A home is an important asset for any homeowner. Obviously you have to take care of your roof if you want to have a home that lasts a long time. When you own a home, you will know that your roof care is critical. Keep reading to discover some fantastic roofing advice.
Check out your roof thoroughly at least one time every year. Spring and winter months tend to damage the roof the most. In that time make sure you keep an extra eye out for issues.
If you need a roofing contractor, reach out to family and friends to find out if they have any suggestions or experience to offer. Ask people you know if they were pleased with the work done, the quality of the materials and whether the cost was fair. Ask how well contractors cleaned when they finished the job and if they offer warranties for future repairs.
It is your responsibility to know what’s involved in hiring a suitable roofing contractor. It is not a good idea to go with someone simply because they are inexpensive or readily available. Take the time to find out more about all the roofing contractors in the area. You should ask friends, search online, or even use a referral service that looks for workers for you that are trusted.
When selecting a roofer, you need to make sure that they have a liability insurance policy. Roofers with this kind of insurance are more reliable than others. Additionally, if something happens to the roof while they are working, their insurance should pay for the problem.
Avoid using short-term remedies on your roof. It may be cheaper for now, but it will get more expensive in the future. You have to make sure to fix the issue completely; that way, you avoid problems down the line.
Make sure that the roofer you hire has experience. Friends and neighbors who have recently had work done on their roofs may have recommendations for you. This is key, as you never want to have poor work done on your roof, causing you to spend more money down the line.
You should generally avoid walking around your roof seeking out areas that are damaged. If you have issues, find a pro to come look at it. You don’t want to walk on the roof and it ends up caving in.
Be sure the roofer has all necessary licensing for doing the job. If you’re unsure of what that is exactly, don’t just assume everything is okay because the contractors says it is. Contact the local building department and inquire about what is necessary.
Roofing contractors should have full, reliable credentials. Check to see that his licenses are up to date and valid. The company should also be fully insured and covered for worker’s compensation laws as well.
If you think your roof might have a leak, try using a garden hose to spray it down. This is a great way to see if there’s a leak and you can also see where the leak is coming from. This can be a cheaper alternative to having to hire a contractor.
The small things should not be ignored when you hire a roofing contractor. If someone makes it to all their appointments on time, or calls you at the time they told you they would, it’s likely that they’re reliable. Giving typed bids also looks professional. Your roofer must do both.
If your roof is not visible from the ground, climb up and inspect it following a big storm. If you see any damage, it needs to be repaired immediately. Do a quick, safe check every time.
You should always check with the BBB before hiring a roofing contractor. This lets you determine if prior customers have filed complaints. Seek out input from the Chamber of Commerce in your area as well.
You want to give yourself plenty of time when looking for the right contractor. Make sure you have gone through the process thoroughly. Ask everyone you know if they have hired a roofing contractor and what the results were. Ask lots of questions in order to determine the reputation of all prospective firms.
Never assume that your entire roof needs replacing. Before you spend your precious money, have an expert come out and examine your roof. A lot of the time a person will pay for a new roof when all they really needed were just a few repairs which saves a lot of money.
Understand how old your roof is to get a better idea of when it needs replacement. The age of your roof is usually what determines the level of work that needs to be done. A majority of roofs have a lifespan of 15-20 years, so if yours is older, you may be in need of a new one.
Licenses Start
When you need a contractor, ensure he is an actual roofing specialist. Ask for the contractor’s license number. Roofing licenses start with the letter “C” and general contractor’s licenses start with a “B.”
You may think that painting a roof is a smart idea, but think again. Just one coat of paint can make your roof’s warranty voided, so be careful. Contact the company that takes care of your insurance before you start any kind of work on your roof. A pretty, new freshly painted roof isn’t going to be so pretty if you don’t protect it.
When thinking of keeping your roof in good shape you need to be sure that you have clean gutters. Clogged gutters prevent a roof from doing its job and can result in leaks. Clear out your gutters every month, especially if you have lots of trees nearby.
As a responsible homeowner, you must always take care of your roof. The repairs to the roof are not able to be put off like other repairs can be. Follow the tips presented here to take good care of your roof and avoid further maintenance problems.