A major issue with your roof is no fun for any homeowner. It’s better to see to small problems before you’re overwhelmed. When you work on smaller problems now, you can save yourself from giant problems later. Look to these tips to help you know how to proceed.
If you need to walk on your roof, it is important that you do it at a time when it is not too cold or hot. Extreme weather tends to make shingles very brittle, so walking on them during this time can cause a lot of damage. Morning is the best time during summer months, and afternoon is best in the winter.
You should have certain expectations of your roofer. For example, any shingles that fall down to the ground should be picked up and hauled off your property. In addition, the roofer should pick up the majority of the nails that fall down as well, although it is likely that a few may be missed. In general, your yard should be clean and picked up after the work is completed.
Since replacing your roof can be one of the most expensive projects besides the cost of the home itself, make sure you know who you’re hiring. Avoid the temptation to hire a friend of a friend, or inexpensive “handymen.” Look for a licensed contractor who guarantees his work and comes with many good reviews and recommendations.
When it rains, check your attic for leaks. Not every leak will make it down to your ceilings, so there is no harm in heading upstairs to check out what is going on. If you do this a few times per year, you can stave off massive repair bills for unnoticed problems.
Closely inspect all roofing materials before installing shingles. Installation issues like crooked nails or cracked shingles are a major source of leaks. Be sure those shingles are crack-free and strong, and make sure nails secure and penetrate the shingles to keep them in place.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a roofing material. For example, asphalt shingles tend to be the cheapest, but they deteriorate quickly and aren’t environmentally friendly. Wood shingles are attractive and last a long time, but must be fire treated. Think about what’s most important to you and your budget when considering your material.
Be sure to clean out your gutters on a regular basis. If they get backed up, water may leak into your attic, which can cause permanent damage to your roof. Check your gutters often, and give your roof a deep cleaning one or twice a year. This is key to keeping it in great shape.
Is it time for a new roof? A roofing job is not only a huge project, but is expensive as well. That is why you want to make sure you hire the right professional for the job. Do a good amount of research to ensure that you are hiring the right company.
Only hire a contractor who offers emergency services in their contract. If a tarp blows off in a storm or your roof caves in, you need to know that someone from the company will show up to fix the problem right away. If they don’t offer this service, move on to the next firm.
After a storm, go on your roof to determine the damage. Shingles may need replacement after a vicious storm. Check your roof every time, but always remember safety first.
You may want to consider avoiding chain roofing companies. While they may do a fine job, they usually cost a good deal more and pay their employees far less than their competition. This can mean that their employees are less satisfied and experienced due to a high turn-around. Be sure to consider this before choosing a contractor.
In terms of roof maintenance, roof boots are often overlooked. These are rubber and they are located near the roof fence. It is easy for them to become dried out. This opens up your roof to leaks, so check them out frequently.
People often check the roof and skylights for any leaks. However, many neglect to check the rubber boots. Whenever they dry, leaks can occur. Fortunately, it is very easy to replace them. A new roof boot can be purchased at your local hardware store for a low price. Simply remove the old one, remove some shingles if necessary, and install the new one.
While you may be looking for ways to keep homeowner chores at a minimum, one area that can’t be neglected is your roof. This could lead to very serious problems down the road. Rather, remember the information that you read in this article and put it to good use in the future. Keeping a well-maintained roof can save a lot of trouble and money later on.
