Roof maintenance can be a tough thing. Not all homeowners know enough about roofing to perform repairs themselves. You should never neglect it, though. The roof is what protects your home, so it needs to be properly cared for. This article can teach you how.
Don’t try to fix your roof during wet weather. Rain, sleet, and snow can cause you to fall, which can seriously injure or even kill you. Only work on a sunny, dry day.
When a leak is getting fixed, you have to be sure that the job is done correctly the first time. This often means searching for other leaks after the initial spot has been fixed. Check your entire roof and you may find that your leak is actually a bunch of problem areas at work.
It is your responsibility to know what’s involved in hiring a suitable roofing contractor. Do not simply hire the first contractor you find with a low price. Rather, do a bit of research on all the contractors in your area. There are many ways to find good roofing candidates. You can get references from friends and family, research online consumer forums, or utilize a service to find reputable companies.
Before hiring a roofer, check all credentials. Friends and neighbors who have recently had work done on their roofs may have recommendations for you. This is important because you don’t want to have a poor roofing job done which would result in costly repairs in the future.
Never go up onto your roof to inspect for damage. If you feel there might be a problem, then you need to hire a professional to look at it for you. You should not take the risk of having the roof cave in with you on top of it.
When you have your contractors narrowed down, ask them about the warranties they provide. You want a warranty that is going to last for at least 3-5 years. The warranty should cover defective materials, as well as workmanship, and they should provide you with copies of any relevant manufacturer warranties.
Before you install new shingles, you should check out your roofing materials. Using damaged materials, such as cracked shingles, can be a primary cause of a leak right from the start. Make sure all shingles do not have cracks and are strong, and that your nails are long enough to penetrate the shingle completely and secure them to the roof.
If you think you may have a leak, spray your roof with a garden hose. You will then be able to see any leaks that exist and assess the damaged areas. It’s cheaper than hiring a pro.
To maintain a mint condition roof, clear excess debris from it, such as sticks and leaves. When such materials are permitted to build up, they can provide a holding place for water. This can damage shingles, lead to rot and cause leaks.
Don’t pay a down payment before the work starts. Many shady contractors ask for full payment only to disappear once they receive the funds. The best policy is to pay a portion of the total for materials and labor when the project begins and then pay the remain balance upon completion. Write this agreement into your contract.
As previously mentioned, roof care occasionally requires a lot of time and effort to do right. But, now you see how crucial it is that you do so. Refer to this article anytime you experience roofing issues. It will be to your advantage.
