You probably have not given your home’s roof much consideration. However, if you own a home, you should learn all about it quickly. Not taking good care of your roof could end up costing you a lot. Read these tips to make roofing repairs easier to handle.
While damaged shingles are sometimes the cause of leaks, it is also a good idea to check with your roof’s foundation as well. Water could be seeping in from somewhere else, such as dry-rotted siding or gaps along windows or doors. Just checking the roof is not enough. Consider all the other possible places that water can get in so that you end the problem completely.
When fixing a leak on your roof, be sure all repairs are done at the same time. You have to continue searching out problems, even if you find a spot with an issue. You might find several spots to repair after inspecting your whole roof.
When you find a contractor, make sure they are covered by liability insurance. If for no other reason, this lets you know that your roofer is professional and reliable. Secondly, the insurance will cover any damage to your roof that is caused by the roofer.
Avoid paying the full amount for your repairs upfront. It’s common to pay about 25% up front, but any more expected by the contractor could be a danger sign. If the job is paid for in full, the roofers may not do their best work.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to inquire about the provided warranties of each company. You want a warranty of at least three years, but the longer the warranty the better. It needs to cover poor workmanship and defective supplies, and you should have copies of all the manufacturer warranties, too.
Be sure the roofer has all necessary licensing for doing the job. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what he says. Find the proper authorities to make sure rules are being followed.
If you want to save some money when your get a contractor then you should find one that has employees working for them. More workers means the job will be completed quicker, which means lower costs. If you are hiring a single roofer, be sure that you aren’t overcharged for labor.
The age of your roof is a good indication of whether it needs replacing or not. Most roofs only have twenty years or so before they must be replaced. If your current roof was installed over an old one, after twenty years you don’t have any other option besides replacing it.
Don’t hire a contractor unless they can give you proof of up to date insurance and licensing. If they can’t then look elsewhere. If they end up doing a bad job, you’ll be responsible for paying for the fix.
Prior to someone working on your roof, ask them any questions on your mind. This will allow you to get the full scope of the job. If a contractor is not willing to answer your question, you should not work with them anyway.
If you want a roof that is environmentally friendly, you should choose one that is made of coated metal. The materials used are completely recyclable, and they can reduce your energy bill considerably. This type of roof can be placed over an existing asphalt roof.
Never make any verbal agreements with a contractor. When it comes to home repair work, verbal contracts often lead to problems with the final outcome. The best form of proof you can have when the job is not done properly is a contract.
Before agreeing for work to begin, make sure the chosen contractor has completely documented the project from beginning to end. He should discuss things like the type of products that must be used, the clean-up procedure, the costs, etc. This will give you a better understanding of what is going on. When you don’t think he’s being totally honest, hire someone else.
Take your time when choosing a roofer because it is not an easy decision to make. Talk to people who have had success with contractors to get an honest opinion. Ask quite a few questions to see if their recommendation is worth your time and the money you’ll be spending.
You shouldn’t assume your roof needs to be replaced without looking into it. Have a professional inspect it before making plans to replace it. People often pay a significant amount of money to have a new roof installed when they their existing roof could have been repaired inexpensively.
Get the paperwork in order before hiring a contractor. They may need permits or bonds before starting. To learn which documents and licenses are necessary, contact your local building office.
Like was said before, most homeowners don’t know much about roofing. Hopefully, you’ve gotten a lot out of this article and are now comfortable with the subject. A roof that’s taken care of will help to keep you and your family safe.
