Your roof’s job is to keep your home safe from the weather. When there’s a problem, however, your roof can cause a great deal of damage. Learning how to take care of your roof will spare you a lot of trouble in the long run. Keep the tips in mind so you can prepare yourself.
As far as roofing goes, you need to think about the climate. Clay roofs do well in dry climates, and they help keep the house cool. If you place this type of roof on your home in a rainy area, it will start to deteriorate quickly. Ask an expert for advice.
Make sure your grass is cut before the roof on your home is removed. This way, you can easily locate any nails that have fallen off during the work process. Even nail-finding equipment will work better when the grass is cut short, which makes the cleanup process easier and faster.
Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. You want a warranty that lasts between 3 and 5 years. Longer is better. Defective supplies and shoddy workmanship should be covered along with the warranties from the manufacturer.
Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire is licensed. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what he says. Find the proper authorities to make sure rules are being followed.
Sometimes a contractor with his own workers can be more cost effective than a contractor who has no workers. A team can work quicker and the price may be more affordable, too. Be sure that if you have someone do it alone, they are not charging you too much for labor.
Check all of the materials that you are using to repair your roof. Lots of leaks come from basic installation, such as improper nail lengths and cracked shingles to start with. Be certain the shingles you are using are in good repair and all nails are of an appropriate length to really anchor the shingles to your roof.
Ask the roofing contractor how long they’ve been roofing. If the company has been in business for quite some time then they probably are able to keep people happy. Anyone new to the area may be a scammer ready to steal your money.
When purchasing materials for your roof, don’t believe cheaper is better. Cheap materials can get worn out quickly and you may have to end up spending more than you would if you bought something of better quality.
Architectural Shingles
Consider trying architectural shingles when you replace your roof. These are much better-looking than regular shingles and last longer, too. Using architectural shingles for your roof could also increase the value of your home when you decide to sell it.
Remember that walking on your roof is hazardous. Roofs aren’t designed for people to safely stand on. Always wear shoes with rubber soles. In addition, use a harness if possible. Last, but not least, have someone with you.
Reputable contractors have insurance to cover any accidents they get into. If they don’t, don’t hire them. Always ask your contractor for this information, and directly contact their insurance company to verify this information.
Safety Plan
OSHA requires all roofing contractors to establish a safety plan for projects. Safety plans keep projects progressing on the right line. Therefore, before you hire a roofing contractor, ensure they have a safety plan in place. If they do not provide you with a safety plan, find another contractor.
If a roof is poorly maintained, it can be a nightmare to deal with the repairs or replacement. But you can use the advice given here to avoid those consequences. Use this new information and you will gain a lot of insight into proper roof maintenance.