Taking care of your home’s roof is a pretty big job. Catching problems early requires constant vigilance, and any repair work that you do have to do is likely to be extensive. Become a better homeowner by preparing yourself for the kinds of roof issues you may face in the future.
Always be sure that you’re safe when you have to do any work on your roof. Don’t try and fix your roof during a storm. Put a bucket beneath any leaks until the weather improves, then go inspect the roof and see if it’s possible for you to repair it.
Make sure that you take the proper safety precautions before attempting to go up on your roof. Even if you think you are perfectly safe going up there without a harness, wear one anyway. It is also a great idea to wear shoes that have rubber soles since they will prevent you from slipping.
Do you love the look of wood shingles but not the fire hazard? You can now purchase roofing material that presents the look of wood shingles, but is made of steel or composite materials instead. The steel roofing is pre-formed with the appearance of shingles, but is actually large panels.
If you hire a contractor who has workers to help them, it is often cheaper than hiring a contractor who works alone. The more people working on the roof, the quicker the job can be completed. A person working alone will often charge the same price, but will work more slowly. Make sure the labor cost is not too high.
If you live in a cold climate that has considerable snowfall in winter, you should think about a metal roof. If your roof pitch is steep enough, you will never need to worry about snow buildup on your roof. The slick surface of the metal will cause the snow to just slide off rather than accumulate.
Always check the shades side of your home for deterioration of the shingles. The side that is exposed most to the sun lasts longer because the heat of the sun keeps the shingles lying flat. This prevents wind and rain from loosening the shingles, but shingles on the shaded side come loose sooner.
If you want to replace your roof, think about using a green alternative for material. Recycled roofing material, composed of used rubber and plastic, not only saves money but serves the environment. Solar panels are another option, as they can also reduce energy costs. They can also create a tax credit for homeowners.
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.
Roofing materials come in many attractive colors. If you are considering a new roof for your home but are not sure which color to choose, ask the salesman for advice. Dark colors will attract heat, and that could be a problem if you live in a warm climate. Neutral colors are usually a better choice.
Never hire a roofing contractor who expects a deposit up front. A good contractor has financial stability, so they won’t ask you for money to cover their supplies until the supplies have been delivered to your home. Also expect a great contract which details all expenditures on your part and that of the contractor.
Ask prospective contractors about their memberships in industry associations. Good contractors keep current with the latest trends and technology in their industry. If they are not, question their level of dedication to the field.
Make sure your roof is well ventilated. Without good ventilation, heat and humidity will be able to do some serious damage to your roof. You can improve your roof by adding additional events, or by adding a single power vent. As long as your roof has room to breathe, you’ll be in good shape.
If a potential roofer is not professional, don’t agree to have them work on your roof. For instance, the contractor should give you a written quote. You need the whole process to remain professional so that you can be sure their work is too.
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.
Make sure that any contractor you hire to fix your roof is licensed and bonded. Do not take their word for it since they may be dishonest with you. Ask them to show you proof that they are licensed, and do not hesitate to call around and make sure everything is valid.
While it’s common knowledge that a wet roof is a slippery roof, not everyone knows that leaves and debris can be slippery too. If you need to do work on your roof, you should be extra cautious of them. Clear them away immediately, and give yourself extra protection by wearing shoes with rubber soles.
When you are paying a contractor for a high cost roofing job, you should look for the best deal possible. Get at least three bids from local companies for your roofing repairs. Do not always go for the cheapest bid. Research the companies’ history to find the best deal when you compare cost to quality.
When working on your roof, make sure it is completely dry before you go up there. If you discover a leak while it is raining outside, you’d be better off waiting for the rain to stop and your roof to dry before heading up there. This will prevent you from slipping and hurting yourself.
