
People don’t think about the roof often until there is a problem. The majority of homeowners don’t know much about roofing, which means that roof repair decisions can be stressful. Keep reading in order to understand how your roof care.
Don’t procrastinate replacing shingles. Replacing or repairing your roof as problems arise can save you a ton of money and energy in the future. Your roof will last longer if it is properly maintained.
Don’t hesitate when it comes to replacing shingles. Stalling may seem wise at the time, but eventually, the damage may worsen. Getting shingles replaced or repaired as soon as they are damaged will allow you to save money and time. Taking care of your roof will make it last.
Leaks come from having damaged shingles, but don’t discount a foundation problem as well. Water can enter into your home through dry-rotted siding. You should examine all entry points to make sure there is no problem.
Don’t try to fix any roof during wet weather. A slippery or wet roof could cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you work on the roof on your own, do it when it’s dry and sunny outside.
Wear shoes with rubber soles whenever you need to get on top of your roof. Even on sunny and dry days, rubber boots are still a necessity so that you have a good grip. Repairing anything on your roof usually means you will be putting yourself in awkward positions where you can easily lose your footing, so play it safe.
Mow your lawn before the contractor work on your roof. This will allow you to have an easier to find if dropped. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, short grass will make things much easier.
When you are looking into hiring a roofing contractor, check with family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Ask about the clean-up job that was done after work was completed and if warranties for future repairs.
When you’re trying to hire someone to do roofing for you, do some research first. Never hire the first one listed in the yellow pages or the one with the lowest rates. Rather, take the time to do your research. Look for online reviews and talk with friends and colleagues about any recommendations they could give.
Make sure to do your homework is done when looking for a roofing contractor. Don’t hire the cheapest contractor you can find.
If you have gotten in touch with a roofer but he cannot come out for several days, temporarily repair the leaks yourself. Get some heavy duty plastic and cover the leaking area with it.
Don’t pay up front! Pay a percentage of the fee in the beginning and then when the work is done. Some contractors will not consider your roof as a priority anymore once you pay the full amount.
The age of the roof can determine if replacement is needed. Many roofs only last around twenty years prior to needing replacement. If your roof was installed on top of an old roof, you’re going to have to have it replaced once it’s twenty years old.
Don’t overlook small things when hiring a roofer. Someone that arrives on time and calls you when there are issues is probably fairly dependable. You want both of these qualities to be present in your contractor.
Anyone who does work such as this absolutely needs to have insurance. If you hire a roofer that is not insured, you will be financially responsible if there is any property damage. Simply receiving verbal confirmation of insurance is not enough; make sure you see a copy of the document to ensure it is up to date and comprehensive.
Architectural shingles are another great addition to your roof. They’re great looking and also last a long time.
Ask any contractor to tell you are considering what industry associations the roofing company is a member of. The top contractors are going to be involved in these groups so that they keep up with all the latest technological advances and improvements to standard techniques. If they’re not, you must question the commitment to their field.
Your roof’s age can indicate if it needs replacing. A lot of roofs will only last about twenty years before needing to be replaced. Some homes have been fitted with a new roof right on top of the old one; if you’re in this situation it may be time to tear both off and start fresh.
Only contract with companies who demonstrate professionalism at every step. You want the entire process to remain professional to ensure that their work will be too.
The goal of this article is to make you a better-informed homeowner and help alleviate some of the stress involved in caring for your roof. Proper maintenance of your roof will result in fewer future problems. Remember this advice, and you’ll be prepared to handle any issues that may arise.
Before you install new shingles, you should check out your roofing materials. Installation issues like crooked nails or cracked shingles are a major source of leaks. Be certain the shingles you are using are in good repair and all nails are of an appropriate length to really anchor the shingles to your roof.
