Gutters and shingles are just a couple of things to think about in terms of roofs. Roofing is a subject that is not always discussed and there is quite a bit you should know about it. That is why this article was written. Below, you’ll discover some key information with regards to roofing.
Any salesman that has to use too much pressure to make a sale should be considered suspect and you should look for another. They’ll do anything to convince you to hire them to replace your roof, but you get the short end of the stick.
When choosing a roofer to work on your home, be sure they have liability insurance. This will confirm the legitimacy of the company. If something does happen, their insurance will cover the bills.
Once you have your potential contractors list narrowed down, ask each what sort of warranties they provide. You want at least a 3-5 year warranty. This will cover you in the event of poor work.
When hiring a contractor, ensure he has the proper licenses. If you are not sure what is required in your area, do not just take the roofer’s word for it. Look up the building department in your area and give them a call to see what is needed.
It is very important that roofers have insurance. When your contractor lacks insurance, all responsibility falls on you. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.
Make sure your roofer has credentials, and make sure thy are current. Nearly every state insists that roofers be properly licensed, so inspect your contractor’s paperwork to ensure that they are fully compliant. They need full liability insurance, along with a current worker’s compensation certificate.
The age of your roof can help you figure out if replacement is needed. 20 year old roofs are typically at the end of their lives. If your current roof is installed over an older layer of roofing, you are going to have to redo your roofing in 20 years.
Before you install new shingles, you should check out your roofing materials. Lots of leaks come from basic installation, such as improper nail lengths and cracked shingles to start with. Be sure that you have strong shingles that don’t have any cracks and that you’re using nails that can penetrate your shingles so that they are secured onto the structure.
If you’re worried about a leaky roof, spray it with a garden hose. Doing this will help you find out if a leak exists, and will help you figure out where it is. It doesn’t cost as much as hiring a professional, so give it a try.
Always buy quality, name brand roofing materials for the best results. Cheap materials can get worn out quickly and you may have to end up spending more than you would if you bought something of better quality.
You may want to use architectural shingles if you are going to replace your roof. They’re more attractive and also last longer. Additionally, they will increase your home’s value because they are highly sought after.
Ask your roofer any questions you have before allowing them to start working on your roof. Failing to ask questions can prevent a lot of issues later on. If your contractor isn’t willing to answer questions, then you probably should find another contractor.
Don’t let a contractor do work for you if they don’t act professional in every area. For instance, all contractors need to give you typed quotes with all the costs itemized. You want to deal with professionals so that you can be comfortable that the job will get done right.
Whenever you have to repair or replace something on your roof, you have to check over the materials thoroughly. Shingles are sometimes damaged when you purchase them and they can crack once they are installed. Be sure that all materials are in good condition before and after all repairs.
Determine if your potential roofer can perform annual maintenance on your roof. Even if the roof installer is very good at what they do there could be issues that arise, especially if you’re in an area with a rough climate. Checking your roof every year can help your roof to look good.
When looking for a roofer, have them explain their project plans to you. Your contractor should explain to you what products they use, what the clean up process is, and how much you should expect the job to cost you. This will give you a better understanding of what is going on. If your contractor does not appear knowledgeable or seems to withhold information, search elsewhere.
Avoid thinking you need a new roof. Call a pro and have them look at it before you spend anything. People often make the mistake of paying for a whole new roof when all they needed were repairs.
Don’t trust most companies that have door to door roofing salespeople. A good contractor should not need to promote their services door to door. Most credible roofers like to have appointments. The best contractors have a few employees who wear uniforms and drive company vehicles. There are some exceptions, but think clearly before you choose someone who isn’t a professional.
When doing roof work, attach the ladder securely on the roof with a board and nails. The ladder will make moving around easier and may help prevent slips and falls.
When hiring a contractor, make sure they outline all aspects of the job in writing, including necessary repairs, the materials that will be needed, the expenses you will incur, insurance claims, etc. Having good documents will help the process go smoother and can help should there be problems in the future. Proper paperwork can help with any disputes, confusion or claims.
While roofing is a complex topic, it is one that you can handle. What you have learned here will give you help in a variety of situations. If you need to look for more information or stay with what you just learned, you should be good to go. Always keep this information close at hand.
