Your home’s roof protects you from the greatest source of protection against the elements. This is why you to maintain it properly. Many homeowners forget about roof problems evolve into really major ones. Use the advice in this article to learn how you can maintain your roof.
Some leaks are caused by shingles, but you should check your roof’s foundation. If your home’s sides are dry rotted, water may enter these areas. Go over each and every potential entry point, especially rotting wood, to make sure the issue has been resolved completely.
Look over your roof carefully at least once per year. Spring and winter are times when damage the roof the most.
Consider the climate when replacing your roof. Clay roofs are great in dry climates and may keep the home cool. Clay tiles applied in wet climates as they will deteriorate much quicker than other materials would. If you are unsure, just ask.
If a local roofing salesman gives a high-pressure pitch, tell them no thank you, then show them the door. It is better to turn down salesmen using an unrealistic pitch. They are unlikely to fulfill a contract if you do sign one.
It is important that you check the references of any contractor you allow them to work on your roof.Once given the references, give them a call and ask them about the value and quality of the work. You should also make it a point to have a look at some of their previous work. Drive by them and take a look before making your final hiring decision.
If you’ve called a roofer, but he or she is not coming for a couple of days, you should try to provide yourself with a temporary fix for your leaking roof. You can nail heavy grade plastic to damaged areas.
If you have a leaking roof, but the roofing contractor you contacted can’t get there for a couple days, you might want to try a temporary fix. You could try putting plastic over a leak, for instance, and nailing it down. No, it’s not the perfect solution, but it will work for the short term.
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.Call your area’s building department to find out what you will need.
The age of your roof often dictates whether or not you figure out if replacement is needed. Many roofs only last for around 20 years prior to needing replacement.If your roof was installed on top of an old roof, you definitely need to have it replaced after twenty years.
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. If someone is doing it alone, your price may be higher.
Make sure your materials are inspected before using them.
Don’t try to get too miserly when you are purchasing roofing materials. The cheapest supplies aren’t necessarily the cost of the damage and repairs that substandard materials lead to.
If you cannot find out where your roof leak is coming from, do not despair. You will eventually find the source of the leak, by eliminating certain areas, using a hose, and having someone else look at it, as well. If it’s a big house, use cell phones to communicate so that water isn’t flowing into the house unnecessarily as you test different areas to find the leak.
Architectural shingles are another great addition to your roof. They’re more attractive and last a long time.
Don’t pay for a roofing job prior to work being done. Many shady contractors actually never return to finish work after receiving full payment only to disappear once they receive the funds.
Ask your contractor which industry associations the company is a part of. The good contractors are going to be involved in these groups so that they keep up with all the latest trends and current information. When they’re not a member of any, don’t hire them.
Don’t allow individuals that doesn’t have a professional attitude do any work on your roof. You want the whole process to be professional so that you can be sure their work will be too.
Always check the materials before they go on your roof for possible defects. Be sure that you’re paying attention to what you’re doing at all stages of the work.
If you want a custom look for your roof, consult with roofing contractors to assess their experience level and abilities. If they tell you they have little or no experience, hire someone else. Don’t take chances with your roof!
When you are trying to choose a roofing contractor to inspect or repair your roof, it pays to contact the BBB. This lets you see whether customers have filed complaints. You need to also check-in with the area Chamber of Commerce.
Make sure you get your contract in writing. A lot of times when a person has a verbal contract won’t protect you if anything happens down the road. A written contract is your best way to ensure that they promised to do.
Reliable contractors have quality insurance policies that will cover any damages caused while they work on your roof. If they don’t, don’t hire them. Get this information from the contractor and get in touch with the insurer to verify everything.
As mentioned earlier, your roof is very important in protecting your home and everyone living in it. Make good use of the tips you just read to keep your roof in excellent shape. You will find out that your efforts pay off.