A roof is essential to a home. However, most homeowners don’t know very much about roofing. Reading the following information is a good way to learn more about roof care.
Make sure you’re safely secured whenever you need to go on your roof. Losing your balance is a serious danger, regardless of the steepness of your roof. A loss of balance can cause major injury and may be fatal in some circumstances.
Just before your roof is removed for repair, mow your lawns. It’s not uncommon for nails and other debris to land in the grass during construction. Shorter grass allows you to locate any errant nails. Magnetic nail finders are also more efficient on short grass.
Never hire a roofing contractor who cannot provide references. Ask previous customers whether they are satisfied with the work done and the price paid. You need to also look at some of the addresses in person. Drive by the houses your contractor worked at and pay attention to their roofs.
When you are looking into hiring a roofing contractor, check with family, friends and co-workers first. Make sure you question them on a contractor’s costs, service level, and craftsmanship. Ask about the clean-up job that was done after work was completed and if warranties are offered.
Always research the contractor that you are considering for your roofing job. Never hire the first one listed in the yellow pages or the one with the lowest rates. Compare the various contractors in your area to get an idea of the common rate. Look for online reviews and talk with friends and colleagues about any recommendations they could give.
As you narrow down the field of possible roofing contractors to hire, make sure that you learn about each one’s warranty offers. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. Defective supplies and shoddy workmanship should be covered along with the warranties from the manufacturer.
Selecting a contractor with additional workers may be your best and cheapest option. A small team of roofers can frequently get the job done faster, resulting in cost savings. Weigh out the pros and cons of each contractor as a worker doing the job alone may charge you more.
Do not hire a contractor without checking their references first. An honest company will be happy to provide you with references. Find another contractor if the roofer you were interested in cannot provide you with references. This might be a sign that the contractor isn’t a true professional.
Spray your roof with a garden hose to test it out. Not only will you know for sure whether a leak exists, you will also know exactly where it is. You can then make the choice whether you can fix that leak or whether a professional is necessary.
A roof is truly all that stands between you and the world. Sadly, most people don’t know how to care for their roof. Hopefully, this article has increased your level of confidence in addressing future roofing needs.
SbPoet 