When it comes to home maintenance, the roof is a major concern. Roofing issues often require extensive time and effort, even on new houses. You shouldn’t neglect it. Without a solid roof, you will face disaster; take good care of it! The following article will show you how.
If you notice a leak during a rain storm, hold off on your inspection until things dry out. Don’t jeopardize your safety by going up on a wet roof. You will need good, dry conditions to find the damage and repair it properly. This will allow you the time to do the job right and do it under safe conditions.
References are critical when choosing a roofer or any other contractor. Call the clients and ask them about their experience. You should check some of the addresses if you have the time. Drive past them and examine the work carefully before choosing your roofer.
If your contractor won’t be out for a day or two, you can put a bandage on your leaking roof. Buy heavy plastic, then nail it to that spot. This isn’t the best way to manage leaks, but it can help you out in a pinch.
Any roofer you are considering using must have the proper license to do business. If you don’t know what kind of licensing your area requires, you shouldn’t just ask the roofer what’s needed. Call your area’s building department to find out what is needed.
Make sure your roofer has credentials, and make sure thy are current. The need for licensing is nearly universal. Ensure that all documentation is present and in date. They need full liability insurance, along with a current worker’s compensation certificate.
A roofer who works on their own can wind up costing you more money than someone with a team of workers. A small team of roofers can frequently get the job done faster, resulting in cost savings. Make sure that solo roofers are not overcharging you for labor.
How long has the contractor been in business? Those with long histories have learned how to please customers. Anyone that is new to this could be trying to scam you.
Utilize architectural shingles whenever you have to replace the roof. They’re great looking and last a long time. In addition, these shingles are highly sought by many buyers, and that means they can add value to your home when it comes time to consider resale.
Don’t put down all the money on a roofing job prior to work being done. This is a trick used amongst scam artists who never intend on actually repairing or replacing your roof. Pay a percentage at the beginning, and pay the rest once the job is done.
If you want a custom look for your roof, consult with roofing contractors to assess their experience level and abilities. If they have little or no experience, find a different roofer. You should take risks with your roof.
Safety Plan
OSHA requirements state that any roofing contractor should develop safety plans for the project they’re working on. A safety plan is very important to account for the security of all those on the project. Before you sign on with any contractor, be double sure they’ve figured out a safety plan. If they don’t, it is likely in your best interest to find a new contractor.
Hiring someone to work on your roof isn’t something that you should rush through doing. If you do not know how to approach your selection, ask someone you know who has had roofing work done to recommend someone. Ask the contractors you are considering lots of questions to ensure you are comfortable with them.
Learn a little about roofing before picking a company to fix your roof. Learn everything possible about types of roofs, best practices and any other relevant topic prior to speaking to contractors. In this way, you will avoid being cheated because you will understand what must be done.
Do not assume you need a new roof. Get in touch with an inspector before hiring anyone to do the work. People often pay a significant amount of money to have a new roof installed when they their existing roof could have been repaired inexpensively.
Make sure your shoes have rubber soles. This can give you a good amount of traction when on a roof. Rubber-soled shoes provide traction and prevent dangerous falls. It can get pretty slippery on a roof. If you aren’t careful, you may lose your footing.
Be careful with contractors who send their employees from door to door selling services. A good contractor should not need to promote their services door to door. Instead, these companies set up actual appointments with customers. Also, their employees usually have a vehicle containing the company’s name and wear uniforms. There are some exceptions, but you should keep this in mind.
Metal Roof
The first step in deciding which material to use is to develop a good understanding of the differences among the various materials. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of a metal roof include weight, durability and life span. But, it’s more difficult to put a metal roof in, and it may not look the best. Shingles made from asphalt cost less and are easier to handle, but they do not last as long. You might want to give thought to other materials like tiles or wood for your roof as well.
For your next DIY roofing project, haul a ladder up to the roof. Secure it with nails and wood. You can navigate around your the roof easier if you have a ladder. It will also reduce your chances of slipping.
As mentioned, roof care can be very costly and time consuming. But, now you see how crucial it is that you do so. Use this article as a quick reference guide if you run into roofing troubles later. You will be happy that you did.
