There are many metaphors that talk up the importance of your roof, and for good reason. An important component of your home is the roof. Proper roof care is just as important. Read the following advice to learn what you can do to keep your roof in proper shape.
Wet conditions are the enemy of safe and effective roof work. When your roof is slippery or wet, you might fall and hurt yourself or, in extreme cases, be killed. If you’re doing roof work yourself, make sure to do it during dry and sunny days.
Rubber soled shoes are a must when you get up on your roof. Even on sunny and dry days, rubber boots are still a necessity so that you have a good grip. Roof repairs will typically place you in harms way several times during the duration of their repairs, so be careful and think twice.
If you have a contractor coming to remove your old roof, be sure to cut the grass beforehand. This helps make it easier to find nails that may hit the ground. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, short grass will also help this tool work more efficiently.
Always research contractors you are considering. Do not simply hire the first contractor you find with a low price. Try researching various local roofers. Investigate the possibilities online, talk to friends and co-workers, or use a referral service to locate the best company for the job.
If you are waiting for your roofing contractor to show up, try a temporary solution for your leak. Nail heavy plastic over the leak. This will cost you a lot of money in the future on repairs.
When you seek a roofing professional, be sure to verify their skills. Ask your neighbors, friends and family about their experiences with roofers. You need to hire an excellent contractor; this is the best way to ensure that you aren’t looking at expensive repairs down the road.
You may be able to spend less money if the roofer you choose has people working for him. A roofing team can accomplish a job quicker and this usually ends up with a much cheaper final product. If you’re working with a sole person, be sure they’re not overcharging you.
If you’re having a hard time locating a leak, take your garden hose and aim it at your roof. This will not only help you determine whether or not there is a leak, but also where that leak is located. It is a much cheaper alternative to hiring a professional.
To maintain your roof, keep it free of sticks, leaves and other debris. Too much debris on your roof can cause water to build up. The more water that lingers on your roof, the more the layers underneath will rot, and that can lead to very expensive repairs.
Architectural shingles are some of the many options you have for replacing your roof. These shingles are not only better looking than traditional shingles, they also have a much longer lifespan. Also, because so many people love them, they can increase resale value on the home.
You should never pay in full for your roof before the work is completed. Sneaky contractors get all of the money and never come back to do the job. Rather, pay a percentage up front for start-up, and then pay the remainder when the job has been done to your satisfaction.
Only contract with companies who demonstrate professionalism at every step of the process. A professional quote is a sign of a good contractor. If the whole process is professional, that means their work may be as well.
A new roof is more than just practical; it can also add visual appeal to your home. When considering a new feature or detail that is out of the ordinary, don’t hire a contractor unless he has proven experience in that particular area. If the answer is little to none, move on. This is an important issue that you need a professional for.
OSHA requires roofing contractors to have safety plans for projects. These plans are crucial to ensure that the work will be done right. So, prior to hiring a roofer, be sure there is a safety plan established. If the roofer is not able to provide one, hire someone else.
Be certain you understand basic roofing before you hire a roofing company. Learn whatever you can about what kind of rules there are in roofing and what types of materials there are before you talk to the contractor. This can help you avoid being taken advantage of since you’ll have an idea of the type of work you’ll need done on your roof.
Not all roofers are equal in skill, so choose your contractor carefully. Do not get lured in by fancy advertisements. Good word of mouth is usually the best form of advertisement. Talk to friends or read online reviews. Find out what kind of reputation the contractor has with the business groups in your local area. Making the wrong choice can cost you a lot of money.
Rubber Soles
Make sure that your shoes have rubber soles. Roof work is dangerous. Shoes with rubber soles grip better, making slips and falls less likely. A roof can be rather slippery. It can be difficult to maintain your footing if you aren’t prepared.
Do not do roof work solo. There’s no way to know when accidents might happen, so you should be sure someone is there to help you out if the worst occurs.
You are a responsible homeowner if you’re taking care of your roof. You can ignore some household problems, but none that pertain to your roof. By addressing all roofing-related issues as they arise, you can save yourself a great deal of grief and money.
