The elements are stopped in their tracks by your roof. This means that it needs to be maintained properly so that it does its job. A lot of the time people won’t really pay attention to their roof until something bad happens. Maintain your roof by using the tips below.
Faulty shingles are the most common cause of a leaking roof, but structural problems can also be to blame. If your home is showing signs of dry rot, your house is vulnerable to water intrusion. It is important to examine every potential water entry point, like rotting wood, so that you are really resolving all the problem areas.
Don’t try to fix any roof when the weather conditions are poor. Rain, sleet, and snow can cause you to fall, which can seriously injure or even kill you. Only work on your roof if the weather is dry and sunny.
When it comes to roofing, you always want to take the climate into account. Clay roofing is a great material if the area that you live in has a dry climate; it can help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the house. Clay tiles should not be used in wet climates as they will deteriorate much quicker than other materials would. Ask an expert for advice.
Mow your lawn before the contractor comes to remove your roof. Shorter grass will make it easier to locate and pick up any nails that are removed from the roofing materials. If the contractor uses a magnetized nail finder, cut grass can also help.
If you have a leak, fix it temporarily. Get some heavy plastic material and nail it up. While not ideal, it will provide a temporary solution for you.
Don’t pay up front! Pay a percentage of the fee in the beginning and then when the work is done. You would not want to find yourself on the receiving end of poor or incomplete work.
Don’t consider ‘quick-fixes’ for your roof. You may think you’re saving money, but ultimately you might have more damage costing more in the end. The smartest thing to do is to completely fix the problem as quickly as possible to prevent things from getting worse.
Always check the credentials of the roofing contractors you are considering for work on your home. Just about everywhere needs to have licensed roofers working in that area, so be sure they have a valid and current license. Also check out their insurance and Workers’ Compensation.
Contractors who have their own workers are often a more inexpensive option 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 are hiring a single roofer, be sure that you aren’t overcharged for labor.
Get references from any roofer you are thinking about hiring. A legit company will have no problem giving you their references. If the company is dodgy about references, you should ditch them quickly. Companies that won’t give you references may end up being frustrating to deal with.
When hiring a contractor, only hire someone who provides a copy of their license and insurance. If they don’t have this, don’t hire them. Without proper licensing, you’ll have very little recourse if the company turns in poor workmanship.
As said previously, your roof protects you and your family. Use the above advice to ensure you and your family are always safe. Taking care of your roof is a lot of work but remember that it is best to address problems early.