Are there areas on your home’s roof? Are there areas that look worrisome? Do you have no idea what you’re looking at? You can become a responsible homeowner by learning how to take care of your roof properly. You should be able to determine the condition of the roof and repair some problems before they are too big to do on your own.
Inspect your own roof at least once yearly. Roofs tend to suffer the most damage in the spring time.
Don’t check out and fix a leak until the rain stops. Leaks cannot be quickly patched anyhow, and it may be dangerous to climb atop a wet roof. A dry is roof is much safer.
While damaged shingles are sometimes the cause of leaks, be sure you look at your roof’s foundation too. Dry rot on the side of your home can lead to leaks.Check all areas to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Make sure that you’re secured whenever you climb onto your roof.
Don’t every try and repair your roof in wet, snowy or icy conditions. Rain, sleet, and snow can cause you to fall, which can seriously injure or even kill you. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, make sure to do the work when the weather is dry.
It is important that you check the references of any contractor you allow them to work on your roof.Once you’ve got them, ask the homeowners who the roofer worked for how they feel about the quality and value of the work. You need to also go and check out some of the addresses in person. Drive on by and examine the work carefully before choosing your roofer.
Make sure whatever roofing contractor you hire has liability insurance. The main thing that this will show you about a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability.If something does happen, the insurance will take care of it.
Consider your climate when roofing. Clay roofs work great in dry climates and may keep the home cool. Clay tiles should not be used in wet climates as they will deteriorate much quicker than other materials would. Be sure to ask an expert if you aren’t sure.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask them what kind of warranties are available. You want at least a 3-5 years of coverage. The warranty should deal with poor work and defective materials, and they should also supply you with copies of the manufacturer warranties too.
Insurance is crucial in this type of work. If you hire an uninsured roofer who damages your property, you are responsible for the bill. Ask if the roofer has insurance in place, but contact the insurer to check that it is up to date.
Always take the time to check the references and credentials of any roofing contractor you want to hire. Whenever you check out these references, follow up on them by contacting them so you can ask them their opinions on the contractor’s work. Visit some of the homes on the list. Swing past and take your own look.
The age of your roof often dictates whether to repair or not you replace it. Most roofs have twenty years or so before replacement is needed. If your current roof was placed over an old one, you definitely need to have it replaced after twenty years.
The advice you’ve read should guide you to staying informed as a homeowner. Now you have the information needed to take proper care of your roof. Be good to your roof, and it will be good to you.
Prior to putting your name on a contract, ask your roofer a few questions. Ask about the number of nails that will be used for each shingle. Three nails or less is generally considered inadequate. Ask about their policies and make sure you are happy with the answers you receive. If not, look somewhere else.
