Are there some “iffy” parts of your roof that are not in good condition? Are you worried about certain aspects of your roof? Do you question what could be wrong with your looking at when viewing your roof? You can become a responsible homeowner if you learn how to take care for your roof properly. You should be able to look at it more confidently so that you can catch small issues before they are too big headache.
Leaks often come from shingles, but don’t discount a foundation problem as well. If there’s dry rot, water may be able to enter a home. Look at every entry point, even rotten wood, to see if the problem can be solved for good.
Don’t try to fix your roof in inclement weather. A wet roof could cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, make sure to do it during dry and sunny days.
When fixing a leak on your roof, do it right the first time. This often means searching for other leaks after the first place you locate that has problems. Check the whole roof and you might find that your leak is actually a bunch of problem areas at work.
Be sure a potential roofer is properly licensed. If you are not sure what is required in your area, do not just take the roofer’s word for it. Check your local building department and call them to find out what is necessary.
When looking for a good roofing contractor, 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 warranties for future repairs.
If you have a leaking roof, but their visit isn’t for another couple days, have a temporary solution in place. Get some heavy plastic material and nail that over the leaking area.
Before you install new shingles, be aware of the materials used on your roof. Many leaks actually originate from basic installation, with cracked shingles or nails that are an improper length to begin with. Be sure those shingles are crack-free and strong, and make sure nails secure and penetrate the shingles to keep them in place.
Insurance is crucial in this type of work. If damage occurs to your property and your roofer doesn’t have the required insurance, you will have to foot the bill. Don’t just take their word for it either; ask for proof that they have plenty of up to date, make them show you the documentation that proves it.
Make sure your roofer has credentials, valid certifications.Nearly every area requires some sort of licensing for roofers, so carefully look at their licensing is valid and current.
Only hire roofers that give you proof of valid and current licensing and insurance. Do not hire a contractor who cannot provide you with these documents. The reason being, a poor job will result in future damage which will be costly and detrimental to your home.
The age of your roof will determine if it needs to be replaced. Many roofs only last around 20 years before they need replaced. If the roof you have now covered the old roof, you’re going to have to have it replaced once it’s twenty years old.
Check your roofing materials thoroughly before putting new shingles up.
Make sure all your questions are clearly answered before letting your roofing contractor begin work. Neglecting to ask certain questions can lead to future trouble. If you can’t get a roofer to reply to your questions, avoid him.
Don’t get frustrated if you’re unable to locate where a roof is leaking from. You are going to find the problem, and having a buddy will help as well.If your house is large, talk to your helper by cell phone when you test various areas to avoid excess water from getting into the house.
Architectural shingles are another great addition to your roof. They’re more attractive and also last a long time.
Climbing onto your roof is dangerous. Many roofs are not designed to be easily navigated, so it is important to take safety into consideration. Wear shoes with a rubber sole to prevent slippage. Also, it would be a good idea to use a harness. Safety is paramount, so never work on your roof without assistance from another person.
It’s imperative that damaged shingles as soon as possible. Look at the roof each time, remembering to be safe.
It is dangerous to climb up on top of your roof. Roofs aren’t designed for human traffic. Wear some shoes with rubber sole to prevent slippage. You should also make use of a harness if you have one.
Talk to your friends and relatives if you need to find a roofer. This is the best way to find someone legitimate. If you’ve worked with area contractors in the past, they might also be able to recommend someone to you. If anything, you should be pointed towards what you should be looking for after asking.
By using the tips above, you are more knowledgeable about roofs. When you can recognize signs of problems and know how you can address them, you are prepared to keep your roof in tip-top shape. Your roof will last a lot longer and cost you less if you take proper care of it.