Tips to Save Money on Your Roof

Roof repair and maintenance are undeniably some of the most important issues any homeowner can encounter. However, if you’re like most people, you don’t have a clear idea what it takes to maintain your roof. You should keep reading to learn more about roofing and make sure you are properly taking care of your roof.

TIP! When hiring a contractor, research properly. Don’t just hire the cheapest guy or the first one you find.

Never delay in repairing or replacing shingles. You may want to avoid repairs, but waiting will only make things worse. Replacing or repairing shingles immediately saves you both time and energy in the future. Your roof will last longer if it is maintained well.

TIP! When you seek a roofing professional, be sure to verify their skills. You can ask family and friends for roofing contractor recommendations.

If you feel pressured by a roofing contractor, it’s time to turn them down and ask them to leave. People who use high-pressure tactics almost always do not deliver what they promise.

TIP! Find out about warranties from all contractors you are considering. You want at least a 3-5 year warranty.

Proper insurance is an absolute must-have. If damage occurs to your property and your roofer doesn’t have the required insurance, you’re left to pay the bill. Don’t just speak with the person doing the job to see if they have the insurance, get documentation that they do and go over it carefully.

TIP! Though it seems counter-intuitive, a crew of workers can often finish a job cheaper than a single contractor. A team of people can get the job done more quickly, and this may mean cheaper costs too.

Contractors who have their own workers are often a more inexpensive option than those who work alone. A team of people can get the job done more quickly, and this may mean cheaper costs too. Weigh out the pros and cons of each contractor as a worker doing the job alone may charge you more.

TIP! The age of your roof is the most important factor in deciding whether to repair or replace it. Most roofs need to be replaced about every 20 years.

Before you install new shingles, you should check out your roofing materials. Cracked or warped shingles, the wrong type or length of nails along with any other inappropriate materials can doom the installation from the beginning. Be sure that the nails and shingles are in good shape before you add them to your roof.

TIP! Ask your roofing contractor if they offer a warranty on their work. You may find a better warranty with another company.

LIVING ROOF

TIP! If you’re in need of a new roof on your home and consider yourself an environmentalist, consider installing a living roof. A living roof has layers of soil in which a plant or flowers can be grown.

If you are looking to install a new roof and are environmentally conscious, don’t overlook the possibility of a living roof. Living roofs have soil layers that you can plant a garden with or grow some vegetables. You must have a flat roof for this design and there are some climate considerations, but a living roof may also provide insulation.

TIP! If you are concerned about a leak on the roof, you would be wise to take a garden hose and spray it. This will let you know if you have a leak and where the leak is.

Always ask a contractor to provide references. If the company is honest, they will not hesitate to provide them. If the company is unable to produce this information, look elsewhere. This is a red flag.

TIP! When you are hiring a roofing contractor, every little thing counts. You can probably depend on a roofer that shows up on time.

When you’re trying to hire someone to work on your roof, see how long they’ve been doing roofing. Contractors who have a long work history are more likely to provide excellent service. If the contractor is new, it can be very difficult to gauge their legitimacy. It could be someone out to scam you.

TIP! Do not pay upfront for the services a roofer provides. Scammers will ask for money up front and then never come back.

Spray your roof with a garden hose to test it out. This will not only help you determine whether or not there is a leak, but also where that leak is located. You will not have to spend money on a contractor just to find out.

TIP! Find out if your contractor is a part of any industry associations. These associations help contractors learn more about latest techniques and tools, which means your contractor should be more efficient if he belongs to a few associations.

All homeowners know how important it is to have a perfect roof. Having said that, knowledge on how to achieve a great roof can be difficult. Fortunately, the article above has provided a strong base of knowledge from which any homeowner can begin learning as much as possible about this most critical topic.

TIP! Get a couple of quotes prior to making any choices. There are companies out there that try to gouge their clients.