There’s much to be learned about roofing, and there are many tough decisions to make. How can you learn the important things? In the following paragraphs, you’ll find a number of excellent roofing tips.
Don’t hesitate to replace shingles. Neglecting small issues can spiral into bigger issues down the road. By immediately replacing your shingles, you can save a lot of money and problems in the future. Taking proper care of your roof will help it remain durable over time.
Always make safety your first priority when it comes to fixing your roof. Don’t try and fix your roof during a storm. Place a bucket under the leak until the weather clears up, then go have a look at your roof to see if you can repair the problem.
When you are selecting a roofer, consult your family, friends and colleagues. Ask people you know if they were pleased with the work done, the quality of the materials and whether the cost was fair. Discuss how well the contractor cleaned up, and inquire as to what type of warranties were provided.
If a local roofing salesman gives a high-pressure pitch, tell them no thank you, then show them the door. This type of salesman will do what they have to do to convince you that you cannot live without what they are offering. It could end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars if you do not put a stop to their pitch.
You must do real research before choosing any contractor. Never solely base your choice off of who is cheapest or who is the closest. Rather, investigate a few roofers in your local area. Look for online reviews and talk with friends and colleagues about any recommendations they could give.
Liability Insurance
If you are selecting a roofing contractor, they need proper liability insurance. First of all, there are plenty of shady roofers out there, but the ability to carry valid liability insurance is beyond most of them. Secondly, if something were to get damaged while your roof was being worked on, their insurance company would cover the costs.
If you’ve already tried to get someone to come out to fix your roof but they won’t be there for a while, then you should do what you can to fix the leak temporarily. Buy some heavy plastic, and secure it with nails. It isn’t a long-term solution, but it will do.
Don’t use remedies that are short-term. This will cause damage in the future and is not cost effective. You should take care of problems as early as possible before they cause serious damages.
A contractor who has employees could be cheaper than one who works solo. A group of roofers are going to perform the job much faster, which should lessen the total cost to you. If you are hiring a single roofer, be sure that you aren’t overcharged for labor.
How old your roof is will often determine whether or not it is time to replace it. Roofs are generally warrantied for 20 years. Even if you have a new roof on top of your old one, you’re going to have to replace it once the older one is about 20 years old.
When choosing a roofing contractor, consider how long they have been in business. The contractors that have been around for a while definitely keep their customers happy. Any new roofer on the scene may actually just be a scammer hoping to take your dollar.
Only hire someone to work on your roof if they have insurance and the proper kind of licenses. If they can’t, don’t hire them. Without this protection, you have no way to recoup your costs in the event of damages or faulty installation.
Always buy the best roofing materials you can afford. Buying cheap or shoddy materials will just cost you more money in the future when you have to replace them.
Architectural shingles can be a great addition to your roof. Not only do these shingles last longer, they are also very stylish. Buyers love these shingles, so they can even add value when you choose to sell your house.
Don’t allow people to work on your home if they don’t act professional in their entire approach to your job. This will give you the best possible result. A professional will follow the book so that your job is done right.
Safety Plan
Safety plans are required by OSHA prior to beginning projects. A safety plan is very important to account for the security of all those on the project. Because of this, you shouldn’t hire a roofer unless you know they’ve developed a safety plan. If your contractor will not give this to you, do not hire them.
Do not rush into hiring a contractor to repair your roof. If you do not know how to begin looking, talk to your family and friends if they have any advice. If they recommend someone, get as much information as you can. You want to be sure their recommendation is worthwhile and will result in a good job.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the subject of roofing. Understand that you don’t have to be a roofing expert. Once you know the essentials, you’re off to a great start. This piece has offered some great tips, as long as you actually use them.