If you’re a homeowner, having major repairs done to your roof is no picnic. Minor problems should always be addressed before they become even larger problems. Maintaining your roof just requires that you stay on top of things to prevent larger issues down the road. The tips that are shared with you in this article will help you properly maintain your roof.
Safety should always be your primary concern when repairing a roof. Repairing a roof in bad weather is a recipe for disaster. Put a bucket under that leak until weather conditions improve and then look at the roof to determine whether or not you can fix the issue.
Consider your climate when roofing. You can aid in the coolness of your home by installing a clay roof if you live in a dry climate. In rainy climates, a clay roof can deteriorate quickly. If you are hesitant if it will suit your area, ask an expert.
Does your roofer have liability insurance? This is a good sign of the reliability of the contractor. Secondly, if a worker sustains injury on the job, the roofer’s insurance will cover medical costs.
Choose a roofing contractor who is skilled and experienced. You might need to speak with people you know to see if they have any recommendations for you. It is important mainly because you won’t want to have your repairs be done poorly, as they will only cost you more in the future.
If you plan on hiring a contractor, you should ensure they have proper credentials that are updated. Just about every locale requires roofers to be licensed, so check to make sure their license is current and valid. A reliable roofer will also be signed up for workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
The age of the roof can determine if it needs to be replaced. Usually, roofs have a lifespan of 20 years before they need replacing. 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.
Check roofing materials before putting new shingles up. Leaks can occur if sub-par materials are installed. Be sure that you have strong shingles that don’t have any cracks and that you’re using nails that can penetrate your shingles so that they are secured onto the structure.
If you think your roof is leaking, spray it with a garden hose. Doing so will help you figure out if you have a leak and if you do, where it is coming from. You will not have to spend money on a contractor just to find out.
Don’t hire a contractor unless they can give you proof of up to date insurance and licensing. Anyone who is unable to provide this information should be shown the door. You have no options of recourse if their work is not up to standard.
It is never a good idea to neglect the care and maintenance of your roof. This will just cause problems later on down the road. Use your knowledge to set your house up to be safe and strong. By keeping your roof in good shape, you can save quite a bit of money and time later on.