When it comes to roofing, you should have some information. Otherwise, you could make bad choices that you’ll regret in the future. This is the roof that is protecting your family. Keep reading so you can learn more about the roof over your head.
When a contractor is on his way, cut the grass. Having cut grass will help both you and the contractor find any nails that have fallen on the ground. Your contractor may have a nail finder, which works well in tandem with short blades of grass.
If you need to fix a leak in your roof, make sure you get it right with the first try. This means you’re not going to want to only stop on the first place you locate that has problems. One leak can turn out to be multiple issues.
Make a list of questions to ask before hiring a roofer. One important question to ask is the quantity of nails they will put in each shingle. Three nails or less is generally considered inadequate. Question them about their methods and see if you get a satisfactory answer. If you are not happy with their response, find another roofer.
Liability Insurance
If you can’t find a leak, don’t be discouraged. You will eventually find the source of the leak, by eliminating certain areas, using a hose, and having someone else look at it, as well. If you are dealing with a roof that’s on a large home, have another person on a cell phone to see if you’re getting water everywhere inside the house.
Choose a contractor who has a a good liability insurance. First of all, there are plenty of shady roofers out there, but the ability to carry valid liability insurance is beyond most of them. 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.
If you think you may have a leak, spray your roof with a garden hose. Not only will you know for sure whether a leak exists, you will also know exactly where it is. It’s cheaper than hiring a pro.
It is not a good idea to walk around on your roof trying to find damages. If you have issues, try hiring a roofing contractor to stop by and look at the spots. You don’t need to walk up there and have it cave in.
Don’t pay for any new roof before the group actually begins the repairs. A common scam is to collect your money beforehand, and then neglect doing any actual work. Instead, just offer a small percentage until the final job is completed.
Insurance is something you need to have when it comes to roof work. When your contractor lacks insurance, all responsibility falls on you. Don’t just ask the contractor if he or she has insurance. You need to find out if it’s current and also see the actual documentation.
After a storm, go on your roof to determine the damage. If you see any damage, it needs to be repaired immediately. Check your roof every time, but always remember safety first.
The age of your roof is a good indication of whether it needs replacing or not. The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. If your current roof was installed over an old one, after twenty years you don’t have any other option besides replacing it.
Whether you are having a new roof installed or having repairs done, make sure you inspect all materials being used. Shingles sometimes crack and need to be replaced immediately. Make sure the materials used on your roof are in excellent shape at the time of the purchase.
Look over the materials you’re using for roofing before you get new shingles put up. Using damaged materials, such as cracked shingles, can be a primary cause of a leak right from the start. Be sure your shingles are sturdy and without cracks and make sure your nails are long enough to secure the shingles properly.
It can be very dangerous climbing on your roof. Roofs aren’t designed to be climbed on, and you need to take extra precautions when you’re on one. Wearing rubber soles can help you keep your traction. You should also consider wearing a harness. Finally, have a family member or friend help you.
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. You can then make the choice whether you can fix that leak or whether a professional is necessary.
Always research prospective roofing contractors by contacting your local Better Business Bureau branch. If there are any complaints or negative marks, you can use that information to make a better choice. Seek out input from the Chamber of Commerce in your area as well.
Ask the contractor to give you their license and insurance information. If they don’t have this available, then it’s best not even to consider hiring their services. If your contractor does not have insurance and causes a large amount of damage, then you will be the one to pay.
Never agree to a contract that isn’t in writing. By not having a contract in writing, you are not guaranteed to any claims if their work is sub-par. Having a contract is the only way for you to prove that they have not held up their end of the bargain.
There are many small things that you will need to take into consideration when retaining a roofer. Do they call you back promptly? Do they show up on time? If the bid they give you is typed rather than handwritten, it’s a sign that they’re professional. You want to see both happen with your contractor.
Talk to family, friends and co-workers about recommendations when you need a roofer. Using the information given to you by others who have had work done by the contractor is the best way to find a good one. Consult with other contractors for referrals. This can be anything from a plumber to a carpenter. They may be able to tell you where to look.
Architectural shingles are some of the many options you have for replacing your roof. These shingles are more attractive than regular shingles, and have a longer lifespan. They’re also valuable when you sell your house.
