Keeping Your Home’s Roof in Tip-Top Condition

Unfortunately, you cannot trust roofing companies to give you the best price and the best work quality. Thankfully, some jobs can be done on your own. Keep the following tips in mind to be sure your roof is in the best shape possible.

TIP! Inspect your own roof annually. Springtime and winter are the harshest times of the year for rooftops.

Inspect your roof once a year at the bare minimum. Spring rains and winter storms are especially hard on your roof. Most damages occur during these months. Therefore, you need to carefully observe your roof during these seasons.

TIP! You shouldn’t put off replacing shingles. Neglecting small issues can spiral into bigger issues down the road.

When repairing a leaky roof, make sure you fix the problem the first time. So, you cannot stop inspecting once you find the initial issue. Check the whole roof and you might find more problems.

TIP! Whenever the weather is bad, you should never get on top of your roof. When you have a roof that is wet then it could cause you to fall and get hurt pretty badly.

Wear rubber boots when you work on your roof. They will help you maintain footing whether the roof is wet or dry. Making your own roof repairs may require you to assume dangerous postures.

TIP! First ask people you know whether they have used a roofing contractor recently and whether they can recommend him to you. Inquire about the contractors they may have used and how the project proceeded as well as the general costs of such work.

Make sure that you’re secured in the right way anytime you’re doing work on your roof. If you aren’t secure, you are in danger of losing your balance and falling, which injures and kills thousands each year.

TIP! Check for liability insurance with the roofing company you choose. Insurance is a sign of a reliable contractor.

Check that a prospective roofing contractor carries liability insurance. If the contractor has this insurance, he is more likely to be a reliable professional. Also, if damage occurs to the roof while they work, their insurance pays the cost.

TIP! Don’t use short-term solutions for your roof repairs. This might seem like a cheap alternative but more damage could occur, costing you lots of money in the long run.

Never pay the whole amount for roof repairs up front. A down payment of about 25% is all that should be needed to get them started on the job. It would be horrible if they did bad work or didn’t do everything you thought they would.

TIP! Once your list of potential contractors is narrowed down you should see if any of them provide warranties. Find one that is covers you for at least 3-5 years to be safe.

Before you install a new roof, check out your supplies. Leaks can occur if sub-par materials are installed. Only use the right tools for the job.

TIP! Consider hiring a contractor who manages a team of workers, as opposed to an individual. Several roofers can get things done faster, which may also lower the cost.

Ask for some references from prospective roofing companies. A reliable company won’t mind giving you references. If you get a contractor who balks on giving reference, run, don’t walk, in another direction. This can be a tell-tale sign of trouble ahead.

TIP! If you are unable to find where your roof is leaking, try not to become discouraged. Sooner or later you will find it using a process of elimination.

To maintain your roof properly, keep debris away from it. When there is build up, water stays put. This water build-up can cause your shingles to rot, which will cause costly leaks.

TIP! Only award your roofing work to a contractor who can prove he has valid insurance and proper licensing. Do not hire them if they do not have this information.

You don’t want to forget the small things when you’re hiring a roofer. A roofer that is punctual is one that you can depend on. Also, written quotes and estimates are good signs of professional conduct. You want to see both happen with your contractor.

TIP! To keep your roof in good quality over the years, it is important to keep it clear of excess debris such as leaves and sticks. When debris builds up, water pools.

Contracts that aren’t in writing should not be agreed to. A lot of times when a person has a verbal contract with a roofer they will find that issues occur when the work isn’t done right. Having a written contract is essential if you want to be able to prove that you didn’t get what was agreed upon.

TIP! Never allow unprofessional contractors to touch your home. For instance, if you can’t get a professional looking estimate that’s typed out neatly, then move on.

SAFETY PLAN

TIP! Don’t agree to contracts that aren’t written down. Sometimes, homeowners just verbally agree to something, which can cause issues if work is done the right way.

All roofers must have in place a safety plan that fulfills OSHA requirements. This safety plan is important for ensuring projects are completed properly. Because of this, you must be sure that your contractor has a safety plan prepared. If the roofer is not able to provide one, hire someone else.

TIP! Quality roofing companies always carry insurance that covers accidents should one happen on your roof. If the company has zero insurance, it’s you who will be liable, so don’t hire any company that can’t prove that there is insurance that covers the workers.

Be certain you understand basic roofing before you hire a roofing company. Find out what type of roofing you have, and learn the basic roofing lingo. When you can demonstrate some degree of knowledge, you are less likely to be easy prey for an unscrupulous contractor.

TIP! When you are looking for a contractor, ask him to give you a complete outline of the project. He should discuss things like the type of products that must be used, the clean-up procedure, the costs, etc.

Never forget about safety. Anyone on a roof is in danger. Never rush anything. If the weather is not ideal to climb out onto your roof, wait. This can be disastrous if you slip and fall. You need to be educated and take all of the necessary precautions.

TIP! Never assume that a roof replacement is necessary. Have a professional inspect it before making plans to replace it.

As you can see by now, it’s imperative that you learn what you can about roofing. This will help you make the most of the money you spend. Use the tips from this article to maintain your roof and deal with any roofing problems.

TIP! Not all contractors are the same, so select yours carefully. Avoid choosing because of a splashy ad.