Here Are Some Roofing Tips To RememberIt is just there. So many times it will not get the attention it needs until something noticeable goes wrong.There are some basic roof maintenance procedures and roofing tips homeowners can follow to extend the life of their roof and put off the need for an expensive re-roofing job. Just as you change the oil in your car every so often, the roof needs regular maintenance as well. Clean the dust and cobwebs from your exhaust vents and ventilation system at least once a year. Caulk around vents and pipes and give any exposed metal a coat of paint to prevent rust.Also, take a good look at your roof several times a year with an eye out for any problems. Signs of problem areas will include buckled or curled shingles or areas of an asphalt roof that are missing granules. Look for rusted flashing and streaking stains on the roof material. If you are noticing water stains in the attic, there is mold growing on the roof, or your electric bill is rising for no obvious reason, it could be time to call in a professional roofer.The average asphalt roof is estimated to last about 20 years before needing replacement. If you are finding problem areas during your roof inspections and the roof is aging, you likely want to start looking for professional help.Finding the right roofer can take time, though, since you will want to examine the backgrounds and estimates of more than one roofing installation company. As with any service company, some roofers will be better than others. There are a number of roofing tips that can help guide you to finding the right roofer at the right price.Do not be afraid to ask questions. You will want to find out as much as you can about the firm you will hire to work on your largest investment. There are a number of standard questions that will give you basic information, including how long the company has been in business and whether the company has a permanent place of business. These will help weed out any fly-by-night operators who may not be around for fix-its should you have problems with their installation job. Make sure they are licensed and bonded and have a tax ID, if that is applicable.
Professional roofers typically carry copies of their liability insurance policy with them to show to prospective clients, so ask to see it as well as their workers compensation papers. Then take a good, long look at the written estimate. Take note of when the work is scheduled to start and finish and review the terms of any warranty.
Most contractors will offer a warranty, but you should check on what exactly the warranty will cover. Typically, roofing contractors will fully cover roof replacement and new roofs, but will not cover the cost of any repair work. Be sure to get a copy of the warranty and make a note of what will invalidate it.
Given the various components involved in working out a deal with a roofer, the price offered on an estimate is not always the best way to select a roofing company. There could be rebates and discounts can lower the price, so check around with neighbors to see who they used and how they feel about the service they received. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see how the roofer is rated and if there have been any complaints against them. If so, were they resolved and how?
One of the roofing tips to remember is that you should never pay for the work until the job is completed. You may be asked to put forward a down payment, but this should never be more than 25 percent of the total estimate or the base cost of the materials. Labor fees should never be paid prior to the job's completion. Once the roof is installed, fully check the workmanship and collect a copy of all the paperwork before making payment.
Selecting the right roofing material will be a large part of the re-roofing process. Once you have selected a roofer, ask them about the different materials available, their prices, and the pros and cons of each. A metal roof, for example, is much more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, but will last for decades.
The right roof also is a major boost to your home's curb appeal and can significantly increase it re-sale value.