You probably have not given your home’s roof much consideration. However, if you own a home, you should learn all about it quickly. Roof damage can eventually lead to serious damage to other parts of your home. This article contains practical advice for repairing and maintaining your roof.
Check both the roof’s foundation and the shingles when you notice a leak. If there is dry rot on your home’s sides, you may get water in your home. Check everything over to ensure it is up to snuff.
Wear rubber boots when you climb onto your roof. Even if the weather is dry, you still need to wear these. Any sort of roof repairs are going to put you in a dangerous situation.
Make sure your grass is cut before the roof on your home is removed. That way, you are more likely to be able to locate fallen nails. If your roofer has a magnetic nail locator, short grass will make things much easier.
If your roofer is a few days away from attending at your home, there are temporary repairs you can undertake. Get yourself a piece of heavy plastic and you can nail that over the leaking area. No, it’s not the perfect solution, but it will work for the short term.
Be sure that your roofer has insurance. If you hire an uninsured roofer who damages your property, it’s going to cost you. You shouldn’t simply ask the contractor if he has insurance and take his word on it. Instead, request proof of insurance so that you can see for yourself whether they have current insurance.
The best roofing contractors are those who are always on top of their licenses, credentials, and documentation. Nearly every state makes licensing a requirement, so be sure that they have the proper licensing. A reliable roofer will also be signed up for workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
The age of the roof can determine if it needs to be replaced. 20 year old roofs are typically at the end of their lives. Some homes have been fitted with a new roof right on top of the old one; if you’re in this situation it may be time to tear both off and start fresh.
If you are unable to find where your roof is leaking, try not to become discouraged. Sooner or later you will find it using a process of elimination. Having a friend help you along with a water hose can aid this process. If it’s a big house, use cell phones to communicate so that water isn’t flowing into the house unnecessarily as you test different areas to find the leak.
You most likely didn’t know a lot concerning roofing before you read this article. Now that you’ve read this article, you should feel confident that you will be able to handle any roofing problems that may arise. It’s important to the safety and protection of family and belongings to have a roof that is in good condition.