Your roof is your first line of defense when it comes to the elements. That is the main reason why it must be properly maintained. Many homeowners make the mistake of their roofs until there is a huge problem. Use the advice in this article to learn how you can maintain your roof remains in great shape for years to come.
Consider the local climate when replacing your roof. Clay roofs are great in dry climates and may keep the home cool. Clay roof tiles should not be used in wet climates as they will deteriorate fast. If you aren’t sure, ask.
Examine your roof on a yearly basis. A roof will suffer the most damage during winter and springtime. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to your roof at these times.
Make sure that you’re safely secured whenever you climb onto your roof.
When looking for a good roofing contractor, consult your family, friends and co-workers first. Ask about the clean-up job and if warranties are offered.
Don’t hesitate when it comes to replacing shingles. While your natural inclination may be to wait, the shingles aren’t going to fix themselves and could deteriorate over time. Replacing or fixing shingles now will prevent trouble and money spending in the future. Your roof will last longer if it is maintained well.
If you have a leak, take some time to look for a quick band-aid fix. Get some heavy plastic and cover the leaking area with it.
After you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, make inquiries about warranties.You want a warranty that is going to last for about three or more years. It must cover workmanship and defective supplies, plus they should give you copies of all manufacturer warranties as well.
Whenever you have to climb up onto your roof to work, wear rubber boots. Even if the weather is warm and dry, such shoes are necessary for grip. Roof repairs will typically place you in harms way several times during the duration of their repairs, so be careful and think twice.
Make sure whatever roofer that you hire has the proper licence to do the work. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what is required.Contact the building department and inquire about what kinds of things you’re going to need.
Insurance is something you need to have when it comes to this type of work. If damage occurs to your property and your roofer doesn’t have the required insurance, you are responsible for the bill. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, comprehensive coverage.
When you hire roofing contractors, you need to check into their references and reputation. Follow up on the reference you are given and contact them for their experiences with the contractor you are considering. Take a drive to the homes, if possible. Drive by and get a good look before deciding who to hire.
If you plan on hiring a contractor, you should be sure they can provide complete credentials that are totally up to date. Nearly every locale needs licensed roofers, do not neglect checking for current and valid licenses from any contractors you are considering.
The age of your roof often determines if it needs to be replaced. Most roofs have a lifespan of twenty years or so before they must be replaced. If your existing roof was put directly into an older one, you are going to have to redo your roofing in 20 years.
If you have gotten in touch with a roofer but he cannot come out for several days, you may need a temporary fix. Try buying heavy duty plastic and layering it over the area. This isn’t the best way to manage leaks, but it can help you out in a pinch.
Always ask for several references before hiring a potential roofing contractor. Honest companies will have no problems giving references. If the company is unable to produce this information, you should ditch them quickly. This is an indication that means trouble later on.
Get quotes before hiring a roofer. There are companies out there that will try to gouge their clients. To avoid falling for a scam and losing your money, you need to see what the going rate is in your market before making decisions.
Avoid paying full amounts upfront. A downpayment of about 25% is all that should be needed to get them started on the job. You don’t need them to do less or poor work than you expected.
Inspect all roofing materials that will be going on your home carefully. Be sure that you’re paying attention to what you’re doing at all stages of the work.
OSHA requirements that say every roofing contractor needs to have a safety plan in place during a project. This plan is important in assuring you to be sure that your roofing project will be done correctly.
You never want to climb atop your own roof to inspect for damage. If you think there are problems, hire a professional to do an inspection. You don’t need to run the risk of the roof caving in from your walking on it.
When you are shopping for a company to work on your roof, find out if their workers are subcontractors. If the people you’re employing to work on the roof aren’t employed by that company, it could cause liability concerns. Make sure you are aware of any sub-contractors before hiring.
Do not assume you are in need a new roof. Call a pro and let them look at it before making that decision.
The age of your roof is the main factor in determining whether you should replace it or not. Most roofs have a lifespan of twenty years before replacement is needed. 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.
Ask your contractor about the workload they’re currently dealing with. Find out how many employees within the company. Companies with lots of current projects and minimal employees could struggle to meet deadlines.
Beware door-to-door roofing companies. A roofer that’s established and has a good reputation isn’t going to need to promote their services door to door. Most credible wold rather set appointments. They usually have employees that wear uniforms and drive vehicles with company identification on it. There may be a few exceptions out there, but you should keep this in mind.
Get references from any roofer you are thinking about hiring. If the company is honest, they will not hesitate to provide them. A bad company will refuse. This usually indicates a problem with the company.
Don’t work on the roof alone.
When hiring a contractor, you need a specialist. Ask your contractor for his license number to confirm his credibility.
You should consider the length of time that a contractor has worked. Those with long histories have learned how to please customers. Someone who is a new contractor can be scamming you and take your money.
Regularly cleaning out your gutters is an excellent way to maintain your roof’s health.Clogged gutters prevent a roof from doing its job and damages the roof. Make sure your gutters are checked and cleaned monthly.
Pick a roofing material that enhances the unique features of your home’s one-of-a-kind architecture. Dark colored shingles often look best on a steep roofs. This will make your home look more subtle. If your house has a shallow pitch, get a light-colored roof. This will help your house look a lot taller.
Pay attention to details when selecting your roofer. You can probably depend on a roofer that shows up on time. This will show that he means business and will probably do a good job. These qualities are important when it comes to a roofer.
Are you getting offered any kind of a good guarantee? You must get manufacturer’s warranties, but also one from the specific contractor as to their workmanship. The only way to ensure this is well covered in writing.
Get at least three quotes from different places before you decide on a roofer. Compare each quote with what they offer and make a better decision.You will be able to save quite a bit of money and time.
Coated metal roofs are great if you care about the environment. In addition to reducing your monthly energy bills, this type of roof is 100 percent recyclable. You can place coated metal roofs over asphalt tiles. By doing this, you will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
An important tip for roof maintenance is knowing when you should contact a pro. Unless you are experienced with roofing, there are many issues that you should only let a pro handle. Knowing when you should call a professional will make life a whole lot easier.
As said previously, your roof protects you and your family. Ensure you utilize the excellent strategies outlined in this article so that you thoroughly protect your home. Keep these tips handy to ensure you have them at the ready when they’re needed.
Whether you are having a new roof installed or having repairs done, make sure you inspect all materials being used. Many times, shingles crack when they’re nailed down, and if you don’t notice, they can make for pricey repairs later on. Make sure the materials used on your roof are in excellent shape at the time of the purchase.
