The elements are stopped in their tracks by your roof. That’s why you need to take care of it. Often times, people don’t even think about their roof until something bad has happened. Make sure that you have a roof that’s in good shape by reading through the tips presented below.
Look at your roof closely once a year. Spring rains and winter storms are especially hard on your roof. Most damages occur during these months. So, be sure to inspect your roof during or after these troublesome months.
Whenever the weather is bad, you should never get on top of your roof. A slippery or wet roof could cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you have to do any kind of work on a roof it needs to be a sunny and dry day.
Friends, family and co-workers should be your first resource when choosing a roofing contractor. Ask others if they’re pleased with their work, with the overall quality of the chosen materials, and if the costs were fair. As about how clean they were, too.
If you’re feeling pressured by a contractor, show him the door. These types of people are difficult to deal with, so it’s best to end any relationship before it begins.
When shopping for a contractor, be sure to ask about warranties. You want at least a 3-5 year warranty. It must cover workmanship and defective supplies, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.
Does your roofer have a license? If you don’t know what your area requires, you shouldn’t take what the roofer says about it as the truth. Talk to your local building department and find out what the contractor should have.
Look at the materials you have before you put on new shingles. Cracked shingles or punctured material can cause a roof to become corrupt. Be sure your shingles are sturdy and without cracks and make sure your nails are long enough to secure the shingles properly.
Don’t buy cheap roofing materials. The initial cost savings of low priced materials cannot outweigh the cost of the damage and repairs that substandard materials lead to.
When you’re looking for a roofer, you shouldn’t ignore the small things. You can probably depend on a roofer that shows up on time. If the bid they give you is typed rather than handwritten, it’s a sign that they’re professional. You would like your roofer to have these qualities.
If your home has endured a powerful wind storm, it is important that you thoroughly inspect your roof for damage. If necessary, climb up on top of your roof. It’s very smart to catch any issues immediately as broken shingles can lead to flying debris and leaks. Give it a brief look, but make sure to be safe about it.
Voice any concerns or inquiries that you have with your contractor. If you miss a question, you could end up with issues down the road. If any contractor can not or will not answer any questions you have, you probably do not want to work with them.
There is no doubt that getting on your roof can prove dangerous. The angles of a roof are not designed for walking, so you should take appropriate safety steps. Make sure to wear shoes with rubber soles to prevent slipping. In addition, use a harness if possible. Finally, you always should have someone around that can give you some assistance.
As you can see, properly maintaining your roof is essential if you want to keep yourself and your property safe. Make sure to utilize the things you’ve learned so that your home will be safe year round. You will not be sorry you did.
