When you see a yellow stain on your ceiling, or a storm blows through, your roof is often the first thing on your mind. It can be a chore, so you wait until the last minute to do certain things. Roof maintenance, however, is something you really shouldn’t neglect. Your roof is the greatest form of protection from all outside elements, so it is important to make sure it stays in good shape. The article below has the information you need.
Inspect your own roof annually. Spring and winter are the two seasons when roofs are most damaged. This means it is important to pay extra attention during these times.
If you think your shingles need replacing, do not hesitate to act. Although you may believe that it is okay to procrastinate on this for a little while, doing so can cause worse damage in the future. You should fix or replace weak shingles as soon as possible to prevent leaks from appearing. Taking care of your roof will make it last.
Don’t every try and repair your roof in wet, snowy or icy conditions. Slippery roofs can mean major falls. You can really injure yourself, or worse, you could die. Especially if you are all alone on a project, only do work on dry, sunny days.
Keep your climate in mind before getting any roof work done. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. However, using clay tiles on a roof in a wetter, rainy climate can lead to quicker deterioration of those tiles. If you have doubts, just ask.
Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. You need to find someone offering a warranty that lasts for about three or more years. The contractor’s warranty should cover faults due to both workmanship and part failure. A proper roofer should provide you with the manufacturer’s warranties for all of the supplies he uses, too.
Choose a roof contractor with some good credentials. Roofers should be licensed. In addition, contractors should have full liability insurance in case they have an accident at your home. That way, you will not be liable.
If you want to save some money when your get a contractor then you should find one that has employees working for them. Roofers working well as a team can finish more quickly at lower cost. If someone is doing it alone, your price may be higher.
The age of the roof can determine if it needs to be replaced. A lot of roofs have a mere 20 years of life before needing to be replaced. After 20 years or so, it is in your best interest to replace your old, worn roof.
Are you environmentally conscious and seeking a new roof? If so, consider a living roof. This type of roof has soil and plants, just like a garden. This is only appropriate for flat roofs in a certain type of climate, but it provides great insulation.
Get references from any roofer you are thinking about hiring. A legit company will have no problem giving you their references. If the company is unable to produce this information, look elsewhere. This is generally a read flag that means trouble later on.
If you’re wondering if your roof is leaking, try spraying it with a garden hose. This can help you find out if there’s a leak and where it is. This could save valuable money compared to seeking professional advice.
Keep your roof and gutters clean. If you let these materials build up, they’ll keep water from leaving your roof. If water stays on your roof, it can permeate the shingles, causing rot.
Ask your contractor to tell you what industry associations he takes part in. If he is not aware of what is going on, you may want to try someone else. When they’re not a member of any, don’t hire them.
Find out a bit about roofing prior to selecting a roofing company. Learn what you can about rules, types and other information before talking to a professional. That way, you can ensure you aren’t taken advantage of, as you will have a better idea of what you might need to have done.
Make sure prospective roofing contractors have all appropriate paperwork before the project starts. It may be that bonds and permits are necessary for them to start working. Local building departments will be able to provide you with the list of documents that are needed before they can start on the job.
Make sure your shoes have rubber soles. It can be dangerous working and walking around on your roof. Rubber-soled shoes provide you with the right traction to prevent slips and falls. Understand that roofs are slick. If you aren’t careful, you may lose your footing.
Think about the climate and the weather as you prepare to repair your roof. Wood shingles, for example, perform poorly in arid regions. A lot of roofing materials that are synthetic aren’t durable for hot climates. Roofs made from metal suffer from harsh winters. Speak with a professional contractor if you need to be sure about what kind of roof to get.
Know the differences between the different roofing materials. Each one has it’s own particular advantages and disadvantages. Metal roofing is durable, lightweight, and has a long life expectancy, for instance. The disadvantages of a metal roof are that it’s more difficult to install, and it’s not right for every structure. Asphalt tends to be less expensive, but it generally doesn’t last as long. There are other materials available as well, like wood and tiles.
As discussed earlier, keeping your roof in good shape can be a lot of work. However, you need to do it to protect your house and family. Keep these tips in mind when any roofing problems occur. These efforts will pay off.