Most roofs will protect your home from the elements for 10-15 years, but it can't do everything by itself. Maintaining your roof properly is part of being a responsible homeowner. These tips will give you the basic knowledge about roofing that you need.
Ask for copies of the roofing company's liability coverage before letting them work on your roof. If they are an experienced and professional company, then they should have these papers with them when they meet with you. Any company that doesn't carry or outright refuses to provide copies of their insurance and papers detailing worker's compensation should be avoided.
Always check references. Once you have their references, give them a call and ask them about the value and quality of the work. It's a good idea to check out the work for your own peace of mind. Check out the work and see what it looks like for yourself.
Have a leak in your roof? Check out your gutters. The gutters of your home can easily become clogged, and can be a https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8YeWxKqTIrZVG9acXhhYlIwR2s/view?usp=edit major cause of leaks, especially if they have not been cleaned recently. If you see they are filled with debris, like leaves, be sure to clean it out.
If you have a leak in your roof and the weather http://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/11/fha-minimum-property-standards.asp is wet and/or icy, it is a good idea to wait until the weather is better to take care of it. While fixing the roof right away might seem like the best solution, you are increasing your chances of getting hurt.
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.
Do not ask your roofer to work on your gutters. This is not their area of expertise and they are likely to mess up. Therefore, simply focus on having them do your roof, and if your gutters need to be replaced as a result, find someone to do that job that specializes in it.
Get free quotes. Roofing prices can vary from roofer to roofer and you want to find out what the different prices are in our area. Be sure, though, that when you get prices you are getting the estimate for the same type of shingles and the same service from the roofer.
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.
There are many perks to living in an older home, but the roof usually isn't one of them. If your home's roof is over ten years old, you may not be able to insure it at all. Make updating your roof a priority. Make sure any replacement uses primarily new materials so that finding insurance coverage won't be a problem.
If you are getting bids from a few different roofers, have each of them give you a list of how much the materials are and what the cost of labor is. You want to know exactly what everything is costing you, as it will allow you to compare different people more effectively.
Never allow someone to work on your roof without then furnishing a written contract. If they do work that is subpar and you end up having issues with them, it will be hard to prove what they were contracted to do if you don't have any paperwork. If your contractor gives you a hard time about this, it would probably be best to find someone else.
Never hire a contractor that isn't 100% professional at all phases of your interaction with them. For instance, a roofer's quote should be printed out, not scrawled out on scrap paper, and should have a clear layout. If the process is professional, chances are the work is too.
When hiring a contractor, always obtain an estimate. Ensure this estimate provides a complete cost breakdown of all the costs you will likely incur. This estimate should show contact information for the site manager, material costs, number of workers, start date, end date, and additional services. You should check out several different contractors instead of just one. Find out the average estimate, and if a contractor's price varies from the average by a large amount, regardless of whether it is far above or far below the average, you should question them. If they provide a solid reason, you can hire them; otherwise, look elsewhere.
When searching for a contractor, make sure prospective firms detail the scope of work. He ought to talk about important matters, such as the materials that will be used, costs, and how cleaning up is done. Be sure you know his plan and understand it. If your contractor isn't being clear with you on the plan, then you likely should stay away and hire someone else.
Do not work with any roofing contractor that wants to give you an estimate over the phone. Each roof is different, and you should find someone that is willing to come out and take a look at your particular issue. If someone balks at making a home visit, you should probably hire someone else.
If you live in a cold climate, take extra precautions when having your new roof installed. When the temperature dips below freezing, rain left in your gutters can freeze and cause cracks. Your roofer can prevent this by installing an ice and water barrier. This rubber membrane may cost a few hundred dollars more, but it can also save you thousands.
When you are considering which contractor to hire, it's important that you focus on other customer reviews. Knowing what others have experienced will help you know what you might experience. Reviews can be found in many places, but you should especially pay attention to prominent sites, such as Angie's List.
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.
It is impossible to dispute the essential nature of the roof when it comes to the integrity of any home's structure. However, not every homeowner has a thorough understanding of what it really takes to keep a roof in great condition. The article above has hopefully offered a useful reference point for anyone interested in learning more about the subject.
