Roofing Tips That Can Save You Some Trouble

Most people who purchase a home soon realize that they don’t know much about maintaining a roof. With just a little bit of effort, you can learn how to properly maintain your roof and avoid roof-related disasters. Read on to find helpful information and to learn the basics of roofing.

Look at your roof closely once a year. Common seasons for roof damage are winter and spring. Due to this, it is best to keep a close eye on your roof during this time especially.

Leaks often come from shingles, but don’t discount a foundation problem as well. Water can enter into many areas that are rotting. Check all possible entries, including looking for rotted wood, to make sure the problem is solved permanently.

Make sure that you’re secured properly every time you climb onto your roof. If you end up slipping, this could save your life.

Before you sign any contract, make sure you ask certain questions of a roofer. If you are having shingle work done, ask the number of nails they typically use for each shingle. Three nails or less is generally considered inadequate. Don’t be afraid to find out your contractors shingling methods to see if their work meets industry standards. If they do not, continue looking.

Whenever you narrow down your list of contractors, ask each one their provided warranties. You want at least a 3-5 year warranty. Defective supplies and shoddy workmanship should be covered along with the warranties from the manufacturer.

Check roofing materials before putting new shingles up. A lot of leaks come from installation, due to nails that aren’t the proper size, or shingles that are cracked. The shingles should be strong and crack free, and the nails should be sturdy.

Speak with your contractor about what is offered in their warranty. You’ll find that some contractors offer much better warranties than others. In addition, always get a warranty in writing, along with the estimate, so that you have the information in your possession. That allows you recourse if anything happens.

You need to keep debris off of your roof in order to keep it in good shape. Accumulation of such material helps water pool, which is harmful. This water build-up can cause your shingles to rot, which will cause costly leaks.

You need to know if your contractor belongs to any industry associations. These associations help him stay current on the best roofing materials and techniques for installation. A contractor who does not belong to any associations might not be fully dedicated to their job or might have a bad reputation.

The roof that you have on your home is something that needs to be taken care of so that damage doesn’t happen to your home. You also want to be sure that your family is protected from the elements. Remember what you’ve read and feel more confident in your ability to make smart roofing decisions. A little prevention now means that you will not have to face major roof problems in the future.