While most roofs are made to last about fifteen years, that doesn’t mean your roof will do all the work. You have to be sure that your roof is maintained and cared for properly. The following article will help you some ideas about roofing.
Don’t wait when you need to have shingles replaced. While your natural inclination may be to wait, the shingles aren’t going to fix themselves and could deteriorate over time. Getting shingles replaced or repaired as soon as they are damaged will allow you to save money and time. Maintaining your roof will extend its life.
Never hesitate to replace your shingles need to be replaced.Replacing or fixing shingles immediately saves you both time and energy in the future. Your roof will last much longer if it is maintained well.
Consider the local climate in your area when thinking about roofing. Clay roofs are great in dry climates and may keep the home cool. Clay roof tiles that are on a home that is in wet climates as they will deteriorate fast. If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to ask.
Don’t try to fix your roof during wet weather. A wet roof can cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you are doing your roof yourself, work on it when it is sunny and dry outside.
Rubber soled shoes are a must when working on the roof.
Mow your lawn before the contractor work on your roof. This helps make it easier to find nails that fall on the ground. If the contractor uses a magnetized nail finder, the shorter grass helps this tool work better.
Be sure to ask many questions of your roofer before hiring him. For example, see how many nails they’re going to be putting into the shingles. Usually, three nails are inadequate to the job. Question them about their methods and see if you get a satisfactory answer. If you have any doubt, find another contractor.
It is important that you check out your potential contractor’s history before you hire. Once you’ve got them, give them a call and ask them about the value and quality of the work. You need to also look at some of the properties yourself. Drive by and take a good look before making your final hiring decision.
Make sure you do your homework is done when you’re hiring a contractor. Don’t hire the cheapest contractor you can find.
One thing to ensure is that the contractor you choose is insured and bonded. If the roofer has no insurance and the property gets damaged, you have to pay for it. The word of a roofer is not enough; be sure they can provide you with up-to-date proof of insurance.
If you have a leak, try a temporary solution for your leak. Get some heavy plastic and cover the leaking area with it.
If a roof leak has you worried, spray your roof with a garden hose. This might help you know if you do indeed have a leak and where the leak is located. This is a cheaper alternative to having to hire a contractor.
Make sure a roofing contractor has current, valid certifications. Just about every locale requires roofers to be licensed, so check to make sure their license is current and valid. A reliable roofer will also be signed up for workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Roof boots is an often neglected item. These rubber boots can dry out very quickly when performing tasks. When this occurs, you are very susceptible to leaks so be sure to check on them and replace if necessary.
No matter how proficient your roofer is, there are going to be problems down the line, especially if the area you live in has an extreme climate. A visit can help keep your roof in the best shape possible.
The age of your roof often dictates whether or not you replace it. Most roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years. If your existing roof was put directly into an older one, you really do need to replace it.
When you are interviewing roofing a roofing company, ask if they have sub-contractors. If the workers do not work for the company directly, it could cause liability concerns. Make sure to check this in advance before entering into a repair contract.
Do not assume that you need of a new roof. Call a roofer and let them inspect it before making that decision.
You need to think about how long a contractor has been doing business. A company with a long and established reputation for high quality customer service is often your best bet. Someone who hasn’t been doing business very long may be a scammer.
Not all roofing contractors know what they are doing, so select yours carefully. Do not just go based on their advertisement. Word of mouth happens to be a great indicator of advertisement. Check reviews online or seek out the advice of friends. Look at a contractor’s reputation with the BBB and other groups.Hiring a sub-par contractor can cost you thousands.
Soled Shoes
To maintain your roof, keep it free of sticks, leaves and other debris. Different debris and materials that build up can keep water sitting in spots on your roof. This can lead to shingle rot and leaks, both which can cost you lots of money.
Rubber-soled shoes are a must when roofing. It is dangerous to work on your roof. Rubber-soled shoes provide the traction you need to prevent slippage or falls. A roof can be rather slick on the surface. It can be hard to stay standing on a roof if you aren’t prepared.
Watch out for those storm chasers.These contractors will scour an area for work following a major storm. Many of them are from other states and don’t have no documentation to work on your roof. Some indicators that a contractor might be a storm chaser include out-of-town area codes, and far away references.
Always go up onto your roof to inspect it after a strong wind storm if you can’t see it from the ground or a ladder. It’s crucial that you find damages to shingles as soon as you can since even a few that have flown away can create major leaks. Give your roof a quick inspection; howeverm remember that safety always comes first!
When hiring your contractor, make sure to look for a roof specialist. Ask him for their license number.
Make sure your gutter are cleaned. Don’t do extra roof work when simple preventative measures are possible. Clogged gutters are a common cause for leaky roof. Clean gutters regularly, and always after a major storm. This will keep you a lot of money in the long run.
When it comes to maintaining your roof, one area that most people neglect are the roof boots. They are near the roof fence and can get dried out. When this happens, they become susceptible to leakage, so don’t forget to check and replace as needed.
Taking good care of your roof will safeguard your home from any number of potential problems. Your roof can be seen as probably the most important part of your home’s exterior. Follow these tips when you need advice on maintaining your home’s roof.