Authored by-Petty Bowles
If you're considering putting a new roof on your home, then you need to know a lot of information about the roofing process. Not that you're going to get up on the roof and do-it-yourself, but you want to make sure you know what's going on. Do you know what materials are used? Do you know what to look for in a contractor? Keep reading to learn more.
Always be safe when you're up on your roof. If you don't know what you're doing, don't go up there! Wear the right safety gear and don't do anything that puts your body at risk. Remember to bring along the right tools for the job as well to ensure you do the work right.
If you think your shingles need replacing, do not hesitate to act. You may think it's a good idea to hold off on fixing something, but the damage will only get worse with time. Replacing or repairing shingles immediately saves you both time and energy in the future. If you keep your roof maintained, it will last you a while.
Never work on your roof by yourself. You should always have someone else present, even if it is solely for the purpose of having someone that can call emergency services if you fall. Falling from the roof can be a disaster, but not having someone to help you is even worse.
Make sure you are being very safe when working on the roof yourself. Secure a ladder, and carefully climb up or down the ladder as necessary. Let someone know where you are in case you get stuck on the roof for some reason. Wear non-slip shoes if you have to stand.
Try spraying your roof down with your garden hose in order to find the leak. Remember, however, that this trick is only good idea during the warmer months. Doing this in the winter is hazardous, and can lead to further damage to your roof in the mean time. Be sure to have someone inside while the roof is being sprayed so that you are sure to find the culprit.
Make sure your roofer has credentials, and make sure thy are current. Make sure your contractor has a roofing license. They also need insurance and have other certificates as mandated in your area.
The more contact information you get for your roofing company, the better. Ask the project manager or foreman for not only his contact information, but that of the company he works for. You should know his full name and who at the company you should speak to if there is a problem.
Does the company you are considering hiring to fix your roof have liability insurance? Are they registered with the WSIB? If not, consider another company, as you don't want any problems occurring on your property if the contractor isn't fully covered, otherwise you may end up in over your head.
If your roof needs a repair, it is possible that you could tackle the situation yourself if you have the knowledge. However, it is important that you wait for proper weather conditions, as roofing can be dangerous work. Working in weather that is not dry could result in serious injury or death.
Ask your contractor to provide yearly maintenance on your roof. No matter how proficient your roofer is, problems can come up, especially if your area is prone to extreme temperatures. A yearly visit by a roofer can ensure your roof stays in top shape.
Do you have loose shingles. If you do, it is important that you fix them. The fix is usually pretty simple. You need to lift the shingle carefully. Next, you apply enough plastic roofing cement under the shingle to hold it in place. Failing to fix a loose shingle can cause a lot of damage in the future.
Get multiple quotes from multiple roofing companies. Not all companies are the same. You could see a company with huge ads in the Yellow Pages, but that doesn't guarantee the quality of their work. Obtain multiple quotes from various roofing companies and compare their details to each other. Try only getting bids from licensed contractors since some states don't require licenses for roofing contractors.
Call the BBB to find out more about a particular contractor. Doing this will let you see any complaints that previous customers may have had with the contractor. Another wonderful source of information is the Chamber of Commerce in your community.
Never pay the entire balance of a roofing contract before all of the work is done. It is not unusual for contractors to request funds up front so they can pay for materials and other expenses, but the full amount should not be paid until the work is completed up to your standards.
There are
navigate to this site that send roofers out to people's homes to ask for business. Any roofer that is established and has a great reputation is not going to try to solicit business. Most credible companies prefer to set appointments. They usually have uniformed employees and company vehicles. Obviously, exceptions are out there, but you should still be on the lookout.
When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with the warranties and guarantees said company offers. This goes both for the materials they use and the work they provide. It is important that you have certain assurances with any work that will be done on your roof so that you are protected.
When
visit the next document or natural disaster blows over, a lot of larger towns will become flooded with shady dealers that should learn to avoid. Research any potential contractors and make sure they have an established history within your local community or you could become victim of an opportunistic fraud.
Whenever you repair or install your roof, you should climb up into the attic after it has rained the first time. This lets you check to see if there are any leaks that haven't been taken care of. You will also be able to tell if there are any damaged shingles.
You should have a better idea of what you need to do for your roof after reading this article. When you can recognize signs of problems and know how you can address them, you are prepared to keep your roof in tip-top shape. If you keep your roof in good shape, it'll last for a very long time.
