Roofers Otford

TIP! Inspect your roof once a year at the bare minimum. Spring and winter are times when damage is prevalent.

With regards to roofing, you probably could stand to learn a thing or two. If you are a homeowner however, youâ”d be wise to educate yourself quickly. After all, a damaged roof can cause serious damage to your entire home. The article below has some great advice with regards to roofing.

TIP! While leaks sometimes do come from problems with your shingles, you should also check the foundation of the roof. Water can get into your home anywhere that dry rot has occurred.

Whenever you’re working on your roof, you must take steps to secure yourself safely. It is possible to fall, particularly if you haven’t been on the roof very often, resulting in very severe injury.

TIP! Remember: safety first. Don’t try and fix your roof during a storm.

Use background references to choose your roofing contractor. Once given the references, ask the homeowners who the roofer worked for how they feel about the quality and value of the work. Drive by some of the addresses on your own. Swing past and take your own look.

TIP! You should choose materials used for your roof in relation of the weather. A clay roof is a good choice for dry regions and can also keep the home cooler.

When hiring a roofing contractor, ensure that they’re skilled at roofing. If you know anyone who has recently had their roof fixed, find out if they would recommend that contractor. This is key, as you never want to have poor work done on your roof, causing you to spend more money down the line.

TIP! Mow the lawn prior to the removal of your old roof. Major roof work will inevitably scatter some nails on your lawn, and close-cropped grass will make it easier for you or your contractor to recover them.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to inquire about the provided warranties of each company. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. Ideally, look for warranties that cover any issues caused by human error and defective materials. Ask for copies of each warranty.

TIP! When a salesman tries to pressure you, send him on his way. This type of salesman will do what they have to do to convince you that you cannot live without what they are offering.

Check to make sure the contractor has all the licenses he needs. If you are unsure as to what type is required, don’t just take your contractor’s word for it. Call the local government to find out what the roofer needs to provide.

TIP! You should never go crawling around your roof seeking out damaged spots. If you think there are problems, hire a professional to do an inspection.

Before you install new shingles, you should check out your roofing materials. Leaks can actually start at the point of installation due to damaged shingles or nails of the wrong length. Make sure all shingles do not have cracks and are strong, and that your nails are long enough to penetrate the shingle completely and secure them to the roof.

TIP! Contractors with workers tend to be cheaper than those who work alone. A team of roofers will finish the job faster, which will often result in a cheaper final product.

You shouldn’t get frustrated if you can’t figure out where your roof is leaking. It will only take you some time if you just eliminate one thing at a time. Using your water hose is a great way to find problems if you have someone helping you. If your house is large, utilize cell phones for communication to avoid having water leaking into the house any more than necessary when you test various areas to locate the leak.

TIP! The age of your roof often determines if it’s time to have it replaced. Roofs are generally warrantied for 20 years.

Ask the roofing contractor how long they’ve been roofing. Contractors who have been working for years and have an excellent reputation are your best choice. Anyone that is unknown could be looking to scam you for your money.

TIP! If environmentally-friendly building is something that interests you, look into living roofs when you’re in the market for a new roof. A living roof has a soil layer that can support vegetation such as grass or even a vegetable garden.

Keep your roof and gutters clean. Different debris and materials that build up can keep water sitting in spots on your roof. When water sits on the roof, shingle layers start to rot, which requires costly repair work.

TIP! When deciding on a contractor to work on your roof, inquire as to how long that company has been in business. The contractors that have been around for a while definitely keep their customers happy.

If your roof is not visible from the ground, climb up and inspect it following a big storm. You want to identify shingle damage as soon as you can to prevent leaks. Because of this, you need to inspect your roof. Just remember to use safety measures when climbing on your roof.

TIP! Make sure a contractor gives you proof of insurance and a license. If they can’t, don’t hire them.

As was stated earlier, chances are you weren’t too knowledgeable about roofing. With any luck, you should know more about it now and can take care of future roofing issues. It’s important to the safety and protection of family and belongings to have a roof that is in good condition.