Roof maintenance can be a tough thing. It takes quite a lot of time and effort for the homeowner. This doesn’t mean it should ever be neglected however. Be sure to maintain your roof, since it is your home’s main defense. Read these tips to keep your roof in good shape for years.
Don’t hesitate to replace shingles. You might think it’s okay to wait on fixing something, however, the damage will worsen over time. You should fix or replace weak shingles as soon as possible to prevent leaks from appearing. Taking care of your roof will make it last.
Inspect your roof at least once yearly. Your roof is most likely to incur damage during winter and spring. In that time make sure you keep an extra eye out for issues.
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor work on your roof. This will make things much easier to find if dropped. Even nail-finding equipment will work better when the grass is cut short, which makes the cleanup process easier and faster.
Sometimes a leak is the result of a faulty shingle, but other times, there may be an issue with your roof’s foundation. Dry rot in siding can lead to leaks. You need to look for every possible place that water can enter so that the problem gets taken care of completely.
You never want to climb atop your own roof to inspect for damage. If you think your roof has problems, be sure to hire a professional to look at it. The roof may cave in, which could cause serious injury.
Safety should always be your primary concern when repairing a roof. Repairing a roof in bad weather is a recipe for disaster. Keep a bucket underneath any leaks until you have improved weather and then go inspect your roof.
You always want to ask for references from any roofing companies you are considering doing business with. Any reputable company will be more than willing to give you references. If a contractor is hesitant to give them to you, it may be time to look somewhere else. This might be a sign that the contractor isn’t a true professional.
Don’t attempt to do roof repairs in bad weather conditions, such as snow, ice or rain. A slippery or wet roof could cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you work on the roof on your own, only do it when the weather is dry and sunny.
Don’t buy cheap roofing materials. Even if the materials are cheaper, they may get worn out quickly, which means they will cost more in the long run.
Rubber soled shoes are a must when you get up on your roof. Even on sunny and dry days, rubber boots are still a necessity so that you have a good grip. Working on a roof is always a dangerous proposition. It is easy to slip and fall while balancing on high, slanted rooftops, so take your safety very seriously.
When selecting a roofing contractor, regardless of the reason, ensure you do research on the BBB. Doing so, you’ll be able to see any previous complaints against the contractors you’re considering. Check with the Chamber of Commerce in your area as well.
Take care that you secure yourself properly when on the roof. Losing your balance is a serious danger, regardless of the steepness of your roof. A loss of balance can cause major injury and may be fatal in some circumstances.
Beware of storm chasers. Contractors will be all over the areas where storms hit. Most of these contractors are from outside your state and cannot show you proper credentials for your state. Major signs concerning this include out-of-state area codes, removable vehicle stickers and references from other areas.
Do not give in to pitches by salesmen that do not sound reasonable. Some of them will do whatever it takes to get your signature on a contract. This is never a good sign for the consumer, so stop them long before you get to that point.
Make sure the contractor you hire is a roofing specialist. You know what you’re dealing with, get their license number. Licenses that start with “C” indicate a specialist, while those starting with “B” indicate general contractor status.
When it comes to your roof, you should stay away from quick-fixes. These shortcuts may seem like affordable solutions, however they can often result in further damage that will cost even more to fix. It’s best to fix problems immediately, instead of letting them get worse.
Get in touch with the BBB before hiring any roofer. A good firm will be listed with the local BBB, and a poor one may not. The Better Business Bureau is there for the safety of consumers and should be used to its maximum advantage.
Find out about warranties from all contractors you are considering. You want to be offered 3-5 years of coverage. You should have defective supplies covered and poor workmanship, too. Don’t forget to get copies of any warranty that you are offered.
Clean the gutters often. Taking preventative measures can help you save a lot of time and money. Clogged gutters are often a prime cause of roof leakage. You will want to be sure your gutters are cleaned regularly, and most especially after you get a storm. This will reduce your need for roof repairs.
If a roof leak has you worried, use your hose to spray the area at issue. This can help you find out if there’s a leak and where it is. You will not have to spend money on a contractor just to find out.
Although some roofs have been seriously damaged, others just need protective coatings. Even if you aren’t sure, you can still use the coating to keep your roof protected. This will help to reduce your overall expenses.
Never hire a contractor unless they have the correct licensing and current insurance. If they aren’t able to, don’t think about hiring them. Poor workmanship can actually lead to more extensive damage in the long run.
When it comes to roofing, it’s crucial that you know the times that a professional contractor is necessary. There are many tasks in roof repair that really need experience and know-how to do right. Knowing when you should call them can make life simpler.
As it was said earlier, the maintenance of the home’s roof can be very time consuming. You should understand how much your roof means to you now. If your roof has problems again in the future, just check this article again for a refresher. It will be to your advantage.
A roof’s age can be problematic, even without showing signs of wear and tear. No matter how well-built and well-maintained a roof is, it’s going to need full replacement eventually, somewhere between fifteen and thirty years after it’s installed. If you have a roof that looks good but is getting old, you should still consider getting it replaced.
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