Your roof is as important to your home as the foundation – it keeps everything dry, retains a comfortable temperature and ensures nothing comes flying at you from the sky. Most homeowners don’t know much about the subject of roofing. The article below contains roofing information designed to bring homeowners up to speed.
If your roof leaks, wait for it to dry before you find out where exactly it is and try to fix it. It’s too dangerous to work on a wet and slippery roof. A dry roof is a safe roof.
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 can enter into many areas that are rotting. 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.
Wet conditions are the enemy of safe and effective roof work. When you have a roof that is wet then it could cause you to fall and get hurt pretty badly. If you work on the roof on your own, only do it when the weather is dry and sunny.
Fix any and all leaks on the first try. You need to ensure that the entire structure of your roof is sound. Look over all of your roof; there may be more problem areas than you first suspected.
Liability Insurance
When you pick a roofer, make sure they carry liability insurance. First, a roofer with liability insurance is a good sign that he is dependable. In addition, if they have an accident or cause serious damage to your roof, you won’t be held liable. Their insurance company will handle it.
You never want to just get on your roof in search of damaged spots. If you think there are problems, hire a professional to do an inspection. You don’t need to walk up there and have it cave in.
Insurance coverage is essential when it comes to roofing. If you have a roofer that isn’t insured and causes property damage, you may end up paying that bill. Have the roofer provide you with proof of current comprehensive insurance.
How long has the contractor been in business? Businesses with a longer history tend to be more reputable and understand how to satisfy their customers. Someone who is a new contractor can be scamming you and take your money.
Spray your roof with a garden hose to test it out. Doing this will help you find out if a leak exists, and will help you figure out where it is. This can be a cheaper alternative to having to hire a contractor.
While it is tempting to go with the cheapest roofing materials, this may not be your best bet. The initial cost savings of low priced materials cannot outweigh the cost of the damage and repairs that substandard materials lead to.
Do not pay in full for roofing work prior to the completion of the job. Sneaky contractors get all of the money and never come back to do the job. Pay them a certain amount upfront, and then pay the rest after the work is completed and you’re happy with it.
It is tough to overstate the key role of the roof in any home. Many homeowners don’t know how to care for their roof. Hopefully, you now understand more about your roof and how to take care of it.