Roof maintenance, repair and replacement is not something anyone looks forward to. You should look into getting your roof fixed before small problems get any worse. To keep up proper maintenance on your roof, minor effort that you make today will help you avoid major effort at a later date. Look to these tips to help you know how to proceed.
If you have a leaky roof, make sure that your gutters are clear. The gutters can accumulate rainwater and cause leaks in the roof if there is no way for water to drain. Install ridge and soffit vents so you can prevent any dry rot from developing on your roof.
Do what you can to keep your gutters clear from debris. If your gutters are clogged it can lead to water sitting on your roof for an extended period of time. That can then lead to water damage to the roof, which then could lead to some very heavy leaking. Prevent disaster by keeping up on your gutters through the year.
Carefully check the written estimate that you are given by a professional roofer. Make sure to document when your project starts, the estimation of when it’s to be completed, and what payments are made. Avoid paying in full up front. Make sure the warranty is clear and that you understand what voids it.
Don’t talk to just one roofer. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get multiple estimates, though your co-worker may have raved over a contractor, and you may have been offered an amazing deal. Encourage multiple contractors to put in bids for the job. When people are competing for the work, you’re going to get better offers.
Never cut corners! Even if cheap materials are easily available to you, the cost of repairing them may mean you end up actually paying much more. You do get what you pay for and it’s not worth the risk when it comes to the roof over your head.
Consider the type of roofing materials used on other homes in your neighborhood. It is best to blend in and avoid standing out as too different. You home will seem more attractive to a prospective buyer when it looks as if it fits into the neighborhood in which it is located.
Does the company you are considering hiring to fix your roof have liability insurance? Are they registered with the WSIB? If not, consider another company, as you don’t want any problems occurring on your property if the contractor isn’t fully covered, otherwise you may end up in over your head.
Is it time for a new roof? A roofing job is not only a huge project, but is expensive as well. That is why you want to make sure you hire the right professional for the job. Do a good amount of research to ensure that you are hiring the right company.
Keep an eye on your roof’s color. If you spot streaks, this could mean that your roof is infested with algae or mold. If this is addressed right away, but if you let the problem fester, your roof’s lifespan could be significantly shortened, your roof can recover. Infestations like this can also cause leaks.
When you are looking for a good roofer to handle any roofing issues you may have, you should ask your friends, family and neighbors for referrals. If you know someone who has had work done on their roof, they are likely to let you know how good their roofers were, which could end up saving you a lot of time and money.
Before work begins, do not pay for the roof in full. Some type of deposit will be due, so think about an amount you are comfortable with. You should only pay off the final amount after the roof has been installed to your satisfaction. You could be out a substantial sum of money and still be unhappy with the state of your roof if you do not wait.
People often check the skylights and roof for any leaks. Many neglect to check the rubber boots, however. Whenever they dry, leaks can occur. Fortunately, it is very easy to replace them. A new roof boot can be purchased at your local hardware store for a low price. Simply remove the old one, remove some shingles if necessary, and install the new one.
When inspecting your roof for leaks, do not neglect to check the valleys. A roof’s valley is an area where two roofs intersect together. Due to gravity, water naturally settles onto these places, causing the water to slosh back and forth. This results in added pressure onto the valley, resulting in leaks.
When hiring a contractor, always obtain an estimate. Ensure this estimate provides a complete cost breakdown of all the costs you will likely incur. This estimate should show contact information for the site manager, material costs, number of workers, start date, end date, and additional services. You should check out several different contractors instead of just one. Find out the average estimate, and if a contractor’s price varies from the average by a large amount, regardless of whether it is far above or far below the average, you should question them. If they provide a solid reason, you can hire them otherwise, look elsewhere.
While you may be looking for ways to keep homeowner chores at a minimum, one area that can’t be neglected is your roof. This will just cause problems later on down the road. Instead, you should use what you just learned to become as savvy as you can be regarding your roof. By keeping your roof in good shape, you can save quite a bit of money and time later on.