Roofs aren't thought about much until they cause a big deal due to an issue. Most people know very little about them, and when something goes wrong with a roof, it can intimidating. Continue reading to learn more about how to take care of your roof.
Leaks come from having damaged shingles, but you should also inspect your roof's foundation. Dry rot in siding can lead to leaks. You should examine all potential entry points so that you can find the problem.
When you're thinking of roofing, you should always be aware of what the climate is like. When you live in a dry climate, go for clay tile. Clay tiles applied in damper climates can cause rapid deterioration. If you aren't sure, be sure to ask a knowledgeable professional.
Have safety precautions in place when going on your roof. It's surprisingly difficult to maintain your footing, even if the roof is only slightly sloped. Sadly, countless people sustain injuries or worse as a result of falls.
Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor work on your roof. This will make things much easier to find if dropped. Even nail-finding equipment will work better when the grass is cut short, which makes the cleanup process easier and faster.
Don't hesitate to interrogate a would-be contractor before signing anything. For instance, how many nails will they use on each shingle? Typically, they should use more than 3 nails. Question them about their methods and see if you get a satisfactory answer. If you have any doubt, find another contractor.
First ask people you know whether they have used a roofing contractor recently and whether they can recommend him to you. Ask around to see if anyone you know recently hired a roofing contractor who did a good job. You should also find out if they offered a warranty, and make sure they cleaned up well once the job was completed.
The age of your roof determines whether it needs to be replaced or not. Most roofs have a lifespan of twenty years before replacement is needed. If you installed a roof on top of your older roof, you'll definitely need to replace the entire thing once you've reached that 20 year limit.
Make sure the roofing materials are inspected before using them. Leaks can actually start at the point of installation due to damaged shingles or nails of the wrong length. The shingles should be strong and crack free, and the nails should be sturdy.
Do not worry if you are unable to immediately find your roof leak. Have another person inside the home and carefully use a hose to find the location of the leak. If you have a large house, try using cell phones to talk so that the water doesn't go into the house by mistake as you test possible leak areas.
Check to see how long contractors are in business for and how many employees work for them. Usually if they have been in business awhile, they know what makes customers happy. Although a contractor with little experience could actually turn out to be good, there's a greater chance that they are a scam; therefore, you shouldn't take this chance.
Do not ever pay the total cost of your roof replacement in advance of the work being undertaken. Shady contractors will get full payment up front, then they do not finish the job. Pay a percentage at the beginning, and pay the rest once the job is done.
Don't hesitate to bombard a contractor with questions before entering into an agreement. You may have a question you didn't ask that turns into a problem. If your questions aren't being answered by a contractor, your better off working with a different one.
When you are seeking a roofing contract, check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). You'll have access to complaints filed against the company. Contact your Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Talk to family, friends and co-workers about recommendations when you need a roofer. The experience of others is the best way to ensure a contractor's value. Any contractor you may know could have a good referral, too. They will at least be able to get you going the right way.
Ask a prospective contractor to outline the whole project. Talk about the materials used, how the roof will be cleaned and how long it will take. Make sure you completely understand this plan. If you feel that a contractor does not provide you with adequate information, or he is very vague, then you probably should not do business with him.
Now that you've read the article above, you should feel more comfortable about your knowledge with regards to roofing. Doing what's needed to take care of your roof will help to avoid big problems down the road. Keep this information in mind, so any issues you encounter can be tackled with ease.
zanybeer3687 Community Member 
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