A major issue with your roof is no fun for any homeowner. Because of this, you need to be proactive about your roof maintenance, addressing small issues immediately. You can avoid heavy expenses in the future by hiring a contractor now or fixing your roof yourself. Review the following roof advice to keep on the right track.
Always make safety your first priority when it comes to fixing your roof. Repairing a roof in bad weather is a recipe for disaster. Put a bucket under that leak until weather conditions improve and then look at the roof to determine whether or not you can fix the issue.
Be secured as you traverse the roof. This is key, because you can easily lose your balance, which can result in serious injury or death.
Make sure your grass is cut before the roof on your home is removed. This can help them easily find any nails they drop, making things easier on both of you. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, short grass will also help this tool work more efficiently.
Whenever you narrow down your list of contractors, ask each one their provided warranties. You need a warranty of at least three years, preferably five. Ideally, look for warranties that cover any issues caused by human error and defective materials. Ask for copies of each warranty.
Proper insurance is an absolute must-have. When your contractor lacks insurance, all responsibility falls on you. Simply receiving verbal confirmation of insurance is not enough; make sure you see a copy of the document to ensure it is up to date and comprehensive.
A contractor who hires employees is usually cheaper and more efficient than a contractor who works alone. A small team of roofers can frequently get the job done faster, resulting in cost savings. If you have a contractor doing it alone, make sure that they aren’t inflating the labor costs because of it.
The age of your roof plays a key role in the decision to purchase a new one. The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. Even if you have a new roof on top of your old one, you’re going to have to replace it once the older one is about 20 years old.
Make sure the roofing materials are inspected before using them. A lot of leaks come from installation, due to nails that aren’t the proper size, or shingles that are cracked. 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.
Do not worry if you are unable to immediately find your roof leak. You are going to find the problem, and the use of a water hose and a buddy system can help. If you have a big area to cover, talk to your helper by cell phone when you test various areas to avoid excess water from getting into the house.
Be sure to get a few quotes before you choose a roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof. There are contractors out there that are just going to rip you off because they’re scamming you. It’s important to compare prices and companies before choosing one to ensure you get good work at a good price.
Expect complete professionalism from your contractor at every step in the process. As an example, any contractor should provide you with a nicely laid out proposal. Everything should be professional from start to finish.
Quality roof contractors carry insurance that covers unexpected events. If the contractor does not have insurance such as this, you will be responsible for the damages. Never engage a contractor who has no insurance or who has inadequate insurance. Always ask your contractor for this information, and directly contact their insurance company to verify this information.
When you are looking into hiring a roofing company, ask them if the workers are sub-contractors. This can become an issue later from an monetary perspective. Have a clear understanding before a contract is signed.
When deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, consider its age. Your roof’s age is the primary factor in determining whether or not it needs to be replaced. Roofs should be replaced every twenty years. If you have not done any repairs on your roof over the past twenty years, you should look into replacing it.
Know the differences between various roofing materials. They all have their own pros and cons. For example, metal roofing is very durable and lightweight. But it’s also much more difficult to install, and the look may not work with your home style. Cheaper and easier to install, asphalt shingles are the most common choice. You should also look into the pros and cons of tile and wood shingles too.
The roof over your head is a major part of your home, and you must treat it accordingly. This could lead to very serious problems down the road. Take the tips in this article and apply them as necessary. Perform maintenance a few times a year on your roof for the best results.
