One of the most critical tasks of home-ownership is maintaining the condition of the roof. The problem is a lot of people do not understand the basics in maintaining a roof properly. By reading through the advice presented here, you can gain some insight on what is involved in maintaining a healthy roof.
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.
Speak with a roofer about their offered warranties. Some contractors might offer better deals than others. On top of that, be sure to get the warranty and the estimate in writing, so you will have this information on hand. This will prevent disagreements down the line.
When it comes to roofing, you've got to wait until Mother Nature gives you the go ahead before taking on a project yourself. Avoid putting yourself in any dangerous situations by waiting for a clear and dry day before undergoing any sort of roofing project. Doing so will ensure your safety.
Always wear the appropriate footwear when venturing out onto your roof. Wearing a rubber soled boot can help you to keep your grip and has been proven to limit the rate of falls experienced by roofers. If you are unsure of the type of boot that you need you should contact an outfitter that specializes in contractors.
Locating the exact spot where a roof is leaking can take a little time. It will only take you some time if you just eliminate one thing at a time. Using your water hose is a great way to find problems if you have someone helping you. Use cell phones with one person in the attic and the other outside.
Look for a roofer that offers guarantees on their work. Most repairmen will not provide this, but someone who has installed an entirely new roof should give you this with no hesitation. If you do not ask about this ahead of time, you may end up paying a ton for a new roof, and paying even more for someone to fix it if you have issues.
Always make sure your roofing contractor carries the proper insurance. Roofing can be dangerous work, and you want to make sure your contractor is covered in case of an emergency. If he is not, the cost could fall on you or your homeowners insurance. Ask to see the policy, and don't just take his word for it.
Ask for references for any roofing contractor that you are considering. If they are reputable, they should have plenty of references available. If they tell you they have done work for others in your area, drive by and take a look at what they have done. Try talking to a few owners if that is an available option.
Ask your contractor how long he has been in business. Although a contractor with only one or two years' experience may be excellent in what he does, it is better to be safe and select someone with a minimum of five years' experience. Keep in mind that extra work experience does not always equal better work, but for the most part, this is the case.
If you are planning on jumping onto the roof to handle the repairs yourself, then you should wait for the right weather and plan ahead. Don't make a spontaneous effort to begin construction on the roof because this could cause you to get stuck beneath a storm or in the cold!
Always check up on a roofing company on the Better Business Bureau before you hire them. By visiting this site, you will be able to see if any former customers had an issue with the company. If you see a problem, investigate whether or not the company made amends. Also take a look to see if the BBB gave the company a rating or not.
The contractor that you hire to do your job should be local and reputable. Many people hire people from out of town because they are a bit cheaper, but that poses a problem if you have any issues. The contractor may not be able to come out and fix your problems right away since you are so far.
If you can afford to do so, always opt for shingles that last for a longer period of time. For example, your contractor might ask you to choose between 25-year and 50-year shingles. While the 50-year shingles might cost one or two thousand dollars more, it's worth your money for the extended life of the materials.
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 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.
Don't fall for the first affordable quote you receive, especially if it seems too low to be true. Always request quotes from a minimum of three or four different companies. No one company should be able to perform the same task for thousands less than another. If someone offers a rock-bottom price, it's possible that they plan to cut costs somewhere. When they do this, it's often at your expense -- not theirs!
Any homeowner will attest to the importance of having a thoroughly sound, watertight roof. Knowing how to maintain one is the difficult part. This article has shown you the steps you need to take, so take them!
Orignal From: Useful Guidance For Maintaining Your Home's Roof
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