In terms of home maintenance, there are few things more important than the roof. After all, you are protected from the elements because of your roof and it keeps your family safe. No matter what type of roof you have or what problems you face, you are sure to find value in the tips below.
Inspect your roof at least once yearly. Springtime and winter are the harshest times of the year for rooftops. For this reason, these are the times to pay close attention to your own roof.
If you find out that your roof is leaking when the weather is bad, wait until things settle down before doing any repairs. Leaks cannot be quickly patched anyhow, and it may be dangerous to climb atop a wet roof. You will be safer if you wait until the roof dries to fix it.
When you are selecting a roofer, consult your family, friends and colleagues. This will help you find someone who does good quality work at a reasonable price. Also speak with them about how well the cleanup went as well as if they got a warranty on future work.
Do not give in to pitches by salesmen that do not sound reasonable. These salesmen are simply in it for the profit.
When hiring a contractor, research properly. Don’t hire the cheapest or first company you locate. Instead, research the different roofers in your area. Ask friends for referrals, look online, or enlist the help of a service to help you find a good contractor.
Ask your roofer about any warranties they might offer. Sometimes, you may get a great warranty that can save you a lot of money. Make sure you always get written warranties with your estimates so that you retain a copy of important information. This ensures there are no changes made to your terms later.
If you’re wondering if your roof is leaking, try spraying it with a garden hose. You will then be able to see any leaks that exist and assess the damaged areas. It’s cheaper than hiring a pro.
When undergoing a roof replacement, you may want to consider architectural shingles. They’re more attractive and also last longer. Since these shingles are considered premium materials, using them will increase the value of your home, leading to a higher sale price when the time arrives.
Do not pay the full amount of your roof’s price prior to the commencement of work. It’s not a sign of good faith for a company to want all the money up front. In fact many scam artists follow this technique and then never do any work. Only pay a portion upfront, and pay the rest when a satisfactory job has been completed.
Which associations is your contractor a member of? The best roofing companies will want to remain updated on the latest technology and roofing techniques; therefore, they will associate themselves with these kinds of groups. If your contractor is not a part of any industry associations, you must question the commitment to their field.
Coated Metal
If being eco-friendly is important to you, look into coated metal roofing. These roofs are completely recyclable and can cut energy costs. A coated metal roof can even be placed over asphalt tiles, which means your old roof won’t be clogging up a landfill.
Every roofing contractor is obligated to implement a safety plan. Failure to do so violates OSHA requirements. This will ensure the quality and safety of your project. Talk to your contractor before he starts about the safety plan. Otherwise, you need to look elsewhere.
When searching for a contractor, make sure prospective firms detail the scope of work. Ask about the products and supplies he will use, cost of the product, warranties on work, clean up process and total time frame. Be sure you know his plan and understand it. If you think that they didn’t give enough good information or that they’re vague, you should go with a different contractor.
Before you choose a roofing company, make sure you know something about roofing. Read up on types of roofs and rules before speaking with a contractor. Not only will it make the discussion smoother, it can protect you from unscrupulous contractors eager to take advantage of your lack of knowledge.
As outlined in the introduction, you have to know the roof is in proper condition. Protect your family by using the tips and advice presented here. A bit of effort on your part now can save you from disaster in the future.
