Home maintenance is something that many people are not fond of. It’s not pleasurable, so we often drag our feet. However, keeping up with your roof is one thing you simply can’t neglect! Without your roof, you and your belongings are at the mercy of the sun, rain, and snow. It’s an important job, and it requires regular maintenance and care. This article can show you the way.
Ensure you thoroughly inspect your roof at least yearly. Springtime and winter are the harshest times of the year for rooftops. Because of this you should make extra time during these seasons to check on your roof.
While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, be sure you look at your roof’s foundation too. Dry rot in siding can lead to leaks. Just checking the roof is not enough. Consider all the other possible places that water can get in so that you end the problem completely.
Make sure that you fix your leak right the first time. That means you don’t stop with the first spot you find which has a problem. Check over the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems that you’re going to have to take care of.
Always wear rubber-soled shoes when on a rooftop. Even if the weather is dry, you still need to wear these. Working on a roof is always a dangerous proposition. It is easy to slip and fall while balancing on high, slanted rooftops, so take your safety very seriously.
Avoid paying full amounts upfront. Although paying approximately 25% of the cost upfront may be necessary, avoid paying more than this amount. You don’t want to get stuck with a job that isn’t finished properly, or one that didn’t take as long as expected.
How old your roof is will often determine whether or not it is time to replace it. A lot of roofs have a mere 20 years of life before needing to be replaced. If your current roof was placed over an old one, you’re going to have to have it replaced once it’s twenty years old.
It is best to hire a contractor who has plenty of experience. Businesses with a longer history tend to be more reputable and understand how to satisfy their customers. Companies that are new or don’t have an established history may simply be scam artists who want your money.
If you are worried about a roof leak, spray the roof with your garden hose. This will show if you have a leak and the area where the leak emanates from. It doesn’t cost as much as hiring a professional, so give it a try.
To maintain your roof, keep it free of sticks, leaves and other debris. When there is build up, water stays put. Sitting water causes rotting shingles and layers, which can lead to expensive repairs.
Maintaining your roof is not always the easiest of tasks. However, you need to do it to protect your house and family. Apply these guidelines to ensure that you get the most from your roof, rain or shine. It’ll all work out in the end this way.
