A home’s roof is the best defense against inclement weather. That is the reason that it is critical that you maintain it correctly. Many homeowners make the mistake of letting minor roof problems evolve into really major ones. The article below can help you maintain the quality of your roof.
Wet conditions are the enemy of safe and effective roof work. Wet roofs greatly increase the chances of accidents caused by slips and falls. If you work on the roof on your own, only do it when the weather is dry and sunny.
Whenever you’re working on your roof, you must take steps to secure yourself safely. This is critical because losing your balance on a roof is not difficult if you do not have regular experience on roofs. Falls from roofs kill or injure many people annually.
There are some questions you need to ask the roofer before you hire him. For instance, you should inquire as to how many nails will be used for each shingle. Three nails or less is generally considered inadequate. Ask them about the methods they use and analyze their answer. If the answers are poor, move on asap.
When you are selecting a roofer, consult your family, friends and colleagues. Ask the people you know about their experience with different contractors, such as the services provided or the price. You should also find out if they offered a warranty, and make sure they cleaned up well once the job was completed.
Does your roofer have liability insurance? To begin with, if they’ve got this insurance, you can ensure they’re reliable. 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.
When you’re trying to find someone to work on your roof, you have to be sure that they have the proper skills. You can ask family and friends for roofing contractor recommendations. It’s really important to do so. You want to take every precaution to make sure you don’t get shoddy workmanship.
You don’t want to hire a roofer unless you’re sure that they’re properly licensed for the job. If you are unsure as to what type is required, don’t just take your contractor’s word for it. Instead, contact your local building department and ask them about the requirements.
Look at all of your roofing materials before you put up new shingles. Leaks can occur if sub-par materials are installed. Be sure that you have strong shingles that don’t have any cracks and that you’re using nails that can penetrate your shingles so that they are secured onto the structure.
If you’re unable to find where a leak is coming from in your roof, don’t get upset. You’ll find it if you employ a process of elimination along with a buddy system and a water hose. Communications can be enhanced by using cellular phones. This is especially helpful in the case of large houses.
If you’re wondering if your roof is leaking, try spraying it with a garden hose. This will confirm the location of the leak, if there is one. This can be a cheaper alternative to having to hire a contractor.
As previously mentioned, your roof is critical when it comes to protecting you and your home. Make sure you apply the advice found above to keep your home in good shape. It will definitely be worth the effort you put into it.