Maintaining the roof of your home is just as important as maintaining the foundation and interior. Your roof keeps your family dry as it rains, and it keeps all other weather elements and debris out of your home. This article will provide some basic information about what to look for when it comes to roof maintenance and repairs.
Each year, take a long, hard look at your roof. The most common time of year for a roof to suffer from damage is during the winter and spring months. Because of this, it is especially important to inspect your roof during these seasons.
If you notice a leak during a rain storm, hold off on your inspection until things dry out. There is not one quick way to patch your leak, and you could get hurt if you try to work on a wet, slippery roof. Wait until it stops raining and the roof is completely dry before attempting to repair it.
Check out your roof thoroughly at least one time every year. Winter and spring are the two seasons where your roof can become corrupt. Therefore, stay alert during this time for damage.
Make sure any roofer you choose has liability insurance. If for no other reason, this lets you know that your roofer is professional and reliable. Secondly, in the event that something should happen to your house, their insurance should cover any damages.
Never rely on quick fixes to maintain your roof. It’s nice to save money, but the additional damage that putting off quality repairs can cause, usually ends up costing more later. You want to always catch any roof problems before they get worse.
When looking to hire a roofing contractor, make sure he or she is skilled in the trade. Ask loved ones for referrals. This will ensure that you get a professional experience.
While damaged shingles are sometimes the cause of leaks, it is also a good idea to check with your roof’s foundation as well. If there is dry rot on your roof, water can get into your house. You should examine all potential entry points so that you can find the problem.
Any roofing contractor you are considering hiring should maintain full and up to date credentials. Nearly every state requires roofers to have certain licenses; therefore, do not neglect checking for current and valid licenses from any contractors you are considering. You should also check that they maintain a policy for full liability insurance, as well as workers compensation.
Before you install a new roof, check out your supplies. Using damaged materials, such as cracked shingles, can be a primary cause of a leak right from the start. You need to be sure that your shingles are nice and strong and without cracks, and make sure you are using the right nails.
Speak with a roofer about their offered warranties. Some may provide you with better deals than others. Additionally, get your warranty in writing when you get your estimate, this way you have documentation in your possession. It means there can be no disagreements over what was said and what wan’t down the line.
You shouldn’t ever try to fix your roof if it’s rainy out, snowing, or if there’s ice around. If your roof is slippery, you’ll likely fall and sustain an injury. If you have to do any kind of work on a roof it needs to be a sunny and dry day.
Do not hire a contractor without checking their references first. Honest companies have no problems giving references. If a contractor is hesitant to give them to you, it may be time to look somewhere else. This might be a sign that the contractor isn’t a true professional.
Don’t hire a contractor unless they can give you proof of up to date insurance and licensing. If they won’t, do not think about hiring them. Without this protection, you have no way to recoup your costs in the event of damages or faulty installation.
As stated earlier, it is important that you keep your roof in good shape. Be sure that you use the tips and advice that this article has mentioned so that you can be sure your home and family are protected at all times. Thankfully, reading this article has really prepared you for anything which comes your way!
When you’re thinking of roofing, you should always be aware of what the climate is like. Clay roofing is good for climates that are dry, and they keep the temperature of the house down. Clay roof tiles on a house in a rainy climate will result in the roof deteriorating rather quickly. If you have doubts, just ask.