Most people aren’t very knowledgeable on roofing. But, if you own a home, it pays to gain some knowledge now. A damaged roof can cause even more damage to other parts of your home and quite possibly to your family. This article will get you started with the basics of home roofing and roofing repairs.
Check out your roof thoroughly at least one time every year. Spring and winter months tend to damage the roof the most. Because of this, it is especially important to inspect your roof during these seasons.
When a leak is getting fixed, you have to be sure that the job is done correctly the first time. If you detect the problematic area, don’t stop there. Be sure and inspect your entire roof to ensure that you don’t have a more widespread problem or additional leaks in other areas.
Co-workers, friends, and family should be the first resources for picking a contractor. Make sure you question them on a contractor’s costs, service level, and craftsmanship. Discuss how well the contractor cleaned up, and inquire as to what type of warranties were provided.
If you’ve called a roofer, but their visit isn’t for another couple days, use a type of temporary fix on the leaky roof. Nail heavy plastic on the leaky area. While not ideal, it will provide a temporary solution for you.
Make sure the roofing contractor you hire is trained and skilled. Friends and neighbors who have recently had work done on their roofs may have recommendations for you. This needs to be done because it’s not good to have to deal with a bad roofing job that costs you a lot to repair later on.
After narrowing down your list of roofers, determine which one offers the best warranty. Don’t contract with anyone who offers a warranty of less than three years. Five or more years is ideal. The warranty needs to cover defective supplies and sup-par workmanship, and they should also supply you with copies of the manufacturer warranties too.
If you want to save some money when your get a contractor then you should find one that has employees working for them. A team of people can get the job done more quickly, and this may mean cheaper costs too. Weigh out the pros and cons of each contractor as a worker doing the job alone may charge you more.
The age of your roof determines whether it needs to be replaced or not. Most roofs need to be replaced about every 20 years. Even if you have a new roof on top of your old one, you’re going to have to replace it once the older one is about 20 years old.
Factor in how long a roofer has been practicing his trade when choosing who to hire. A company with a long and established reputation for high quality customer service is often your best bet. Companies that are new or don’t have an established history may simply be scam artists who want your money.
As was stated earlier, chances are you weren’t too knowledgeable about roofing. By now you should be better prepared to deal with any problems that your roof may cause. Staying safe starts with a well-maintained roof.
