Home maintenance is something that many people are not fond of. It can be a pain, and because of this, people often wait to address issues. Roof maintenance, however, is something you really shouldn’t neglect. Your roof protects your home from serious damage; you must maintain it properly. In this article, we will share some tips on caring for your roof.
Do not put off replacing your shingles. You might be tempted to put off a repair, but that can actually make the situation worse. Fixing shingles immediately will actually save you bigger bucks down the line. Plus there will be a lot less headache. Keeping a roof maintained can help it last a long time.
Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect the foundations of your roof. If your home has dry rot in the outside walls, water can enter there. Check all entry points to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Don’t every try and repair your roof in wet, snowy or icy conditions. A slippery or wet roof could cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you are doing your roof yourself, work on it when it is sunny and dry outside.
When fixing leaks, do it right the first time. This often means searching for other leaks after the initial spot has been fixed. If you take the time to check your whole roof, you will not have to deal with additional, often worse, problems down the road.
If you have an appointment with a roofer, but he or she is not coming for a couple of days, have a temporary solution in place. Buy heavy plastic, then nail it to that spot. No, it’s not the perfect solution, but it will work for the short term.
You never want to climb atop your own roof to inspect for damage. This is a time where you must call a professional. You don’t need to walk up there and have it cave in.
Once your list of potential contractors is narrowed down you should see if any of them provide warranties. You want one that is about 3 to 5 years, and longer is preferable. It must cover workmanship and defective supplies, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.
If you’re having a hard time locating a leak, take your garden hose and aim it at your roof. This will confirm the location of the leak, if there is one. It is simple and much cheaper than hiring someone to check for you.
While it is tempting to go with the cheapest roofing materials, this may not be your best bet. You may be able to find inexpensive materials, but these could cost you more in the long run as they need to be replaced more frequently.
Don’t put down all the money on a roofing job prior to work being done. Many conniving contractors actually never return to finish work after receiving full payment. You should tell them that you’re only going to pay some of the money first and that you’ll pay the rest when the work is done.
Only hire people who are professionals at every step. As an example, the best contractors will always give you a formal quote that includes all work to be done and costs. If the individual is professional with you prior to starting the job, he or she is much more likely to do the work in a professional manner as well.
As said earlier, no one loves household chores, especially roof maintenance. However, you have to do it for the sake of your home’s protection. Keep in mind what you have learned here, and you will be able to deal with any issues regarding your roof. Your efforts will definitely be worth it later.
