It can be very hard to take care of a roof. It can take some time and knowledge. The effort is worth it in the long run, though. Your roof is one of the primary defenses against the elements and takes a beating. It needs regular care. This piece is meant to help you learn how.
Although your shingles can sometimes cause a leak to occur, you should check out your roof’s foundation. If your home has dry rot in the outside walls, water can enter there. Review all entry points, look for rotting wood and make sure the issue is resolved.
Never attempt to fix a roof when it is raining, snowing, or conditions are icy. When your roof is slippery or wet, you might fall and hurt yourself or, in extreme cases, be killed. Therefore, you should only work on your roof when the weather is good.
Make sure that you fix your leak right the first time. This means that it’s not a good idea to patch up the first leak you come to and stop there. It’s easier to find and take care of all current and potential leaks at once, rather than have to repeat the repairs a few months down the road.
If you’re having a contractor remove your roof, mow your lawn first. Shorter grass will make it easier to locate and pick up any nails that are removed from the roofing materials. If he has a magnetic tool for finding nails, it will work best with the short grass.
Have you hired a contractor who cannot repair your leaky roof immediately? If so, then you need a temporary fix to help you get by. A large roll of heavy plastic and nails is all it will take. This isn’t the best way to manage leaks, but it can help you out in a pinch.
When hiring a roofing contractor, ensure that they’re skilled at roofing. You might try to get referrals from family and friends for good people. This is important because you don’t want to have a poor roofing job done which would result in costly repairs in the future.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to inquire about the provided warranties of each company. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. You should have defective supplies covered and poor workmanship, too. Don’t forget to get copies of any warranty that you are offered.
Check to make sure the contractor has all the licenses he needs. If you are unsure as to what type is required, don’t just take your contractor’s word for it. Call up the local building department and ask what you will need.
Look over the materials you’re using for roofing before you get new shingles put up. Lots of leaks occur from improper materials, such as nails that are the wrong length or cracked shingles. Be sure your shingles are sturdy and without cracks and make sure your nails are long enough to secure the shingles properly.
As mentioned before, keeping your roof in good shape can be challenging and time consuming. That said, it is important. Use this article as a quick reference guide if you run into roofing troubles later. It will be a relief for you.