This article provides all the tips you need when it comes to roof maintenance and repairs.
If you have a leak when it rains, hold off on your inspection until things dry out. You can’t walk safely on a wet and slippery roof.A dry is roof is a safe roof.
Don’t try to fix your roof in inclement weather. A slippery or wet roof can cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you’re doing roof work yourself, work on it when it is sunny and dry outside.
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor comes to remove your roof.This will make it easier to find nails that may hit the roof. If the contractor uses a magnetized nail finder, the shorter grass helps this tool work better.
It is important that you check the references of any contractor you allow them to work on your roof.Once you’ve got them, ask the homeowners who the roofer worked for how they feel about the quality and value of the work. You should also go and check out some of these homes yourself. Drive by and take a look before making your roofer.
There are many questions you need to ask the roofer before you hire him. One question to ask is the quantity of nails that need to be inserted into every shingle. Three nails are usually doesn’t cut it. Ask them about their methods are to see if the answers you receive. If not, choose someone else.
If you have a leaking roof, but he is not scheduled to visit for a few days, have a temporary solution in place. You can nail heavy grade plastic to damaged areas.
Don’t attempt to create a temporary fix your roof.You may think you’re saving money, but in the long run you could end up spending a lot more due to major damage. The smartest thing to do is take care of any problem as quickly as possible to prevent things from getting worse.
Make sure the roofer you hire is trained and skilled. You can ask family and friends for good people. Hiring the wrong contractor who is not properly licensed and distress.
A good team can achieve good results more quickly.
Only hire a roofer that can provide proof of an active license and insurance.
If you want a certain look with a new roof, such a metal roof or turrets installed, make sure your proposed roofer has the skill and experience in this area that you need. If they seem to have little, choose someone else. You sure don’t want to take chances when dealing with your roof.
Always inspect the condition of roofing materials before they go on your house. Be certain your materials are intact at all stages of roofing work.
Have your contractor explain the whole process. He should go over what kinds of products they’ll have to use, how things will be cleaned up and the price involved. Ask plenty of questions if you don’t understand something the plan. If your contractor isn’t being clear with you on the plan, it may be time to look in a different direction.
When you hire a company to fix your roof, see if their workers are sub-contractors. If they are, this can pose a liability problem. Make sure you are aware of any sub-contractors before you make a commitment.
Determine your roof’s age so that you’ll know if it needs repairs or full replacement is needed. Knowing when you should hire a pro to replace your roof largely depends on how old it is.
If the local weather is unfavorable, postpone the work. Fixing your roof is not worth injury or dying for. You need to know what you are doing and be safe about it.
Beware of door-to-door roofing salesman. A good roofer that has a solid reputation isn’t going to need to get business that way. Many credible companies would rather make appointments. They usually have employees wear uniforms and drive trucks with company logos. There may be a few exceptions out there, but think twice.
Learn more about your options for roofing materials. Each material has it’s own particular advantages and disadvantages. However, it is not the most aesthetically pleasing of materials, and it may look out of place in your neighborhood. Asphalt shingling is cheaper and easier to install, but it generally doesn’t last as long. You should also consider the advantages/disadvantages of wood and tile.
Watch out for those storm chasers.These flighty contractors prey on residents in neighborhoods that have been recently hit by storms. Many of them are from another state and don’t have no documentation for your state. Some ways to spot these guys is through by the area codes on their contact information, vehicle sticker signs and references from other storm-ravaged areas.
Never let ice to build on your roof for long periods of time if you reside in a colder climate. Ice can cause plenty of damage roofs in many different ways. You can help to stop ice by using ice shields or drip shields. Proper ventilation will also be a lot longer.
If you’ve installed a new roof or just recently repaired it, head to your attic the next time rain falls. This lets you determine whether or not all leaks have been resolved. It can also make you know if you’re dealing with any shingles that are weak.
As you’ve read, it’s crucial to keep your roof in good shape. Protect your family by using the tips and advice presented here. Some effort from you can prevent future disasters.