Be honest, how much time do you spend thinking about your roof? If you are like most people, the answer is probably little or no time at all. However, roofing should be a major concern for each and every homeowner as it plays a vital role in protecting you and your family. Read on and learn all there is to know about roofing.
If your roof is leaking, you want to call in a professional roofer to fix the job. Asking your friends for recommendations can steer you towards a reliable contractor. Always ask for references from anyone you are considering hiring. Otherwise you could end up with a bigger mess than the leak itself.
When installing a new boot on any pipes which leave your roof, make sure they fit as snug as a bug in a rug. If they’re even slightly loose, water can seep inside of them, causing you a headache you don’t need. Choose the right size to spare yourself from problems down the road.
When replacing your roof, always use a reputable contractor. Make sure to find someone with experience and a good reputation in your area. While you might find that a less experienced roofer is also less expensive, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Go for a professional, and your new roof will last!
When it rains, check your attic for leaks. Not every leak will make it down to your ceilings, so there is no harm in heading upstairs to check out what is going on. If you do this a few times per year, you can stave off massive repair bills for unnoticed problems.
Get free quotes. Roofing prices can vary from roofer to roofer and you want to find out what the different prices are in our area. Be sure, though, that when you get prices you are getting the estimate for the same type of shingles and the same service from the roofer.
Be sure that you’re hiring a roofer that has the proper licensing before they do any work. If you are not sure what is required in your area, do not just take the roofer’s word for it. Look up the building department in your area and give them a call to see what is needed.
Different states often have different requirements when it comes to roofing. You may need to have a permit or a bond if you want work to begin on your house. Get in touch with the building department in your area to ask them whether this applies to you or not.
Tread lightly while you are on your roof looking for damage. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to dry rot, which will compromise the integrity of your roof. This can then make your roof very unsafe to walk on, so take each step lightly to ensure that you are not injured from falling through.
After a thorough inspection and cleaning of the roof, it is imperative to patch and seal any problem areas. Make sure that the weather report shows nice weather, because sealing materials may take up to two days to completely cure. A sealant or other coating should be applied after the areas are cured.
Don’t give a contractor all of the money for your roofing job before they even begin. A common trick that sheisty contractors use is to get the payment in full and then never return to do any of the work. You should tell them that you’re only going to pay some of the money first and that you’ll pay the rest when the work is done.
If you decide to hire contractors to install your roof, make sure that you stay safe. Keep young children and pets inside so they cannot be injured by falling debris. Mark the sprinklers and remove any furniture or lawn ornaments to avoid damage. Also, warn your neighbors about the noise from the installation beforehand.
Get several quotes before hiring a roofer. There are companies out there that try to gouge their clients. To avoid falling for a scam and losing your money, check the market before you decide who to hire.
If you are planning on jumping onto the roof to handle the repairs yourself, then you should wait for the right weather and plan ahead. Don’t make a spontaneous effort to begin construction on the roof because this could cause you to get stuck beneath a storm or in the cold!
Your contractor should have all his paperwork in order prior to starting your project. It may be that bonds and permits are necessary for them to start working. Contact your local government building department to determine what is necessary for contractors to start on your roof.
If you can afford to do so, always opt for shingles that last for a longer period of time. For example, your contractor might ask you to choose between 25-year and 50-year shingles. While the 50-year shingles might cost one or two thousand dollars more, it’s worth your money for the extended life of the materials.
Be on the lookout for storm chasers. These fly-by-night contractors usually scour residential areas in the immediate aftermath of a major storm. They won’t offer insurance or licenses in your state. Telltale signs of storm chasers are adhesive vehicle signs, area codes that are not local and references that are far from the area.
Before starting roof repair to fix a trouble spot, inspect your entire roof. Inspect the ceiling inside your house for water damage. Pay special attention to the areas around skylights and venting fans. Outside, inspect every inch of your roof. Without a careful inspection, it’s easy to miss smaller trouble spots.
Now that you’ve read the previous article, you should feel a lot more confident about your knowledge on roofing and the important role it plays as a part of your home. Be sure and use the advice mentioned and refer back to this article whenever any roofing issues happen to arise. You’ll be glad you did.