Be honest, how much time do you spend thinking about your roof? If you are like most people, the answer is probably little or no time at all. However, roofing should be a major concern for each and every homeowner as it plays a vital role in protecting you and your family. Read on and learn all there is to know about roofing.
Always make safety your first priority when it comes to fixing your roof. Don’t try and fix your roof during a storm. Just do what you can with the leak, like collecting the water in a bucket, and look at the roof later when the weather is better.
Never try to repair a roof in the rain or snow. Climbing onto a roof when the weather is poor could result in injury or even death. Instead, do your best to contain the leak from inside your home with tarps and buckets, and wait until the weather improves before climbing on to the roof.
You must do real research before choosing any contractor. Never solely base your choice off of who is cheapest or who is the closest. Find out more about various companies. You can ask family and friends and search online for this valuable information.
When hiring a contractor, avoid paying the entire cost upfront. You might need to pay a quarter of the entire price in order for work to commence, but see if you can pay only that. It could be a sign that their work will be sub-par or that they are trying to scam you. Get someone trustworthy like couvreur de Reims.
Replace any missing shingles as soon as you notice that they have come loose. One missing shingle could eventually lead to thousands of dollars in damages. To make sure that this does not happen to you, you should check your roof once a month for any shingles that may have fallen off.
Do not choose a roofer based solely on price. Sure, cheaper prices may be good for your pocket, but it could be an indication that you are not going to get the quality work you need. Check out the BBB to find out if a potential roofer is someone you can trust.
Ask your friends for advice regarding your roof. Many people maintain their homes by themselves, and are happy to help a friend to learn how to do the same. Even if you do not find someone that is handy, you may at least get a good recommendation on a contractor that can help you out.
If you are doing your own roofing job, make sure to practice proper ergonomics. Roofing involves carrying tools up and down ladders onto the roof. Carry only what is comfortable for you. Bend from your knees and lift with your legs. Always be aware of how your back is bent, when actually installing the roofing materials.
When shopping for a contractor, be sure to ask about warranties. The warranty should last at least three years. Keep in mind that a longer warranty is always better. It should cover both defective supplies as well as poor workmanship, plus they should give you copies of all manufacturer warranties as well.
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.
Always check the credentials of the roofing contractors you are considering for work on your home. Just about everywhere needs to have licensed roofers working in that area, so be sure they have a valid and current license. They should also have liability insurance and a workers’ compensation certificate.
Always inspect your roof boots when you happen to be up on your roof, for whatever reason. They have a tendency to dry-up and crack, leaving damaged areas where the rain and snow can come in. Be prepared to remove and replace the surrounding shingles, too. Roof boots can be found at most major hardware stores.
Now that you’ve read the previous article, you should feel a lot more confident about your knowledge on roofing and the important role it plays as a part of your home. Be sure and use the advice mentioned and refer back to this article whenever any roofing issues happen to arise. You’ll be glad you did.