Save Some Money With These Great Roofing Tips
If you are a homeowner, you know that you need to maintain your home. And there is nothing that needs more maintenance than your roof. After all, if your roof goes, what hope is there for everything beneath it? Here are some tips to help you take care of your roof.
Make sure to inspect your roof annually. Winter and spring are the two seasons where your roof can become corrupt. Therefore, stay alert during this time for damage.
If you are seeking out a leak on your roof, use a hose to find where the problem is. If you aren't having any luck, reverse the direction of the water. If you're pouring it down the roof, try spraying it up the roof. Continue to move the water around until the leak is found.
If you are trying to pinpoint the exact point where your roof is leaking, you can spray it with a hose and see what areas create a problem. Do not try this method in the winter, because it is not safe to spray water on the roof while the temperature is very low.
Before signing a contract with a roofing contractor, there are many questions you need to ask him. One question is the amount of nails that need to be inserted into every shingle. Most of the time, more than three nails is going to be required for a good job. Test them to get the right answers. If not, then find a better contractor option.
In the winter months, be sure your roof is equipped with ice and rain shields. Also, make sure it has proper ventilation. Your home is heated by the wall line and this is where ice tends to build up. It is the build up of this ice that can cause interior leaks.
If you have gotten in touch with a roofer but he cannot come out for several days, you may need a temporary fix. Get some heavy plastic material and nail it up. This method is not the best way to address a leak, but it will buy you time while you wait.
Do what you can to keep your gutters clear from debris. If your gutters are clogged it can lead to water sitting on your roof for an extended period of time. That can then lead to water damage to the roof, which then could lead to some very heavy leaking. Prevent disaster by keeping up on your gutters through the year.
Avoid paying a roofer in full before they do their job. You want to make sure the roofer does good work on your roof before you pay them everything they are owed. Some roofers may require a down payment to begin the work, though, which is usually about 25% of the final cost.
Confirm that your contractor has the necessary skills to perform the job. Ask loved ones for any referrals they may have. Referrals can help you avoid getting an inferior roof installed, along with the cost and frustration of correcting the mistakes.
Avoid ice build-up on your roof in the winter time. This potentially devastating situation occurs when snow begins to melt close to the interior lining of your home, then freezes, creating a seal. That ice can remain for a long period of time with low temperatures and create leaks and warping. Proper ventilation and insulation should remedy the problem.
A roofer who works on their own can wind up costing you more money than someone with a team of workers. Several roofers can get things done faster, which may also lower the cost. But, if just one person is doing the job, make sure they don't overcharge for labor.
Always inspect your roof boots when you happen to be up on your roof, for whatever reason. They have a tendency to dry-up and crack, leaving damaged areas where the rain and snow can come in. Be prepared to remove and replace the surrounding shingles, too. Roof boots can be found at most major hardware stores.
Only employ roofing contractors that can give you proof of insurance and an active license. If they can't, don't hire them. You have no options of recourse if their work is not up to standard.
If you're attempting to handle roof repairs on your own, proceed with caution. A roof is a dangerous place to be, and you want to be properly equipped for it. Wear shoes with rubber soles, and use a well braced ladder that has rubber safety feet. Your roof isn't worth risking your life over.
When you take care of your roof, you take care of your home. Use the tips in this article to help you care for the roof of your house; simply apply them to your own activities when you need to. Having this information will make your life easier, and will help you make the right decisions for your home.