People don’t think about the roof until there’s a problem. Most people know very little about them, and when something goes wrong with a roof, it sure can be intimidating. Keep reading to find out more about maintaining and caring for your roof is taken care of.
If you find a leak during a storm, wait until everything is dry before heading up to your roof. Fixing a leak can take some time and walking on a slippery roof is extremely dangerous. When it’s dry you can fix it safely and properly.
Look over your roof carefully at least once per year. Spring and winter are times when damage the roof the most.
When fixing roof leaks, you must finish the job right to begin with. This means searching for other leaks after the initial spot has been fixed. Check over the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems.
Safety should always be your primary concern when repairing a roof. Don’t try and fix your roof during a storm. Put a bucket to catch the water until the rain stops, then get up on the roof to find the problem.
Make sure your research when looking for a contractor. Don’t simply hire the cheapest repairman who comes to call.
A good team working in unison can accomplish a job quicker and this usually ends up with a much cheaper final product.
If you have already called a roofing contractor, but he is not scheduled to visit for a few days, you should try to provide yourself with a temporary fix for your leaking roof. You can nail heavy plastic to damaged areas. This may be a somewhat inefficient method of handing leaks, but it can buy you some time.
The age of your roof is the most important factor in deciding whether or replace it. Most roofs only have twenty years or so before replacement is needed. If your roof was installed on top of an old roof, you’ll definitely need to replace the entire thing once you’ve reached that 20 year limit.
Ask your roofing contractor what what warranty is offered on their work. You may find a better deal if you talk to certain companies. This will prevent disagreements that may occur at a later time.
Make sure your roofer has insurance. If the roofer has no insurance and the property gets damaged, you have to pay for it. Ask not only for proof of insurance, but contact the insurer to check that it is up to date.
Always check a roofing company’s references. A legit company won’t mind giving you their references. If the roofer is reluctant, another contractor should be hired. This can be a sure sign of trouble ahead.
Only award your roofing work to a contractor who can give you proof of insurance and proper licensing.
Only employ roofing contractors that can give you proof of insurance and an active license. If they can’t, don’t hire them. If they end up doing a bad job, you’ll be responsible for paying for the fix.
Roof boots are an area of a roof that is commonly ignored. They dry out quickly 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.
Climbing on a roof can be extremely dangerous. Roofs aren’t strategically designed for people to be walking over them. Make sure to wear shoes have rubber soles to prevent slipping. You should also make use of a harness if you have one.
All roofers need to create a safety plan when starting a project, so says OSHA. This safety plan is important for ensuring projects are completed properly. Ask your contractor for his safety plan. Go with another roofer if they don’t have a safety plan.
When having a roofing contractor repair or inspect your roof, do some research with the BBB. This will allow you to see whether or not previous customers of the companies you are considering have lodged complaints. You need to also check-in with the Chamber of Commerce as well.
Quality roofing companies always carry insurance that covers unexpected events. If they aren’t insured, you may have to cover damages they incur, and so you ought not hire contractors lacking sufficient insurance. Ask contractors for this information and contact that insurance company to see if they can verify it by calling their insurer.
Before the contractor begins work on your roof, verify that he has all relevant documentation. They may need permits or bonds before starting. Put in a call to your local building department, and find out what is required.
Have your contractor outline the whole project in full. He should discuss things like the type of products that must be used, such as the materials that will be used, the costs, and how cleaning up is done. Make sure you fully understand their plan. If the outline is very vague or incomplete, or he is very vague, then you probably should not do business with him.
You should now have a bit more information about the roof of your home. When you properly maintain your roof, you will be rewarded with fewer problems and greater peace of mind. Remember the advice shared here so that you can alleviate roof troubles quickly.
Safety should be your main priority. Roofing is a hazardous undertaking. Take your time. If you’re not able to work because of bad weather, then you should wait. It isn’t worth your safety or life to make a home repair. It is important that you make sure you know what you’re doing and that you are cautious.