You may not given your home’s roof much consideration.A leaking roof can result in major irreparable damage to your home. The article has some great advice with regards to roofing.
Remember: safety first. Trying to fix a leak during a rainstorm can result in serious injury or even worse. Get a bucket to catch the water from the leak until things start to clear up and then you should check on your roof.
Look over your roof carefully at least once per year.Roofs tend to suffer the most damage in the spring time.
If you notice that your roof is leaking, wait til it dries to fix it. You could compromise your safety on a slippery roof. A dry is roof is a safe roof.
There are many questions you’ll need to ask a prospective contractor before signing a contract. Ask about the number of nails that will be used for each shingle. Typically, three nails aren’t enough. Ask them about the methods they use, and see if they give a good answer. If not, then find a better contractor option.
Don’t try to fix any roof during wet weather.A wet roof can cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you’re making roof repairs, only do it when the weather is dry and sunny.
Consider the local climate when replacing your roof. Clay roofs work great in dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. Clay tiles that are on a home that is in damper climates can cause rapid deterioration. If you’re not sure about this, just ask.
If your roofing company can’t fix a problem for several days, take some time to look for a quick band-aid fix. Buy some heavy plastic and use nails to keep it attached to the area. It is not a lasting fix for the leaks, but it’ll provide your home with some protection until the proper repairs can be made.
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 need to also make it a point to have a look at some of the addresses in person. Drive by and look at the work before deciding who to hire.
You should generally avoid walking around your roof to inspect for damage. If you feel there might be a problem, it is safest to hire someone that can look at it for you. You do not want to be walking on the roof unsuspecting as it caves in on you.
Investigate the credentials and reputation of a roofing contractor before signing a contract. Talk to loved ones for suggestions on who they used. Choosing the right roofer means you will receive quality work that doesn’t result in problems in the future.
When you have come up with a short list of possible contractors, ask them about the warranties they provide. You need to find someone offering a warranty that is going to last 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.
Insurance is something you will want to confirm your roofer has. If you hire a contractor without insurance and something goes wrong, you’re left to pay the bill. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, get documentation that they do and go over it carefully.
Your roof’s age can indicate if it needs replacing. Most roofs only last about 20 years. When your current roof is a second layer on top of your old roof, it has to be replaced after 20 years.
Speak with the person working on your roofing company and find out what warranties they provide for their work. Some companies may provide you with better warranty options than others. This will prevent possible disagreements about any of the terms of the estimate or warranty later on.
If you think your roof is leaking, take your garden hose and aim it at your roof. This might help you know if you have a leak and also where the leak is. This will cost effective than hiring an expert.
Keep your roof clear of leaves and other debris to make it last. When there is build up, water stays put. When you have water on your roof, the wood beneath the shingle may rot, which can lead to costly leaks.
Only consider hiring roofers who are able to show proof of an active license and insurance.
Don’t buy 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 are seeking a more unique look to your roof, for example turrets, make sure your proposed roofer has the skill and experience in this area that you need. If they tell you they have little or no experience, hire someone else. You should take risks with your roof.
Ask your contractor which industry associations the company is a part in. The good contractors join industry groups to stay informed on the latest technological advances and improvements to standard techniques. If this isn’t the case, you must question the commitment to their field.
Make sure all your questions when hiring a contractor.The worst thing is that you can do not ask a question and then it becomes a problem later on. If a contractor is not willing to answer your question, your better off working with a different one.
Before agreeing for work to begin, make sure the chosen contractor has completely documented the project from beginning to end. He ought to talk about the materials required, how things will be cleaned up and the price involved. Be sure that you’re knowledgeable about what the plans are going to be. If you feel that a contractor does not provide you with adequate information, or he is very vague, then you probably should not do business with him.
As stated before, your knowledge of roofing may be lacking. By now you should be better prepared to deal with any problems that your roof may cause. Maintaining your roof can add to your level of safety in your home.