One of the most critical tasks of home-ownership is maintaining the condition of the roof. Many homeowners do not understand what they need to do to maintain their roofs. By using the tips that follow, you can be sure your roof lasts for years to come.
Inspect your roof yearly. Spring and winter are times when damage is prevalent. Because of this, it is especially important to inspect your roof during these seasons.
If your roof leaks, wait for it to dry before you find out where exactly it is and try to fix it. There is no quick fix and it’s dangerous. A dry is roof is much safer.
First ask people you know whether they have used a roofing contractor recently and whether they can recommend him to you. Ask people you know if they were pleased with the work done, the quality of the materials and whether the cost was fair. As about how clean they were, too.
Do not let a contractor pressure you into hiring them. It is better to turn down salesmen using an unrealistic pitch. They are unlikely to fulfill a contract if you do sign one.
If it will be a little while before a contractor will come to fix your roof, you should probably think of a temporary solution. Nail heavy plastic on the leaky area. This method is not the best way to address a leak, but it will buy you time while you wait.
If the contractor does not require you to pay up front in full, do not do it. It’s common to pay about 25% up front, but any more expected by the contractor could be a danger sign. It could be a sign that their work will be sub-par or that they are trying to scam you.
When you have come up with a short list of possible contractors, check with each with regard to their warranties. You want a warranty that lasts between 3 and 5 years. Longer is better. It must cover workmanship and defective supplies, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.
Insurance is vital for this type of work. A contractor without insurance can be very dangerous. That’s because if he causes further damage to your roof or gets injured on the job, you will be liable for the expenses. Asking about insurance is not enough since people can be dishonest. You should ask for current proof of insurance.
Consider hiring a contractor who manages a team of workers, as opposed to an individual. More workers means the job will be completed quicker, which means lower costs. Check the prices of any solo-roofer against competitor’s rates for discrepancies.
Check your roofing materials thoroughly before installation. Cracked or warped shingles, the wrong type or length of nails along with any other inappropriate materials can doom the installation from the beginning. Be sure your shingles are sturdy and without cracks and make sure your nails are long enough to secure the shingles properly.
Living Roof
A living roof is a great option for those trying to live a “greener” life. A living roof provides you with planting grounds! Living roofs require a flat surface and appropriate climate conditions to thrive.
All homeowners can tell you how important it is to have a sound, watertight roof. But, it is sometimes hard to know what it takes to keep your roof in proper shape. Take the advice you’ve just been given to heart, and prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.
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