Hiring a roofing contractor is never an easy process, so make sure that you take your time. Talk to people you know for possible recommendations. Ask a ton of questions about the contractors these people have used to ascertain whether they are worth speaking to.
Speak with your contractor to determine his associations within the industry. Reputable firms will be interested in staying up to date with current trends and methods in the industry. If they aren’t a part of these associations, their dedication may be questionable.
Learn a bit about roofing prior to hiring a roofing company. Know the basics of roofing rules, materials, and technical jargon. That way, you can ensure you aren’t taken advantage of, as you will have a better idea of what you might need to have done.
Always make sure you ask every question you have in mind before letting someone work on your roof. Avoid not asking questions that could become future problems. If any contractor can not or will not answer any questions you have, you probably do not want to work with them.
Not all roofing contractors are good at what they do, so make sure you choose one wisely. You shouldn’t just go for the flashiest ads. The best advertisement is word of mouth. Speak with loved ones for valuable advice. What do local business groups think of the roofer? Hiring a sub-par contractor may cost you a whole lot of money.
Written Contract
Ask possible roofers about their present workload. Inquire as to the number of workers that will be required to repair your roof, and ask how long the repairs are going to take. Then, find out how many people the firm has available for the job. A company with few employees and a lot of work may take a long time completing the job.
Make sure you get a written contract. Sometimes, homeowners just verbally agree to something, which can cause issues if work is done the right way. A written contract can help should any problems or disagreements arise.
Know what differs between the various roofing materials. There are both good and bad aspects to of them all. For example, metal roofing is very durable and lightweight. However, it is not the most aesthetically pleasing of materials, and installation can be complicated. Cheaper and easier to install, asphalt shingles are the most common choice. Other types of roofing materials to explore are wood and tile.
Don’t just think that your roof needs to be replaced for no reason. Call someone and have them come and take a look before you spend any money. Many people pay a lot for a new roof, but the problem could have been solved for much cheaper.
Beware of storm chasers. These unethical contractors will scour an area for work following a major storm. In many instances, they reside out of the state and are not licensed to work in the area. Telltale signs of storm chasers are adhesive vehicle signs, area codes that are not local and references that are far from the area.
Rubber Soles
It isn’t wise to paint your roof. Just one coat of paint might be enough to void your roof’s warranty. Before painting, call your insurance company first. A nice looking roof won’t matter if it isn’t covered by your insurance.
Make sure you wear shoes that have rubber soles. Working on your roof can be dangerous, precarious business. Having rubber soles can provide added grip and traction to prevent falls. Roofs can be mighty slippery. It will be hard to stay sure footed without the proper preparation.
Check with your local Better Business Bureau prior to hiring a roofing contractor and make sure no previous customers have filed complaints against them. It should raise alarms if the Better Business Bureau doesn’t have a listing for them, and a good BBB report will help you feel more confident in the business you choose. Consider the Better Business Bureau as an important resource in helping you meet your contracting needs.
Don’t trust most companies that have door to door roofing salespeople. A roofer with a good reputation should not find it necessary to beg for business. Usually when a company is credible they will set up an appointment. They usually have uniformed employees and company vehicles. Of course, this does not apply to every reliable company, but keep your eyes open.
While big trees look attractive, they can be bad for your roof. Always keep trees near your roof trimmed to prevent damage from stray branches. This makes sure the branches do not cause any damage, and it also helps your gutters keep clean.
If you ever need to go up onto your roof, have someone with you. Accidents are quite common with roof work and an assistant can be a great help preventing a potentially serious fall or other accident. If nothing else, a helper can at least seek emergency help should the need arise.
Pick materials for your roof that match your home’s other features. For homes with a steep roof, consider darkly colored shingles. This makes the house look more inviting. If there is a shallow pitch, get a light-colored roof. This should make your house seem taller.
Do you feel better knowing what you know now about roofing? You should, and you are now ready to plan that roofing project. Figure out how to get the job done, and know that the roof that’s covering your home is high quality. Keep all the ideas that were presented in this article in mind as you start planning.
Your roof needs inspection at least one time every year. Speak with a roofing contractor if you are not comfortable doing this yourself. Not doing so could lead to serious problems that could cost you a great deal of time and energy.
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