A good roof is going to shield your family from the dangers Mother Nature can throw at you. If you’ve got roof problems, it can cause damage to many other ares of your house. Knowing how to care for your roof can really save you trouble in time. Read the tips that follow so that you’re prepared properly.
If you’re feeling pressured by a contractor, show him the door. These unscrupulous people will stop at nothing to get you to sign a contract with them, and you always end up on the losing end, so stop them in their tracks.
Inspect your own roof at least once yearly. Roofs tend to suffer the most damage in the spring time.
Always wear rubber-soled boots when on your roof.
If you have a leak, fix it temporarily. A large roll of heavy plastic and nails is all it will take. 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 out your potential contractor’s history before you hire. Once given the references, give them a call and ask them about the value and quality of the work. You should also go and check some of their previous work. Drive by and take a look at the work before making your final hiring decision.
When you have a short list of contractors you want to contact, ask them about the warranties they provide. You need to find someone offering a warranty that lasts for at least 3-5 years. It should cover both defective supplies as well as poor workmanship, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.
Before you hire a roofer, ask what types of warranties he offers on his work. This is an area where benefits may really vary, so do your homework. In addition, always get a warranty in writing, along with the estimate, so that you have the information in your possession. It means there can be no disagreements over what was said and what wan’t down the line.
Insurance is something you need to have when it comes to roofing. If you work with an uninsured contractor and something is damaged, you’re left to pay the bill. Don’t simply ask if your contractor is insured, get documentation that they do and go over it carefully.
Check your roofing materials before putting new shingles up.
Wen replacing your roof, consider using architectural shingles. Architectural shingles look much better than regular ones and will last longer. Using this type of shingle gives your home added curb appeal. It’s definitely something to consider if you plan to list your home for sale.
Get references from roofing company you may hire. Honest companies will have no problems giving references. If a contractor is hesitant to give them to you, it’s probably best to just move on. This is a sure sign of trouble ahead.
Keep your roof and other debris to make it last. When such materials are permitted to build up, water stays put. When water sits on the roof, the shingle’s bottom layers with probably rot and those are expensive repairs.
If you are interested in achieving a unique look with your new roof, like having turrets put on or getting a metal roof installed. Make sure you speak to the roofer about how much experience they have in that area. Do not trust a contractor who has no experience with the kind of design you want. You aren’t going to want to have to take a chance when dealing with a roof.
You don’t want to forget the small things when hiring a roofer. Someone that arrives on time and calls ahead when they say they will is probably dependable. You want your roofer to have these important qualities.
Architectural shingles are another great addition to your roof. They’re more attractive and last longer.
Your roof isn’t a safe place to be. Many roofs are not made with people in mind, so be safe when going on your roof. Put on rubber-soled shoes to help prevent slipping. In addition, use a harness if possible. And last, always have a family member or friend to help you.
Don’t pay the full cost of a roof fully before the job has started. Many shady contractors actually never return to finish work after receiving full payment.
Ask any contractor to tell you are considering what associations the roofing company is a member of. The top contractors are going to be involved in these groups to stay informed on the latest trends and improvements to standard techniques. If your roofer is not, then you may just begin to wonder if they are truly dedicated to their chosen field.
All roofers must have in place a safety plan that fulfills OSHA requirements. This plan is needed because it helps you to be sure that the project will be completed correctly. Because of this, you must be sure that your contractor has a safety plan prepared. If they don’t, find another one that does.
Always inspect the materials that are being used to repair or replace your house. Be certain your materials are intact at all stages of roofing work.
Never agree to contract that aren’t written out. A verbal contract with a roofer they will find that issues occur when the work isn’t done right. A written contract is the best way to prove whether or not meet your requirements.
Make sure your shoes have rubber soles. Due to the height and the angle of the roof, roof work can be very dangerous. These shoes will provide you with traction. A roof can get very slippery. If you aren’t properly prepared, it can be hard to keep your footing.
Quality roofing companies always carry insurance that covers unexpected events. If not, don’t hire them. Ask for this information and contact that insurance company to see if they can verify it.
Take it slow when choosing a roofer because it is not an easy decision to make. Ask the contractor lots of questions in order to determine the reputation of all prospective firms.
Be wary of storm chasing contractors. These fly-by-night contractors usually scour residential areas in the immediate aftermath of a major storm. Some are not local and aren’t documented to work in your state. You can easily spot these contractors by their different area codes, their licence plate and their references from many different states.
Not taking care of your roof can lead to disaster. Fortunately, now that you are more educated on roofing, you can minimize your troubles. You’ll feel safe under your roof if you apply the tips you’ve learned here.