Sadly, it is not wise to place your full trust in the representations of all contractors. It is important that you know the right questions to ask. Read this article to learn all about roofing.
When faced with snow, ice, or rain, it is best to postpone your roofing project. When the roof is wet or slippery, you could end up falling, causing major injury and even death. If you’re making roof repairs, do it when it’s dry and sunny.
When you hire roofing contractors, you need to check into their references and reputation. Ask previous customers whether they are satisfied with the work done and the price paid. You should take a look at some of the properties yourself. Drive by them and look at them carefully to figure out who to hire.
Liability Insurance
Choose a contractor who has a a good liability insurance. If your roofer carries liability insurance, it’s a pretty good signal that the company is reputable. This insurance will also cover costs in the event of an accident.
If you have a leaking roof, but the roofing contractor you contacted can’t get there for a couple days, you might want to try a temporary fix. A large roll of heavy plastic and nails is all it will take. This is not a long-term fix, but it will give you a little time.
Avoid paying the entire cost of the job in advance. A downpayment of about 25% is all that should be needed to get them started on the job. But paying the whole amount up front can cause the roofer to do less than they agreed to, or poor work.
Roofing Contractor
If you require the services of a roofing contractor, look into his credentials and experience. You can ask family and friends for roofing contractor recommendations. This is key, as you never want to have poor work done on your roof, causing you to spend more money down the line.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask them what kind of warranties are available. You want to be offered 3-5 years of coverage. The warranty needs to cover defective materials and poor installation. You should receive a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty too.
Check roofing materials before putting new shingles up. Leaks can actually start at the point of installation due to damaged shingles or nails of the wrong length. Be sure that the nails and shingles are in good shape before you add them to your roof.
If you think your roof might have a leak, try using a garden hose to spray it down. Doing so will help you figure out if you have a leak and if you do, where it is coming from. You can do this for free, and on your own, without bringing in costly roofing professionals.
Make sure a contractor gives you proof of insurance and a license. If they do not provide you with these things, don’t hire them. You have no options of recourse if their work is not up to standard.
Don’t try to get too miserly when purchasing new materials for your home’s roof. Even if the materials are cheaper, they may get worn out quickly, which means they will cost more in the long run.
To maintain your roof, keep it free of sticks, leaves and other debris. If these things build up on your roof that could trap water onto it. Sitting water on your roof can lead to rotting, leaks and a huge repair bill.
Find out if your contractor is a member of an industry association. Reputable firms will be interested in staying up to date with current trends and methods in the industry. If this isn’t the case, you need to be wondering whether the contractor is fully dedicated to his work.
As previously stated, do research before getting roofing work started. You want to make sure that you are getting offered the best deal. Apply the great tips found above to make sure your roof is repaired and sealed in a cost-effective way.
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