. Many roofs only last for around 20 years before they need replaced. If your current roof was placed over an old one, you’re going to have to have it replaced once it’s twenty years old.
Do not just assume you are in need a new roof. Call a pro and have them inspect it before you invest any money.
Get the paperwork in order before they are scheduled to start working.Your contractor may need a permit or permits before they can touch your roof.
Don’t install new shingles until you’ve gone over your roofing materials. Quite a few leaks happen due to improper installation, whether that be shingles that have cracked, nails that are too long, or something else. Make sure the shingles are strong and free from cracks and that the nails you use will penetrate the shingles and secure them onto the structure.
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. You’ve started the right way by reading this, but learning more options can help you. Keep these things in mind if you want to make a smart decision.