Being a homeowner comes with a large amount of responsibility. Besides getting problems fixed on your own, weighing out the costs and benefits can be stressful. Read over this article to figure out if you would rather hire a contractor or do it on your own.
Always remember the rubber boots if you are going up to work on your roof. Even on sunny and dry days, rubber boots are still a necessity so that you have a good grip. Repairing anything on your roof usually means you will be putting yourself in awkward positions where you can easily lose your footing, so play it safe.
When fixing leaks, you have to be sure that the job is done correctly the first time. This refers to the fact that you do not stop when you’ve discovered a first issue. Inspect the entire roof carefully and look for other areas that the leak is not a sign of bigger problems.
Insurance is vital for this line of work. If you hire a roofer that is not insured, you are going to have to pay for any damage that might occur. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, get documentation that they do and go over it carefully.
Before putting your signature on paper, pose several questions. Talk about the amount of nails that they will use in the repair. Typically, you would want more than three. Ask question about their procedures and make sure their answer satisfies you. If you do not, move on.
A good team can achieve good results more quickly.
Always ask for several references before hiring a roofing company’s references. A reputable firm will have no problem giving you their references. If the roofer is reluctant, it’s probably best to just move on. This might be a problem with the road.
Make sure a roofing contractor has current, valid certifications. Check to see that his licenses are up to date and valid. Also check out their insurance and Workers’ Compensation.
Ask the roofing contractors how long they’ve been roofing. Those who have been around in your area for some time likely provide customer satisfaction. Anyone that is new to this could be a scam artist who runs away with your money.
If you think your roof has a leak, spray it with a garden hose. This might help you determine if you do indeed have a leak and where the leak is located. It is a much cheaper than hiring a professional.
Keeping your roof clear of sticks, leaves and excess debris can keep the quality up. Too much debris on your roof can cause water to build up. If water stays on your roof, it can permeate the shingles, causing rot.
Only award your roofing contractors that can prove he has valid insurance and an active license.
Don’t allow individuals that doesn’t have a professional attitude do any work on your home. You want the whole process to remain professional to ensure that you can be sure their work will be too.
Do not pay in full for roofing work prior to the completion of the job. It’s not a sign of good faith for a company to want all the money up front. In fact many scam artists follow this technique and then never do any work. The best policy is to pay a portion of the total for materials and labor when the project begins and then pay the remain balance upon completion. Write this agreement into your contract.
If you want a unique looking roof and might be thinking of having turrets installed or even having a metal roof put on, make sure to ask your potential roofer how experienced they are in this particular area. If they haven’t, you probably want to search for another contractor. You sure don’t want to take chances when dealing with your roof.
Always check the materials that are being used to repair or replace your roof for possible defects. Be certain your materials are intact at all stages of roofing work.
Make sure all your questions are clearly answered before letting your roofing contractor begin work. The worst thing is that you do not ask a question and then it becomes a problem later on. If the contractor refuses to answer your questions, don’t work with them.
When selecting professional roofers, do some research with the BBB. This can show complaints filed by previous customers about any specific contractors you may be considering. You need to also check the Chamber of Commerce in your local area.
Don’t agree to contracts that aren’t written one. Verbal contracts can lead to hard-to-solve disputes. A written contract is the contractor has not meet your requirements.
When you need to do maintenance on your roof, make sure you pay attention to the roof boots. Roof boots are made of rubber and are susceptible to drying out. When this occurs, leaks usually are not too far behind so make sure this doesn’t become a problem area for you.
OSHA requires every roofing contractor to establish plans in order. This plan is important in assuring you to be sure that the project will be completed correctly.
Whether you’re trying to get a roof installed yourself, or you’re trying to hire another person to help, you need to get good information first. Reading this is the first step, but you must continue to learn all you can. Remember what you have learned so that you can make a sound roofing decision.
Climbing on a roof is usually very dangerous. Roofs aren’t designed to be climbed on, and you need to take extra precautions when you’re on one. Always wear shoes with rubber soles. Also, utilize a harness if you can. Keep someone with you as you work, too.