Roofing Made Easy In This Article
Homeowners know that maintaining a healthy roof is an important priority. Problems occur when people do not know how to keep a roof in good shape. You can make sure your roof lasts a long time by following the tips shared in this article.
Safety should be a strong consideration with taking on a roofing project. A quick way to seriously injure yourself is to try to work on your roof in wet conditions. Until the rain stops, use a bucket to catch the water. Later, when the roof is dry, inspect the roof and make any repairs.
Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect the foundations of your roof. If you have dry rot on your home’s sides, it can allow water to get into your home. Go over each and every potential entry point, especially rotting wood, to make sure the issue has been resolved completely.
Make sure you’re properly secured when you’re 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.
There are several important questions that one should ask a roofing contractor prior to the contract signing. One important question to ask is the quantity of nails they will put in each shingle. Typically, you would want more than three. In addition, you should ask them to provide you with a complete outline of their project. If you don’t get the right answers, walk away.
When hiring a contractor, research properly. Don’t just think that you should hire the first person that you find or one that’s the cheapest. Take the time to find out more about all the roofing contractors in the area. Check online, ask for references from loved ones and contact the Better Business Bureau.
Be sure the roofer has all necessary licensing for doing the job. If you do not know the proper licenses a contractor should have, never trust your contractor’s word on the matter. Research the relevant agency and contact them directly.
Once you have your potential contractors list narrowed down, ask each what sort of warranties they provide. You want one that is about 3 to 5 years, and longer is preferable. The contractor’s warranty should cover faults due to both workmanship and part failure. A proper roofer should provide you with the manufacturer’s warranties for all of the supplies he uses, too.
The age of the roof can determine if it needs to be replaced. Most roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years. If you installed a roof on top of your older roof, you’ll definitely need to replace the entire thing once you’ve reached that 20 year limit.
Check all of the materials that you are using to repair your roof. Many leaks actually originate from basic installation, with cracked shingles or nails that are an improper length to begin with. Be sure your shingles are sturdy and without cracks and make sure your nails are long enough to secure the shingles properly.
Before installing your new shingles, check them thoroughly for any damage or defects. Many leaks actually originate from basic installation, with cracked shingles or nails that are an improper length to begin with. Ensure the shingles have no cracks and make sure that your nails can secure the shingles to the structure.
If you can’t find a leak, don’t be discouraged. It will only take you some time if you just eliminate one thing at a time. Using your water hose is a great way to find problems if you have someone helping you. If you have a large home, have someone inside with a cell phone keep in touch with you as you look for the leak.
If you wish to install a brand new, environmentally-friendly roof, don’t overlook using a living roof. This type of roof has soil that can grow vegetation. Living roofs require a flat surface and appropriate climate conditions to thrive.
Use your hose to spray a leaky roof. You’ll then see if a leak is there, plus the exact locale so that you can get it fixed. It is simple and much cheaper than hiring someone to check for you.
Only consider hiring roofers who are able to show proof of current insurance and licenses. Anyone who is unable to provide this information should be shown the door. This is because you will have no line of defense or recourse if they end up doing a bad job and damage your home.
You should never pay a contractor the full price upfront. This is a trick used amongst scam artists who never intend on actually repairing or replacing your roof. Pay a specific percentage of the rate beforehand, and then pay the remainder upon completion.
When hiring a roofer, do not overlook the little things. If the person calls when needed and arrives punctually, you most likely have found a good contractor. Also, written quotes and estimates are good signs of professional conduct. These are both things to look for in a roofer.
Find out if your contractor is a part of any industry associations. To stay on top of trends and technology, good contractors join associations. Not belonging to any trade association may mean that a contractor is not as knowledgeable as he should be, and not as concerned with quality as you want him to be.
Architectural Shingles
Ask any questions you have before letting a contractor work on your roof. Avoid not asking questions that could become future problems. Don’t bother with any contractor who isn’t willing to take the time to talk to you and answer all of your questions anyway.
Think about using architectural shingles on your new roof. Architectural shingles not only look better than standard shingles, but some are even more durable and last longer. Also, these types shingles are highly desired so they can actually improve the value of your home.
Invest in a coated metal structure for your roof if you want an environmental-friendly solution. The materials used on these roofs can save you money on your energy bill and are made from materials that are completely recyclable. You can even install such a roof over your current shingles.
If your home has endured a powerful wind storm, it is important that you thoroughly inspect your roof for damage. If necessary, climb up on top of your roof. It’s very smart to catch any issues immediately as broken shingles can lead to flying debris and leaks. Check it over with binoculars or up close and personal.
When looking for a roofer, have them explain their project plans to you. Find out what kind of materials he uses and how he plans on cleaning up after the work is done. You should understand his plan completely. If you aren’t comfortable with the information your contractor is providing you with, it may be time to look in a different direction.
Make sure to ask all of your questions prior to the commencement of work. If you miss a question, you could end up with issues down the road. If you can’t get clear answers from a contractor, they’re probably not someone you want to work with.
When researching roofing companies, find out if their workers are subcontractors. If the people you’re employing to work on the roof aren’t employed by that company, there might be liability issues later. Make sure to check this in advance before hiring.
It can be dangerous to climb on top of your roof. A roof is designed to repel the elements, not for being conducive to human beings. Shoes with rubber soles need to be worn so that you don’t slip. If you can, consider wearing a harness. Lastly, you should always have someone on hand to help you.
Not every roofing contractor is an expert; choose carefully. Don’t take the one with the fanciest ad. Positive feedback from other people is your best bet. Speak to your friends and do some research online. Contact the BBB or neighborhood business groups to find out if the contractor has a good reputation. Hiring a bad contractor may cost you tons of money.
Don’t agree to any verbal contracts. In many cases, folks get into verbal agreements with roofers, only to have problems down the road. Having a written contract is essential if you want to be able to prove that you didn’t get what was agreed upon.
Always stop for a few minutes and consider the climate in your local area before selecting which materials you will use on the roof. Don’t use wood shingles in dry climates. There are many synthetic alternatives that you can use on your roof. In an area with cold, blustery winters, a metal roof is unlikely to perform well. Discuss the situation with a professional contractor in order to make the right decision.
Safety Plan
If you ever need to go up onto your roof, have someone with you. If someone is there, you’ll get the job done more safely.
All roofers must have in place a safety plan that fulfills OSHA requirements. This makes sure the project is completed safely. Because of this, you must be sure that your contractor has a safety plan prepared. If they don’t, it is likely in your best interest to find a new contractor.
If a contractor can’t prove he has a license, don’t hire him. If you want to have recourse in case of a botched job, the roofer will need to have been licensed in your state. What if you give $1,000 or more to an unlicensed contractor? In the majority of states, this is against the law!
A roof can help keep your home strong and robust. However, knowing how to achieve that ultimate end may sometimes be elusive. Luckily, the article you just read has tips to help ensure your roof stays in good shape.
Bring a ladder onto the roof and nail it in place with wood. A ladder makes it a lot easier to navigate and move around.
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