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Being a homeowner comes with a ton of responsibility. You have to do your own maintenance, and it can be stressful to weigh benefits and costs. Here are some things to consider before you decide whether you should hire a certified contractor or try to do the work yourself.
If your roof leaks, wait for it to dry before you find out where exactly it is and try to fix it. The roof is especially dangerous when it is wet, and there is no way to seal off a leak while it is raining. When the roof is dry, you can then fix the roof in a safe manner.
Roof foundations may be the cause of your leaks so don’t only assume it is the shingles. If your home has dry rot in the outside walls, water can enter there. Look for ever potential entry area, rotten wood included, to be sure you get the problem permanently fixed.
When repairing your roof, ensure you keep safety in mind. It’s just too risky to get up on your roof during inclement weather, when accidents are most likely to occur. Put a bucket to catch the water until the rain stops, then get up on the roof to find the problem.
Never attempt to fix a roof when it is raining, snowing, or conditions are icy. You are far more likely to sustain an injury–or worse. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, make sure to do the work when the weather is dry.
Temporary Solution
If it will be a little while before a contractor will come to fix your roof, you should probably think of a temporary solution. Get yourself a piece of heavy plastic and you can nail that over the leaking area. While not ideal, it will provide a temporary solution for you.
Inspect your roofing materials prior to putting up new shingles. Using damaged materials, such as cracked shingles, can be a primary cause of a leak right from the start. Make sure the shingles are strong and free from cracks and that the nails you use will penetrate the shingles and secure them onto the structure.
Keeping your roof clear of sticks, leaves and excess debris can keep the quality up. Whenever debris builds up, water can accumulate on your roof. When water sits on the roof, shingle layers start to rot, which requires costly repair work.
After a harsh wind storm, climb onto the roof to inspect everything that you cannot see while on the ground or on a ladder. It is best to fix damaged shingles right away and remember that a small problem can quickly turn into a major leak. Take a good look, but keep safety in mind.
You shouldn’t allow someone to work on your house if they’re not behaving like a professional. For example, your roofer should give you a typed, well-worded quote. You want to deal with professionals so that you can be comfortable that the job will get done right.
Roof Boots
Home maintenance is hard work and the one area that many owners neglect are the roof boots. These rubber boots can sometimes dry and crack, causing bigger problems. Dry, cracked roof boots will eventually lead to leaks and should be replaced.
When you decide to hire a roofing contractor, ask if they will be able to check and maintain your roof once a year. It doesn’t matter how solid a contractor may be. Problems will likely continue to arise, especially if your climate varies on a regular basis. A visit once a year will help you to keep your roof looking pristine.
When you are seeking a roofing contract, check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). That helps you to know whether people have had complaints about someone you want to hire. You should also check with your local Chamber of Commerce.
When looking for a contractor, have them outline the whole project. Speak about the products and techniques that he will be using. Ask plenty of questions so you fully understand the plan. If you think that they didn’t give enough good information or that they’re vague, you should go with a different contractor.
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a contractor for roofing repairs, and haste can complicate things. If you don’t know what you need to look for, you should talk to people you know to see if they have hired anyone they liked before. Don’t take suggestions at face value; ask plenty of questions to get a really good feel for how their roofing job went.
When you hire a company to fix your roof, ask if they have sub-contractors. Knowing how they are affiliated with the company can help you to avoid legal troubles if liability issues come into play. Make sure to check this in advance before hiring.
When you are conducting interviews to find a roofer, ask them about any surrent projects they are working on. Both the number of workers required to complete the job and the time it will require are important questions to ask. Find out the number of employees within the company. Companies with lots of current projects and few employees could struggle to meet deadlines.
If you have work to do on your roof, don’t do it by yourself. If you have an accident, your helper is there to give you any help that you will need.
Beware of storm chasers. These contractors are known for going around to homes after there has been a lot of damage because of a storm. Many of them are from other states and have no documentation for your state. If their vehicle has magnetic signage, that’s a red flag.
If you need roof repairs, you need to do your research, whether it will be you or a professional making the repairs. This article has gotten you off to a good start, but it can’t hurt to learn more. Keep this information in mind as you move forward.
