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Tread lightly while you are on your roof looking for damage. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to dry rot, which will compromise the integrity of your roof. This can then make your roof very unsafe to walk on, so take each step lightly to ensure that you are not injured from falling through.
Get free quotes. Roofing prices can vary from roofer to roofer and you want to find out what the different prices are in our area. Be sure, though, that when you get prices you are getting the estimate for the same type of shingles and the same service from the roofer.
Do not make changes to your roof that are not long-term. You may feel like you're saving money, but over time, the problem is only going to get worse, and will cost a lot more to fix. You want to always catch any roof problems before they get worse.
Never try to repair a roof in the rain or snow. Climbing onto a roof when the weather is poor could result in injury or even death. Instead, do your best to contain the leak from inside your home with tarps and buckets, and wait until the weather improves before climbing on to the roof.
Opting for a contractor with a team could often be less costly than a contractor working alone. A team of roofers will finish the job faster, which will often result in a cheaper final product. Make sure that solo roofers are not overcharging you for labor.
Don't get too discouraged if you're not able to find out where a roof is leaking from. Eventually you will find the leaking spot by applying water with a hose and having a helper look for the leak below. If you have a large house, try using cell phones to talk so that the water doesn't go into the house by mistake as you test possible leak areas.
When signing a contract with a roofer, check for the small print about material costs and labor. Do sign with a company which lists the costs and what will happen if their costs increase during the job. Also go with a company which charges around $1.50 a square foot for decking replacement.
Do not choose the first roofer you find in the phone book or online. By choosing the first roofer you read about, you may end up spending more money that you need to. Call numerous roofers and go with the most reliable one at the best price you can find.
Ask the roofing contractors you are considering what materials they use most frequently. If you want a tile roof, but they have never laid one before, then they aren't the best choice for your project. Make sure to ask them this question before you tell them what material you plan to use to avoid duplicity.
Look into architectural shingles if you want to replace your roof. They're more attractive and also last longer. Using this type of shingle gives your home added curb appeal. It's definitely something to consider if you plan to list your home for sale.
If you have a leak in your roof and the weather is wet and/or icy, it is a good idea to wait until the weather is better to take care of it. While fixing the roof right away might seem like the best solution, you are increasing your chances of getting hurt.
When you are checking out a roofing company find out about their experience. Try asking them how long they have been in business. If they have been doing business for at least a few years, that usually means that they are established and that they have a solid understanding of roofing systems and techniques.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a roofing material. For example, asphalt shingles tend to be the cheapest, but they deteriorate quickly and aren't environmentally friendly. Wood shingles are attractive and last a long time, but must be fire treated. Think about what's most important to you and your budget when considering your material.
Always ask your roofer how long his company has been in business for. How much experience the roofer has is important, but that is not the same thing. You want to go with an established company that has a number of satisfied customers. They will work hard to make sure they uphold their reputation with each job that they do.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, most people don't know anything about proper roof maintenance. However, you should now have a better idea of what you need to do in order to maintain your roof. Taking the steps illustrated above will lessen the chances of you experiencing any truly bad problems in the future.
As you prepare to get your roof replaced, remember that there are a lot of nails up there. That means that as shingles come off, nails are going to become loose and fall to the ground. Most contractors will place a tarp down to catch as many loose nails as possible. If your contractor does not do this, question them about how the nails will be found and removed from your property.
If you are looking for a dimensional look to your roof, architectural shingles can provide this. Instead of a flat appearance, architectural shingles provide "pop" to your roof. Each shingle is layered, giving the final product a very dimensional and intriguing look. Be sure to pick a quality architectural shingle for a longer sustained roof.
