
A roof repair can cause a huge headache. To decrease the odds of needing major repair, take care of minor problems with your roofing before they escalate to huge ones. Devoting even a few hours here and there to the maintenance of your roof can spare you time and money further down the road. The following article will show you how to take care of your roof.
Look at your roof closely once a year. Spring and winter are the two seasons when roofs are most damaged. Therefore, you need to carefully observe your roof during these seasons.
Don’t hesitate to replace shingles. Stalling may seem wise at the time, but eventually, the damage may worsen. Fixing shingles immediately will produce longer-term savings. Maintaining your roof means it will last much longer for you.
If a salesman is pressuring you into a deal, turn him away. People who use high-pressure tactics almost always do not deliver what they promise.
Be sure that you’re hiring a roofer that has the proper licensing before they do any work. If you don’t what what your location requires, don’t simply believe what the roofer tells you. Talk to your local building department and find out what the contractor should have.
Make sure any contractor you are considering has insurance. If you have a roofer that isn’t insured and causes property damage, you may end up paying that bill. Have the roofer provide you with proof of current comprehensive insurance.
A contractor who has employees could be cheaper than one who works solo. A team will usually finish the project faster, thus reducing the final overall cost. If you do hire a solo roofer, make sure you aren’t paying an outrageous cost for labor.
Look at the materials you have before you put on new shingles. Installation is a big cause of leaks, whether it be from the wrong sized nails or cracked shingles. Make sure all shingles do not have cracks and are strong, and that your nails are long enough to penetrate the shingle completely and secure them to the roof.
Ask your roofing contractor if they offer a warranty on their work. Some companies will have better deals than others. Also, require the estimates for the cost of the project in writing and get a paper copy of any warranties that apply. That allows you recourse if anything happens.
Get references from roofing companies you may hire. Reputable companies will never refuse to give them. If a company is reluctant to do so, you might want to look into another roofing contractor. Companies that won’t give you references may end up being frustrating to deal with.
If you think your roof has a leak, bring a hose with you and spray the roof down. This will help you find the exact location of the leak and assess how bad it is. You can then make the choice whether you can fix that leak or whether a professional is necessary.
You can’t ignore your roof. This can lead to future problems. Take the tips in this article and apply them as necessary. Keeping a well-maintained roof can save a lot of trouble and money later on.