Nobody can deny that a roof is essential for your home's structural integrity and quality. Despite this, it's surprising how many homeowners are completely clueless on roofing matters. By reading the things in the article below you should get a better understand of how to care for a roof.
Inspect your roof once a year at the bare minimum. Roofs are commonly most damaged during winter months as well as spring time. Due to this, it is best to keep a close eye on your roof during this time especially.
Always research a roofing company before you allow them to do any work on your roof. You want to call up the Better Business Bureau or visit their website to see if there are any complaints. Search online and see if anyone has left a review about the company as well. If you don't do this, you could end up getting with a company that does terrible work.
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.
While you should leave heavy duty work up to professionals, there's lots of preventative maintenance you can do to keep your roof in great shape. Keep an eye out for shingles that need to be repaired or replaced, and make sure your flashing and underlining are in good condition. With a little effort, you can avoid big repair jobs altogether.
Any roofer you are considering using must have the proper license to do business. If you don't know what's required of the area, don't just trust the roofer's word. Check your local building department and call them to find out what is necessary.
Always inspect your roof boots when you happen to be up on your roof, for whatever reason. They have a tendency to dry-up and crack, leaving damaged areas where the rain and snow can come in. Be prepared to remove and replace the surrounding shingles, too. Roof boots can be found at most major hardware stores.
If you think your roof has a leak, bring a hose with you and spray the roof down. You'll then see if a leak is there, plus the exact locale so that you can get it fixed. This will cost you much less than hiring an expert.
Be sure to clean out your gutters on a regular basis. If they get backed up, water may leak into your attic, which can cause permanent damage to your roof. Check your gutters often, and give your roof a deep cleaning one or twice a year. This is key to keeping it in great shape.
The typical homeowner would never live in a home without a roof. After all, the roof protects and preserves families, possessions, and much more. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't know all that's involved with proper roof maintenance. Hopefully, you now understand more about your roof and how to take care of it.