One of the hardest aspects of owning a home are the responsibilities that come with it. That includes maintenance and figuring out what to do on your own versus what a contractor should be called for. Continue reading to learn more about one of the things being a homeowner entails, maintaining your roof.
The number one priority when doing any roofing repairs is safety. Repairing a roof in bad weather is a recipe for disaster. Put a bucket beneath any leaks until the weather improves, then go inspect the roof and see if it’s possible for you to repair it.
If a contractor is pitching you hard, just walk away. These unscrupulous people will stop at nothing to get you to sign a contract with them, and you always end up on the losing end, so stop them in their tracks.
Speak with your roofing company and find out what warranties they provide for their work. Some contractors might offer better deals than others. Ensure the warranty is given in writing along with your cost estimate. This will ensure there shouldn’t be any disagreements about any of the terms of the estimate or warranty later on.
Always ask for several references before hiring a roofing contractor. A legit company will have no problem giving you their references. If a company tries to skate by this request, look elsewhere. This is a sure sign of issues down the road.
If you are unable to find where your roof is leaking, try not to become discouraged. A systematic approach works well, so enlist the help of a friend and a water hose. If you have a large house, try using cell phones to talk so that the water doesn’t go into the house by mistake as you test possible leak areas.
Spray your roof with a garden hose to test it out. You will then be able to see any leaks that exist and assess the damaged areas. It is a much cheaper alternative to hiring a professional.
Pay attention to details when selecting your roofer. If the person returns your call promptly, you can feel good about the fact that they are dependable. Do they provide you with a typed bid? Your roofing contractor should have both qualities.
When you are getting your roof replaced, think about using architectural shingles. Benefits of this type of shingle include longevity and an attractive appearance. They can also make your home more valuable because they’re highly in demand.
Be sure you ask all your questions before the roofing begins. Make sure you ask about anything that can become a big problem later. If a prospective contractor fails to answer questions, you should probably steer clear of them.
You shouldn’t allow someone to work on your house if they’re not behaving like a professional. This will give you the best possible result. If they’re not professional every step of the way, their work might not be up to par.
If you want to fix your roof yourself or find a contractor to help, the first thing to do is conduct some research. This article is a great start, but you can get more help when you learn more. Keep these things in mind if you want to make a smart decision.