
Your roof is your first and best line of defense against the elements. That’s why maintenance is so important. All too often, homeowners do not upkeep their roof until something terrible happens. Instead, keep that roof performing its job well by following the tips that you’ve discovered here.
Inspect your roof once a year at the bare minimum. A roof will suffer the most damage during winter and springtime. Because of this, you must pay special attention during these months.
When it comes to roofing, you always want to take the climate into account. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. Clay does not do well in wet climates and can damage a roof pretty quickly. Always ask an expert’s opinion on the best types of roofs for your home.
Choose a contractor who has a a good liability insurance. This is a good sign of the reliability of the contractor. Also, their insurance will cover anything that may happen while working on your roof.
Insurance is a must when it comes to roofing. If damage occurs to your property and your roofer doesn’t have the required insurance, you’re left to pay the bill. Ask if the roofer has insurance in place, and make sure you see written documentation that it is current and sufficient in amount.
Confirm your contractor’s credentials before he starts the job. Nearly every state requires roofers to have certain licenses; therefore, do not neglect checking for current and valid licenses from any contractors you are considering. They should maintain full liability insurance, and also have a current certificate for workers’ compensation.
How old your roof is will often determine whether or not it is time to replace it. Many roofs last around twenty years prior to needing replacement. If your new roof is installed over the old one, you must replace it after 20 years.
Living Roof
If you wish to install a brand new, environmentally-friendly roof, don’t overlook using a living roof. You can use a living roof for growing flowers and many other types of plants. You can only do this on flat roofs, but it’s great insulation.
Always check a potential roofing company’s references. Any good company will oblige you by providing references. If the company is unable to produce this information, look elsewhere. That can mean trouble in the future.
If the source of your leaky roof is evading you, don’t worry. You will eventually find the source using process of elimination or by using your water hose with a friend’s help. As you aim the hose at different areas of the roof, have your assistant look for signs of leakage. Use a cell phone to communicate with each other.
As you can see by now, it’s important that your roof is properly maintained. Be sure and use the tips and tricks mentioned above so that you and your loved ones remain safe throughout the year. It is well worth the effort.