While most roofs are made to last about fifteen years, you shouldn’t count on it lasting that long without help. You have to be sure that you’re taking care of your roof all of the time. Keep on reading to discover many tips that can help you with this.
When your roof leaks during a rainy spell, note the place where water is coming in. When dry conditions return, go up on the roof, find the damaged spot, and repair it. There is not one quick way to patch your leak, and you could get hurt if you try to work on a wet, slippery roof. A dry roof is a safe roof.
It is crucial that you make repairs right the first time. That means you don’t stop with the first spot you find which has a problem. Continue to inspect the entire roof to ensure that multiple leaks are not to blame.
The materials and tools you take on your roof need to be secured. You have to be sure that you do this because it can be easy to fall over or slip and that could injure or even kill you if you’re not careful.
Roofing Contractor
When looking for a good roofing contractor, ask your family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Ask around to see if anyone you know recently hired a roofing contractor who did a good job. Discuss how well the contractor cleaned up, and inquire as to what type of warranties were provided.
When looking to hire a roofing contractor, make sure he or she is skilled in the trade. Ask your friends and family for recommendations if you know they have hired someone in the past. You do not want to end up with a roof which decays quickly.
Check to ensure that any roofer you consider hiring has all of the proper licenses required for the job. If you don’t know what’s required, find out for yourself. Contact the building department where you live and see what kinds of things you’re going to need.
Contractors with workers tend to be cheaper than those who work alone. A team of roofers will finish the job faster, which will often result in a cheaper final product. If you have one doing it alone, be sure they’re not overcharging for labor.
The age of your roof often determines if it’s time to have it replaced. A lot of roofs have a mere 20 years of life before needing to be replaced. If your existing roof was put directly into an older one, you really do need to replace it.
Living Roof
If you want to go green when installing your new roof, think about acquiring a living roof. A living roof has a soil layer that can support vegetation such as grass or even a vegetable garden. While only meant for flat roof surfaces in certain kinds of climates, living roofs are great for insulation.
Don’t take any shortcuts when you buy roofing materials. Cheap materials can get worn out quickly and you may have to end up spending more than you would if you bought something of better quality.
Don’t forget the little things when hiring a contractor. Someone who shows up on time and calls ahead when there are issues is probably dependable. Also, they are probably professional if they provide you with a typed bid. Your roofer should have these qualities if they’re any good.
If you take good care of your roof, you can maintain a good home too. You could say your roof is the most important part of your home, as it protects the rest. Have these tips in mind when you need roof maintenance.