http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho5DvwGM25M
If you have a leak when it rains, examine it when it's dry and fix it. Leaks cannot be quickly patched anyhow, and it may be dangerous to climb atop a wet roof. When your roof has dried, you can safely fix any leak you find.
When repairing a leaky roof, make sure you fix the problem the first time. If you find one leak, it's likely that others exist as well. Check every square inch of your roof for problems; you might have a number of issues.
Do not let a contractor pressure you into hiring them. Stop them before you sign a contract that doesn't benefit you.
Never pay the whole amount for roof repairs up front. You can pay about 25% to start the job, but avoid paying more than that. You don't want them to do a poor job or do less work than expected.
Choose a roofing contractor who is skilled and experienced. Talk to loved ones for suggestions on who they used. Hiring a contractor who is not properly licensed and experienced could cost you a lot.
Once your list of potential contractors is narrowed down you should see if any of them provide warranties. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. It needs to cover poor workmanship and defective supplies, and you should have copies of all the manufacturer warranties, too.
The age of your roof is a major factor in deciding whether it needs replacing. Most roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years. If the roof you have now covered the old roof, you are going to have to get a new one after 20 years.
Make sure your materials are in good condition. Many leaks actually originate from basic installation, with cracked shingles or nails that are an improper length to begin with. Therefore, you should ensure your shingles have no cracks and that your nails are the proper length and size to completely secure your shingles.
Consider a living roof if you are thinking about putting a new roof on your home and you are environmentally conscious. This type of roof has soil and plants, just like a garden. This can also give you a reasonable amount of insulation.
If you think your roof might have a leak, try using a garden hose to spray it down. This will show if you have a leak and the area where the leak emanates from. This can be a cheaper alternative to having to hire a contractor.
Consider trying architectural shingles when you replace your roof. Benefits of this type of shingle include longevity and an attractive appearance. Also these kinds of shingles add some value to a home because people seek them out so it's a good idea to go with them if you're selling your home.
Ask your contractor which industry associations the company is a part of. Good contractors will want to keep up with the latest news, technology and techniques, and that means they will be a part of groups which discuss these topics. Not being an association member may signal a lack of dedication, which may be something you would like to take into consideration prior to signing any contract.
Before a contractor starts working on your roof, don't hesitate to ask any question you may have. Failing to ask questions can prevent a lot of issues later on. If a contractor tries to avoid answering your questions, they should be avoided anyways.
If you want a unique looking roof and might be thinking of having turrets installed or even having a metal roof put on, then make certain your talk with the roofer about their experience with those materials. If they seem to have little, keep on looking. You shouldn't take chances with your roof.
Inspect all materials that will be going on your roof. Shingles sometimes crack and need to be replaced immediately. Therefore, it's vital that your materials are solid at all times.
Quality roofing companies always carry insurance that covers accidents should one happen on your roof. If a contractor doesn't have insurance, you should steer clear of them because you will have to pay for any damages. Always request that your contractor provide this information, and get in touch with his insurance company as well for verification.
Roofs with damage can cause a lot of work and stress for their owners. This article has helped to prepare you for making choices to maintain the health of your roof. You can repair your roof effectively with your own hands. You can do well simply by putting this information to good use.
