Many homeowners do not know enough about roofing or how to perform preventative maintenance on their roof. You must become educated on roofing if you’re a homeowner. A malfunctioning roof can cause much damage to your home. The article below has some great advice with regards to roofing.
Give your roof a good looking at least once each year. Roofs normally suffer from significant damage during the months in winter and spring. Because of this, you must pay special attention during these months.
If you have a contractor coming to remove your old roof, be sure to cut the grass beforehand. This way, you can easily locate any nails that have fallen off during the work process. Short grass also makes a magnetic nail finder work much more efficiently.
Do some careful research before deciding which roofer to hire. Don’t simply hire the cheapest contractor you can find. Find out more about various companies. Two good ways to research good contractors are word of mouth from friends and online searches.
Stay away from short-term fixes for your roof. You may think you are saving money, but in the long run you could end up spending a lot more due to major damage. You have to make sure to fix the issue completely; that way, you avoid problems down the line.
You never want to climb atop your own roof to inspect for damage. If you have any doubt about the structural integrity, you should hire a professional. Walking on a damaged roof can spell trouble.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to inquire about the provided warranties of each company. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. The warranty must cover defective supplies and shoddy workmanship. Make sure the contractor gives you a copy of it.
The roofing contractor you hire must have proper licensing for the work involved. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what he says. Talk to your local building department and find out what the contractor should have.
Test any potential roof leaks with a garden hose. You will then be able to see any leaks that exist and assess the damaged areas. It is a much cheaper alternative to hiring a professional.
Make sure a contractor gives you proof of insurance and a license. If he does not, do not hire him. If you hire them, you could cost yourself a lot of money.
Use architectural shingles when you replace your roof. These are better than regular shingles and last a lot longer. If you ever plan on selling your home in the future, these types of shingles are also very sought out by home buyers. As a result, they can increase your home’s value.
Which associations is your contractor a member of? A good roofer stays up to date with the latest developments in the roofing industry, which means being a member of the appropriate industry organizations. Not being an association member may signal a lack of dedication, which may be something you would like to take into consideration prior to signing any contract.
Make sure to ask all of your questions prior to the commencement of work. What would happen if you failed to ask a question that could have saved you thousands of dollars? If you can’t get clear answers from a contractor, they’re probably not someone you want to work with.
Although the topic of roofing is a daunting one, you need to educate yourself on the topic. Thankfully, now you know a ton about the process. Remember that your roof is protecting you and your family, so you must protect it.
