What You Need To Know About Taking Care Of Your Roof
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Most homeowners pay little attention to their roof until it is in need of repair. Thankfully, a little education goes a long way. Read on to find out more.
If you're looking into hiring a roofer, the first question you should ask is how long the company has been in business. Someone might sound great on paper, but if they're new to the game, they may still be ironing out kinks in their business practices. You don't want to be the one they test things out on.
While it may sound backwards, one of the best times to find a leak is when it's completely dry out. Keep an eye out for things like mold in corners, unusually dark ceiling tiles, and damp insulation. You can use these things to guide you to the spot the leak is coming from.
Just like most projects, roofing requires you to have a clean surface to work on. The sheathing also has to be perfectly flat, so if you see any warping, replace it. Lastly, every last nail has to be removed to ensure it doesn't affect the new roof once installed, causing problems.
The first thing you should do is ask people you know to recommend a roofer. Ask the people you know about their experience with different contractors, such as the services provided or the price. You should also find out if they offered a warranty, and make sure they cleaned up well once the job was completed.
When you are buying shingles it is very important to go with a popular brand. This is due to the availability of the shingles for future repairs. If you decide to take a cheap option and buy shingles from a company going out of business, or the last of a certain color, you will run into problems matching the shingles for repairs down the road. If you do go with the cheap option, be sure to have extra bundles for the inevitable repairs you will need.
Carefully check the written estimate that you are given by a professional roofer. Make sure to document when your project starts, the estimation of when it's to be completed, and what payments are made. Avoid paying in full up front. Make sure the warranty is clear and that you understand what voids it.
Don't talk to just one roofer. Your co-worker may have raved over a contractor, and you may have been offered an amazing deal, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get multiple estimates. Encourage multiple contractors to put in bids for the job. When people are competing for the work, you're going to get better offers.
Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire is licensed. If you have no idea what your local requirements are, don't take the contractor's word for it. Call your area's building department to find out what is needed.
If you choose a contractor that has workers for him/ her, this could end up being a cheaper option than a contractor that works alone. Several roofers can get things done faster, which may also lower the cost. Weigh out the pros and cons of each contractor as a worker doing the job alone may charge you more.
When working on your roof while it is hot, always take plenty of breaks. The heat of the sun can get to you and cause problems. If you will be working during the heat of the day, be sure you take a break often and drink plenty of water.
Make note of your initial impression of any companies you contact and receive quotes from. How was the customer service? Did you have to wait long to speak to someone? Did they answer all of your questions thoroughly? This can tell you a lot about how your overall experience will be from start to finish if you decide to choose them.
Don't forget the little things when hiring a contractor. Those who show up on schedule and call you as promised are probably fairly reliable. Also, professional contractors usually provide you with a typed bid for the job. Your contractor should do both these things. Otherwise, find another contractor.
Think about using architectural shingles on your new roof. Not only do they look better than normal shingles, they also last longer. Additionally, homes with this type of roofing are sought after by buyers, meaning it can actually add to your home's resale value.
The roof that you have on your home is something that needs to be taken care of so that damage doesn't happen to your home. You also want to be sure that your family is protected from the elements. Remember what you've read and feel more confident in your ability to make smart roofing decisions. Don't allow your roof to give you any problems.