While most roofs are made to last about fifteen years, that is not the same as being maintenance-free. You have to be sure that your roof all of the time. The following article will give you keep your roof in good shape.
If you have a leak when it rains, examine it when it’s dry and fix it. There is not one quick way to patch your leak, and you could get hurt if you try to work on a wet, slippery roof. When it’s dry, you can fix it safely.
Inspect your own roof yearly. Spring and winter are times when damage the roof the most.
Don’t try to fix any roof during wet weather. A wet roof could cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you’re doing roof work yourself, only work when conditions are sunny and dry.
You shouldn’t ever try to fix your roof if it’s rainy out, snowing, or if there’s ice around. When you have a roof that is wet then it could cause you to fall and get hurt pretty badly. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, make sure to do the work when the weather is dry.
Consider your climate when thinking about roofing. Clay roofs work great for dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. Clay tiles should not do well in wet climates and can damage a roof pretty quickly. If you’re not sure about this, ask.
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor comes to remove your roof.This helps make it easier to find if dropped. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, short grass will make things much easier.
Once your list of potential contractors is narrowed down you should see if any of them provide warranties. Most roofers offer a warranty on their work for up to five years. The longer the warranty you can get, the better. Defective supplies and shoddy workmanship should be covered along with the warranties from the manufacturer.
It is important that you check out your potential contractor’s history before you hire. Once given the references, check them out and ask about value and quality of the work. You should check out some of their previous work. Drive around and get a good look before choosing your roofer.
Always research contractors you are considering for your roofing job. Don’t simply hire the cheapest or first company you can find.
Look over the materials you’re using for roofing before you get new shingles put up. Installation is a big cause of leaks, whether it be from the wrong sized nails or cracked shingles. The shingles should be strong and crack free, and the nails should be sturdy.
Never pay in full before the entire cost upfront before the job is finished. You can pay about 25% to start the job, but avoid paying anything more. You wouldn’t want them to do less or poor work than you expected.
Be sure that you’re hiring a potential roofer that has the proper licensing before they do any work. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what he says. Contact your local building department and inquire about what is needed.
Check to see how long contractors are in business for and how many employees work for them. If they’ve been in business for quite a while, it is obvious they know what they are doing. Anybody that doesn’t have a good history may be someone that’s just trying to scam you out of money.
A roofing team working in unison can achieve good results more quickly.
Ask the roofing contractors how long their company has been roofing. Those who’ve been around in the area for a long time obviously know how to keep their customers happy. A roofer with no track record is pretty suspicious; be aware that hasn’t been in operation for too long may very well be run by scammers who will take advantage of you.
It is best to choose a contractor who is a member of different industry associations. Reputable firms will be interested in staying up to date with current trends and methods in the industry. It is reasonable to wonder about the company’s dedication to the field if they do not participate with any of the relevant associations.
If you think your roof is leaking, spray the roof with your garden hose. This will let you determine if you have a leak and where the leak is located. This is a lot cheaper alternative to having to hire a professional.
Keep your roof clear of leaves and gutters clean.When there is build up, water pools. When you have water on your roof, the materials that make up your roof can rot, making you susceptible to leaks.
If you want a custom look for your roof, consult with roofing contractors to assess their experience level and abilities. If the roofer does not have much experience, find someone else. It’s not a good idea to gamble on something as important as your roof.
Don’t pay in full before roof work starts. Many conniving contractors ask for full payment only to disappear once they receive the funds.
If you work on your roof and are able to make sure it’s taken care of, it will take care of your home for you. In many ways, the roof on your house is among the most important parts of your home. Have these tips in mind when you need roof maintenance.
Never make verbal agreements. Verbal contracts can lead to trouble if the work agreed on is not completed properly. You have better proof when the contract is written.