Significant roof repairs are never a joy. Minor problems should always be addressed before they become even larger problems. Properly caring for your roof means taking initiative now to avoid problems later. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips when it comes to your roof.
Check out your roof yearly. Typically, roofs suffer the most damage during winter and spring. Be extra watchful during these seasons.
While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, be sure you look at your roof’s foundation too. Water can enter into many areas that are rotting. Look for ever potential entry area, rotten wood included, to be sure you get the problem permanently fixed.
Safety should be your number one priority when working on your roof. If it is raining outside and you attempt to make roof repairs, you may end up getting injured or worse. Use a bucket to catch the leak, and then check out what is needed for repair when the weather changes.
Clay Roof
Your environment matters when thinking about your roof. If you are in a dry climate and want to keep your house cool, then a clay roof would be ideal. In rainy climates, a clay roof can deteriorate quickly. Be sure to ask an expert if you aren’t sure.
Don’t consider ‘quick-fixes’ for your roof. Although you may think you can save some money, this will likely cause further damage to your roof, causing you to spend even more money. Fix any issues promptly and properly to ensure that the problem does not worsen down the line.
Choose a roofing contractor who is skilled and experienced. Your coworkers and friends are excellent sources for referrals, reviews, and recommendations. Referrals can help you avoid getting an inferior roof installed, along with the cost and frustration of correcting the mistakes.
Don’t walk around your roof alone. If you know there is a problem, get a professional to visit and do an inspection. You don’t want to walk on the roof and it ends up caving in.
Be certain your roofing contractor is properly licensed. If you don’t know what’s required of the area, don’t just trust the roofer’s word. Check your local building department and call them to find out what is necessary.
The age of your roof often determines if it’s time to have it replaced. Many roofs last around twenty years prior to needing replacement. If you installed your roof above an old one, you definitely need to have it replaced after twenty years.
Ask your roofer about any warranties they might offer. Compare this when choosing a contractor. Obtain a written warranty with your estimate so that you’re in possession of all the proper information. This way, no one can dispute on the terms of the agreement.
Only hire roofers that give you proof of valid and current licensing and insurance. Do not hire a contractor who cannot provide you with these documents. This is because you will have no line of defense or recourse if they end up doing a bad job and damage your home.
Never cut corners when purchasing roofing materials. Buying sub-par materials will lead to higher costs down the road because cheaper materials do not last as long and the work will have to be redone sooner, rather than later.
Never permit work to be done on your house by anyone who doesn’t conduct themselves in a very professional manner. A roofer should give you a quote for the job that is easy to read and comprehensive. A professional will follow the book so that your job is done right.
If you want to give your new roof a one-of-a-kind look, such as having a metal roof or putting up turrets, talk with the roofer about their expertise with these things. Do not trust a contractor who has no experience with the kind of design you want. It’s never good to take chances with your roof.
If you’re checking out a professional roofer, consult the BBB – Better Business Bureau. This step gives you knowledge about how the company or contractor has treated other customers in the past. You need to know their reputation before you hire them. Checking in with your locality’s Chamber of Commerce is also a good idea.
A reliable, trustworthy roofing company always has insurance that covers any mistakes made on your roof. If they do not have this insurance, you will be liable for their damages; therefore, you should never hire a contractor who doesn’t have insurance or does not have much insurance. Ask for this information and verify it by calling their insurer.
Talk to your friends and relatives if you need to find a roofer. They can recommend a contractor to you or warn you against one, based on their own experience. If you’ve ever hired residential contractor to do other projects, they may be able to provide good recommendations, too. If nothing else, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Think about what the weather is like in your area before selecting roofing materials. For example, wood shingles don’t work well in arid regions. There are many synthetic alternatives that you can use on your roof. Metal roofs run into trouble with long, hard winters. Speak with a professional contractor if you need to be sure about what kind of roof to get.
It is never a good idea to neglect the care and maintenance of your roof. If you do, you are setting yourself up for disaster. Instead, you should use what you just learned to become as savvy as you can be regarding your roof. Maintaining it properly will save a lot of trouble and money for years.