Are there questionable spots on your roof? Are you worried about certain aspects of it? Do you question what you see when inspecting your roof? Knowing how to care for your roof properly makes you a more responsible homeowner. By learning more on the subject, you will be better able to spot potential problems and correct them.
Make sure to inspect your roof annually. The roof is particularly vulnerable during the cold winter months on in to the warmer spring season. Because of this, it is especially important to inspect your roof during these seasons.
Leaks come from having damaged shingles, but you should also inspect your roof’s foundation. If your home’s sides are dry rotted, water may enter these areas. You need to look for every possible place that water can enter so that the problem gets taken care of completely.
Prior to putting your name on a contract, ask your roofer a few questions. Ask about the number of nails that will be used for each shingle. Three nails usually doesn’t cut it. Ask question about their procedures and make sure their answer satisfies you. If not, look somewhere else.
When selecting a roofer, ask loved ones for their experiences and recommendations. They will be able to tell you honestly about their experience with the contractor. Inquire about post-job cleanup and about the warranty covering repairs in the future.
Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. You want a warranty that is going to last for at least 3-5 years. The warranty should cover defective materials, as well as workmanship, and they should provide you with copies of any relevant manufacturer warranties.
Be sure a potential roofer is properly licensed. If you do not know what licenses are required, don’t simply take your roofer’s word. Find the proper authorities to make sure rules are being followed.
Always check the credentials of the roofing contractors you are considering for work on your home. The need for licensing is nearly universal. Ensure that all documentation is present and in date. Also check out their insurance and Workers’ Compensation.
If environmentally-friendly building is something that interests you, look into living roofs when you’re in the market for a new roof. A living roof is one that has soil layers where you can grow plants if you want to on it. It can only work in some places and some situations, though.
If you’re unable to find where a leak is coming from in your roof, don’t get upset. You’ll find it if you employ a process of elimination along with a buddy system and a water hose. As you do the testing of different areas, use your cellular phone to talk with your buddy if need be.
Only hire a roofing contractor that is able to supply you with proof of an active license and insurance. If the contractor cannot provide this information, then you need a different contractor. If they end up doing a bad job, you’ll be responsible for paying for the fix.
Keeping your roof free from excess debris, such as dead leaves and branches, is an important part of maintaining it. When debris builds up, water pools. When water sits on the roof, rot begins to happen and that can cause leaks which cost a lot of money to fix.
Don’t allow people to work on your home if they don’t act professional in their entire approach to your job. A professional quote is a sign of a good contractor. A professional worker usually indicates you will get good work.
An option that is both durable and friendly to the environment is a coated metal roof. In addition to reducing your monthly energy bills, this type of roof is 100 percent recyclable. A roof that’s coated and metal can even be put on tiles made of asphalt so you can be sure you’re not contributing to a landfill.
Don’t agree to contracts that aren’t written down. Usually, when there is a verbal contract between an individual and a roofer, there are conflicts that arise later on if the job is not done to expectation. A written contract is your best way to ensure that they will be liable for any lapses in quality of work.
The best way to find a roofing contractor is by asking acquaintances for referrals. This can be the best way to find someone suitable. If you’ve ever hired residential contractor to do other projects, they may be able to provide good recommendations, too. Worst case, they should definitely be able to get you heading in the proper direction.
Ask a prospective contractor to outline the whole project. He ought to talk about the materials required, how things will be cleaned up and the price involved. Be sure you know his plan and understand it. When you don’t think he’s being totally honest, hire someone else.
Roofing Companies
Beware of door-to-door roofing companies. Established roofing contractors are unlikely to solicit. Credible roofing companies work on an appointment schedule. They usually have employees that wear uniforms and drive vehicles with a form of company identification on it. Of course, there are exceptions to this, but be careful.
Make yourself a more informed homeowner by taking the advice you have been presented with above. Now you have the information needed to take proper care of your roof. Keep track of your roof and it will continue to protect you.
