Good Roofing Tips Straight From The Professionals
It isn't fun to have problems with your roof. If you do, however, have to have roof work done, then it's much better to tackle a small problem before it turns into a major one. Maintaining your roof just requires that you stay on top of things to prevent larger issues down the road. Consider these great roofing advice so that you can maintain a good roof.
Check both the roof's foundation and the shingles when you notice a leak. If your home's sides are dry rotted, water may enter these areas. Review all entry points, look for rotting wood and make sure the issue is resolved.
Your environment matters when thinking about your roof. For instance, certain roofing materials, like clay, are better in cool climates. However, if your climate is rainy, clay roofs can quickly deteriorate. As always, if you aren't sure, then you should ask.
Rubber boots should be worn when working on the roof. Wear your boots even if the weather is clear. Making your own roof repairs may require you to assume dangerous postures.
While giving a deposit to your roofer is normal, you shouldn't pay for the job itself until it's been completed. The rule of thumb is that the deposit shouldn't be more than 25% of the roofer's total estimate for the job. The roofer needs money in advance for materials, but they don't need to be paid for labor that hasn't been done.
Do you love the look of wood shingles but not the fire hazard? You can now purchase roofing material that presents the look of wood shingles, but is made of steel or composite materials instead. The steel roofing is pre-formed with the appearance of shingles, but is actually large panels.
It's not easy to choose between roofing contractors, but asking for a list of references can be a huge help. Any company which refuses to provide such a list is not one which you want to hire. Don't just ask for the list, though, be sure to call a few people on it to double check their experiences.
Conduct a thorough roof inspection over the entire surface, so you do not miss any problem areas. The material should be bonded well, and fasteners are secured. If you want to work on a certain area, the material must be clean and dry. Be safe when working on the roof to avoid injury.
If you live in a cold climate that has considerable snowfall in winter, you should think about a metal roof. If your roof pitch is steep enough, you will never need to worry about snow buildup on your roof. The slick surface of the metal will cause the snow to just slide off rather than accumulate.
Check your rubber boots on your roof for cracking or dryness. This is a very common problem that quickly leads to leaks around the roof. Fortunately, they are easy to fix and can be found at most local hardware stores. However, if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself you should certainly call a contractor.
When hiring a roofer, don't let cost be your only consideration. While you want to avoid paying too much, you also want to make sure that you don't skimp on other things that are as important. Make sure you get estimates from a few different contractors and know what is included in each quote.
It is important that any roofing contractor you are considering provides you with the address of their physical location. It should not be a PO box or an apartment! When they have office space, even if it is within a home they own, you know where to go if you have any problems.
Does the company you are considering hiring to fix your roof have liability insurance? Are they registered with the WSIB? If not, consider another company, as you don't want any problems occurring on your property if the contractor isn't fully covered, otherwise you may end up in over your head.
Inspect your roof after any high winds or major storms. Shingles may need replacement after a vicious storm. All it takes is a quick inspection following every storm. Just stay safe and don't rush yourself.
When your roof nears the time of needing a replacement, it is important to consider all of your options. Are there any repairs that can be done to postpone the replacement? If there are cheap repairs that can be done to prolong this, it may be worth it. This way you don't have to spend a large amount of money quite yet.
You can't ignore your roof. This could lead to very serious problems down the road. Your best bet is to take responsibility for the care and maintenance of your roof. Keeping a well-maintained roof can save a lot of trouble and money later on.