A typical roof lasts about 15 years, but not without upkeep. You must take steps to ensure proper maintenance of your home’s roof. The following tips will help you keep your roof in good shape.
You need to ask many questions prior to engaging a professional roofing contractor. A good question might be how many nails are going to be used in each shingle. Usually, three nails are inadequate to the job. Ask them about the procedures that they will be using. Go with another contractor if you’re not happy with their answer.
If you feel pressured by a salesman, do not agree to anything and show him to the door. This type of salesman will do what they have to do to convince you that you cannot live without what they are offering. It could end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars if you do not put a stop to their pitch.
Cost Upfront
Never pay the entire cost upfront before the job is finished. Although paying approximately 25% of the cost upfront may be necessary, avoid paying more than this amount. You wouldn’t want them to perform less work than you anticipated.
The roofing contractor that you hire needs to be completely current with all of their credentials. Nearly every area requires some sort of licensing for roofers, so make sure yours has a current and valid license. Also, ask for their insurance so that you are not responsible for damage.
Keeping your roof free from excess debris, such as dead leaves and branches, is an important part of maintaining it. If you let these materials build up, they’ll keep water from leaving your roof. 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 can be a great addition to your roof. These shingles are not only better looking than traditional shingles, they also have a much longer lifespan. Buyers love these shingles, so they can even add value when you choose to sell your house.
Before a contractor works on your roof, ask questions first. It would be bad if you avoided asking them a question and have it come back to haunt you down the road. Do not work with any contractor who makes you feel uncomfortable asking questions.
Get a couple of quotes prior to making any choices. Not all contractors are trustworthy and some only want a chance to take your hard-earned money. One step in making sure you are not scammed is to get a feel for the market and the going rates.
Find out whether the roofer you want to hire is available to do yearly maintenance on the roof. Even if you have the world’s best roofer, there may be issues later, especially if the area where you live has extreme weather. An annual checkup will insure that your roof remains in good condition.
Don’t verbally agree to a contract; get a written one. Many times people enter into verbal contracts with roofers, and they end up having issues if the work is not done correctly. Getting a contract in writing is the best way to prove that things didn’t go according to plan if something were to go wrong.
Safety Plan
Every roofing contractor is obligated to implement a safety plan. Failure to do so violates OSHA requirements. This will ensure that each project gets done in the proper manner. Before hiring a contractor, make sure they have their safety plan put in place. Find someone else if they don’t give you a safety plan.
Before agreeing for work to begin, make sure the chosen contractor has completely documented the project from beginning to end. Find out what kind of materials he uses and how he plans on cleaning up after the work is done. This will give you a better understanding of what is going on. If you don’t think you’re getting enough information, or that he is being vague, you shouldn’t hire him.
Don’t let a contractor start work on your roof until he shows you all the necessary paperwork. Your roofer may need a permit or bond prior to them beginning work on your roof. If you are unsure, you can speak with the building department in your area to find out what roofers need to begin work on your roof.
If you make sure your roof’s in good shape, it’ll be able to keep your home in good shape as well. Some might say that the roof is among a homeowner’s most critical assets. Have these tips in mind when you need roof maintenance.
