A well-maintained roof is going to shield your home from the outside elements. When the roof begins to fail, nature finds its way in and may cause havoc with many other areas of your home. Knowing about proper roof maintenance can really save you money and time in the road. Prepare yourself to keep your roof by reading the tips in this article.
Sometimes shingles leak, but the foundation can leak too. If there’s dry rot on your home’s sides, water will be able to get in through there. Check all entry points to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Never neglect safety precautions when planning repairs on your roof. You can get hurt if you try to fix your roof under severe weather conditions.Put a bucket where it’s leaking and then look at the roof to determine whether or not you can fix the issue.
Don’t try to fix any roof during wet weather. A slippery or wet roof can cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you are performing your own roof repair, make sure to do the work when the weather is dry.
If you need a roofing contractor, reach out to family and friends to find out if they have any suggestions or experience to offer. Ask those you trust if the work they had done was good quality and whether they think the price was reasonable. As about how clean they were, too.
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 look at some of the addresses in person. Drive by and get a good look before making your final hiring decision.
Always research the contractor that you are considering for your roofing contractors. Don’t hire the cheapest contractor you can find.
If you’ve called a roofer, but their visit isn’t for another couple days, use a type of temporary fix on the leaky roof. A large roll of heavy plastic and nails is all it will take. It isn’t a long-term solution, but it will do.
Make sure whatever roofer you hire has the proper licence to do the job. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what is required. Contact the local building department and inquire about what kinds of things you’re going to need.
Insurance coverage is essential when it comes to this type of work.If you hire a roofer that is not insured, you are going to have to pay for any damage that might occur. Ask if the roofer has insurance in place, but contact the insurer to check that it is up to date.
When you’re trying to find someone to work on your roof, you have to be sure that they have the proper skills. If you know anyone who has recently had their roof fixed, find out if they would recommend that contractor. Choosing the right roofer means you will receive quality work that doesn’t result in problems in the future.
Make sure your roofer has credentials, valid certifications. Nearly every locale needs licensed roofers, so make sure yours has a current and valid license.
The age of your roof is going to help you figure out whether to repair or replace it. Most roofs have twenty years before they must be replaced. If the roof you have now covered the old roof, you really do need to replace it.
Check roofing materials before putting new shingles up. Leaks often occur quickly due to improper installation. Be sure that the nails and shingles are in good shape before you add them to your roof.
Ask prospective roofing contractor how long they’ve been in business. Those who have been working in your area for some time obviously know how to keep their customers happy. A roofer with no track record is pretty suspicious; be aware that such contractors may very well be run by scammers who will take advantage of you.
If you’re wondering if your roof is leaking, try using a garden hose to spray it down. This will let you determine if you do indeed have a leak and also where the leak is located. It is simple and much cheaper alternative to hiring a professional.
Do not ever pay the total cost of your roof replacement in advance of the work being undertaken. Sneaky contractors get all of the money and never come back to do the job. Instead, pay a certain percentage up-front, and then wait to pay the remainder until the work has been completed to your satisfaction.
Only award your roofing contractors that can prove he has valid insurance and proper licensing.
Keep your roof clear of leaves and gutters clean.When debris builds up, water stays put. When water stagnates, the wood beneath the shingle may rot, which can lead to costly leaks.
Whether you are undergoing a roof installation, or a simple repair, you need to carefully inspect the materials that will be used. Shingles can be cracked or damaged during shipping. Installing these defective items can lead to costly repairs later. Take note of the condition of the materials during all stages of the project.
Architectural shingles can be a great alternative roofing material. They’re great looking and also last longer.
Ask your contractor to tell you what industry associations he belongs. The top contractors join industry groups to stay informed on the latest trends and improvements to standard techniques. If this isn’t the case, question whether they are dedicated to their field.
Reputable roofing contractors always have insurance that will cover potential accidents they may have on your roof. If they’re uninsured, you’ll be the one who’s liable for damages. Because of this, you shouldn’t ever hire someone who doesn’t have the proper insurance. After your contractor gives you the information, call the insurance company and verify it.
Homeowners with prior roof repair experience will attest to the difficulty that bad roof maintenance can cause. Using the tips above, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. Be sure to use your new knowledge, and make the most of an always tough situation.