Roofing is something that everyone that owns a home needs to worry about, especially if a problem like a leak occurs. Thankfully there are ways to deal with roofing problems if they happen to come up. Keep reading for some helpful roofing tips and more information on how to find a good roofer.
Don’t try to repair your roof if it’s snowy, icy, or raining. Wet roofs greatly increase the chances of accidents caused by slips and falls. If you work on the roof on your own, only do it when the weather is dry and sunny.
When fixing a leak on your roof, be sure all repairs are done at the same time. That means you don’t stop with the first spot you find which has a problem. You might find several spots to repair after inspecting your whole roof.
Prior to signing a contract with a roofing specialist, there are a few questions to ask. Talk about the amount of nails that they will use in the repair. If it is three or fewer, that is a bad sign. Ask them about the methods they use, and see if they give a good answer. If you have any doubt, find another contractor.
Liability Insurance
If you’re going to have someone work on your roof, they need up-to-date liability insurance. First, a roofer with liability insurance is a good sign that he is dependable. If something happens to the roof when they are working up there, the insurance will pay for the issues.
The age of your roof is a major factor in deciding whether it needs replacing. Many roofs last around twenty years prior to needing replacement. If you have a roof that was put in over an old one you need to have it replaced after twenty years no matter what.
If you can’t find a leak, don’t be discouraged. It won’t take long for you to identify it by eliminating other possibilities by using a hose and another pair of eyes. If your house is very large, communicate via phone to make sure each person in in the spot they should be. You don’t want water to flow into your home if no one’s there to spot the leak!
You should always consider a roofer’s experience while going through the hiring process. Businesses with a longer history tend to be more reputable and understand how to satisfy their customers. Someone who is a new contractor can be scamming you and take your money.
All reputable contractors should be licensed and insured and be happy to show you proof of both. If they don’t have this, don’t hire them. Without these qualifications, if a problem should occur, it will be up to you to pay for damages; this could cause you thousands.
While it is tempting to go with the cheapest roofing materials, this may not be your best bet. Even if the materials are very cheap to buy you need to think over the fact that if they were to wear out quickly you may have to fix things, costing you more money.
Look into architectural shingles if you want to replace your roof. Not only do these shingles last longer, they are also very stylish. They’re also valuable when you sell your house.
Check to see if the contractor you’re considering will be able to perform yearly maintenance on your roof. No matter the contractor’s skill level, things are certain to arise, especially in extreme climates. Getting things checked out yearly can help you to be sure things are in good shape.
Never agree to a contract that isn’t in writing. 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. Getting things in writing is key if you want to be able to prove damages in the future.
OSHA requires roofing contractors to have safety plans for projects. These plans are crucial to ensure that the work will be done right. Before hiring a roofer, make sure there there is a safety plan. Find someone else if they don’t give you a safety plan.
When you hire a company to fix your roof, ask if they have sub-contractors. If the company uses sub-contractors, it’s possible that you will have no protection against shoddy workmanship. Make sure to check this in advance before hiring.
Not all contractors are the same, so select yours carefully. Don’t be fooled by snazzy advertising. Positive feedback from other people is your best bet. Look online for reviews or ask your friends and family for a recommendation. Contact the BBB or neighborhood business groups to find out if the contractor has a good reputation. Hiring the wrong person can mean thousands of dollars of wasted money.
Rather than hiring professionals, you can teach yourself roof repair techniques. When you have considered all the options, you will be able to make a better decision about roofing materials. Use what you have learned here to achievem the most economical and best roof repairs.
