Article written by-Willumsen McConnell
If you have ever suffered from a damaged roof, you know how frustrating this is. Unfortunately, diagnosing the problem and selecting a solid roofing contractor is not an easy task. Fortunately, if you educate yourself on the subject, you can more easily identify problems and select the right roofing contractor when necessary.
Be sure that you are properly secured anytime that you go on top of your roof. This is critical because losing your balance on a roof is not difficult if you do not have regular experience on roofs. Falls from roofs kill or injure many people annually.
When thinking about roofing, never forget to account for the climate. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. If you place this type of roof on your home in a rainy area, it will start to deteriorate quickly. If you're not sure about this, then don't be afraid to ask.
Remember that the area on the ground, just beneath your roof, is going to take a bit of a beating as your roof is replaced. If you have flowers or other shrubbery in that area, it might get damaged. There may be nothing your roofer can do to prevent it from happening, so try to avoid assigning blame.
Avoid putting off
metal roof for any length of time, even if it seems like a minor issue. Once a shingle or two have blown off, it's much easier for the wind to get underneath the rest and blow them off too, one-by-one. Fixing your roof right away will minimize damage, saving you money.
Have a leak in your roof? Check out your gutters. The gutters of your home can easily become clogged, and can be a major cause of leaks, especially if they have not been cleaned recently. If you see they are filled with debris, like leaves, be sure to clean it out.
Measure twice, cut once. If you will be doing your own roofing job, you want to make sure your measurements are correct. This will save you both time and money. You can assure your measurements are accurate by taking the extra time it takes to measure two, or even three times.
Try spraying your roof down with your garden hose in order to find the leak. Remember, however, that this trick is only good idea during the warmer months. Doing this in the winter is hazardous, and can lead to further damage to your roof in the mean time. Be sure to have someone inside while the roof is being sprayed so that you are sure to find the culprit.
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.
If
roof price are in the process of building a new home, pick a roofing material that has a long life. You do not want to worry about replacing your roof 15 or 20 years after you move into your new home. Check out several types of roofing materials before making your choice.
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.
If you have paid to have new shingles installed on your roof, make sure that you get what you have contracted for. There are many unscrupulous roofers that will try to place older materials on your roof in order to have a bit of extra money in their pockets in the end.
Do not try to tackle a problem with your roof that is too big for you to handle. While it is great to save money doing it yourself, sometimes the problem is bigger than any one person can handle. Consider the level of experience needed before you begin to ensure that you do not cause more harm than good.
If your roof is leaking, you first need to climb up onto your home's attic. Use a flashlight to search along your ceiling rafters to check for watermarks. Watermarks will show you the location of the leak. Keep in mind that the area you need to repair will be approximately two or three feet above the watermark. Once you find the source of the problem, check your roof decking for damage. If it has been severely damaged, you need to call a professional. Otherwise, you should be able to fix the leaky roof yourself.
It is dangerous to get on a roof. Many roofs are not designed to be easily navigated, so it is important to take safety into consideration. Use shoes with rubber soles so you don't slip. Also wear a harness, if you have one. Last, but not least, have someone with you.
How old is your roof? Knowing when to replace your roof largely depends on how old your roof is. When your roof is 20 years old, you need to upgrade.
Check out a contractor's work history before you consider hiring them. Verify these references by personally calling past clients so you can determine the quality of their work. In addition, if your contractor has current clients, drive by the clients' homes so that you can check out the contractor's work firsthand.
It is tough to hire a roofer, so be certain you spend sufficient time on the process. Ask everyone you know if they have hired a roofing contractor and what the results were. Ask a lot of questions to make sure that they are recommending someone that is worth the time and money.
As a general rule, you should always equip yourself with a safety harness whenever you work on your roof. This harness needs to be attached to something sturdy that will support your weight in the event that you fall down. This will make sure that you won't get too hurt should you slip and fall.
When your roof is leaking or damaged, it is too late to start learning about roofing. You need to learn as much as you can while your roof is still in good shape. Study the information from this article, so that you can get the roofing work you need done properly.
