A roof is the best defense against elements in your environment. That is why it has to be properly maintained. Many homeowners neglect roofs until there is a huge problem. Use the following tips to take good care of your roof the right way.
Give your roof a good looking at least once each year. Spring rains and winter storms are especially hard on your roof. Most damages occur during these months. Because of this you should make extra time during these seasons to check on your roof.
Though shingles could be the cause of leaks, you may also need to inspect your roof’s foundation. Water can enter into many areas that dry rot has occurred. You should examine all entry points to make sure there is no problem.
Consider your climate when thinking about roofing. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and can help to keep the home cool. Clay roof tiles should not be used in rainy climates will cause your roof to deteriorate much quicker than other materials would. If you have doubts, ask.
Never attempt to fix a roof when it is raining, snowing, or conditions are icy. If your roof is slippery, you’ll likely fall and sustain an injury. Especially if you are all alone on a project, only do work on dry, sunny days.
There are many questions you’ll need to ask a prospective contractor before you hire him. One important question is the amount of nails that need to be inserted into every shingle. Three nails are usually doesn’t cut it. Ask them about what their policies and make sure you are happy with the answers you receive. If the answers are poor, go with another contractor.
Make sure your homework is done when looking for a roofing contractor. Don’t simply hire the cheapest or first company you can find.
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor work on your roof. It’s not uncommon for nails and other debris to land in the grass during construction. Shorter grass allows you to locate any errant nails. Short grass, combined with magnetic nail finders, makes locating nails even simpler.
If it will be a little while before a contractor will come to fix your roof, then you should do what you can to fix the leak temporarily. Get some heavy plastic and you can nail that over the leaking area.
When you have come up with a short list of possible contractors, find out what kind of warranties are available. You want a warranty that lasts for at least 3-5 years. The warranty needs to cover defective supplies and sup-par workmanship, and you should have manufacturer warranty copies too.
Try to avoid paying the complete price up front. A 25% deposit is typical, but you shouldn’t pay anything over that until the work is completed. Never pay before the work is done in full or they could take off with your money.
Ask prospective roofing contractor how long their company has been roofing. Those who have been around in your area for some time obviously know how to keep their customers happy. Anyone who hasn’t been around for very long could be a scammer ready to steal your money.
Don’t take any shortcuts when you are purchasing roofing materials. The initial cost savings of low priced materials cannot outweigh the best option as they can end up costing you more money down the road.
If you’re looking into hiring a roofer, you should be sure they can provide complete credentials that are totally up to date. Nearly every state requires roofers to have certain licenses; therefore, do not neglect checking for current and valid licenses from any contractors you are considering. They also need insurance and have other certificates as mandated in your area.
Don’t ever pay for a roof fully before the job has started. Many conniving contractors actually never return to finish work after receiving full payment only to disappear once they receive the funds.
The materials used can be recycled and they are 100% recyclableYou can even reduce the amount of debris you have to dispose of by installing a roof right on top of your old one.
Your roof’s age can indicate if it needs replacing. Most roofs need to be replaced about every 20 years. Even if you have a new roof on top of your old one, you’re going to have to replace it once the older one is about 20 years old.
If you’re considering some creative and unique roofing options, make sure to ask your potential roofer how experienced they are in this particular area. If the company has very little experience with it, keep on looking. You sure don’t want to take chances when dealing with your roof.
Quality roofing companies always carry insurance that covers unexpected events. If not, you should steer clear of them because you will have to pay for any damages. Ask for this information and contact that insurance company to see if they can verify it by calling their insurer.
Ask prospective roofing contractors how long their company has been in business. Those with long histories have learned how to please customers. Although a contractor with little experience could actually turn out to be good, there’s a greater chance that they are a scam; therefore, you shouldn’t take this chance.
As mentioned before, the roof is what keeps your belongings and loved ones safe and dry. Keep the tips from this article in mind and keep your family protected all year long. You will be glad you took the time to learn more about roofing.