3
Important Things To Consider About The Roof On Your Home When many homeowners think of home maintenance, they typically think of the inside. They usually do not consider the roof. It keeps you and your belongings dry and protects the rest of the house. Continue reading to learn some knowledge on roofing so you can ensure your roof is properly protected at all times. Don't procrastinate replacing worn or broken shingles. While you may believe it is okay to put off a roof repair, you will only further the damage by prolonging it. By immediately replacing your shingles, you can save a lot of money and problems in the future. Your roof will last much longer if it is properly maintained. Mow your lawn the day before your roof is replaced. This enables them to find nails much easier should they fall during the job. A magnetic nail finder also works better in short grass if your contractor uses one. Turn down offers made using pressure tactics. Roofers who try to sell their product this way are not people you want to deal with. These people are generally shady and try to make you sign a contract that has you losing out on things so it's a good idea to not allow yourself to work with them. Insurance coverage is essential when it comes to roofing. If you hire a contractor who is not properly insured, you will be responsible for any damage they cause. Do not just ask if a prospective roofer has insurance, ask them to provide you with the documentation that their insurance is current and comprehensive as well. Make sure that any contractor you consider for your roofing job has current full credentials. Nearly every state makes licensing a requirement, so be sure that they have the proper licensing. They need full liability insurance, along with a current worker's compensation certificate.

Important Things To Consider About The Roof On Your Home

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Important Things To Consider About The Roof On Your Home

Important Things To Consider About The Roof On YourHome

When many homeowners think of home maintenance, they typically think of the inside. They usuallydo not consider the roof. It keeps you and your belongings dry and protects the rest of the house.Continue reading to learn some knowledge on roofing so you can ensure your roof is properlyprotected at all times.

Don't procrastinate replacing worn or broken shingles. While you may believe it is okay to put off aroof repair, you will only further the damage by prolonging it. By immediately replacing yourshingles, you can save a lot of money and problems in the future. Your roof will last much longer if itis properly maintained.

Mow your lawn the day before your roof is replaced. This enables them to find nails much easiershould they fall during the job. A magnetic nail finder also works better in short grass if yourcontractor uses one.

Turn down offers made using pressure tactics. Roofers who try to sell their product this way are notpeople you want to deal with. These people are generally shady and try to make you sign a contractthat has you losing out on things so it's a good idea to not allow yourself to work with them.

Insurance coverage is essential when it comes to roofing. If you hire a contractor who is not properlyinsured, you will be responsible for any damage they cause. Do not just ask if a prospective rooferhas insurance, ask them to provide you with the documentation that their insurance is current andcomprehensive as well.

Make sure that any contractor you consider for your roofing job has current full credentials. Nearlyevery state makes licensing a requirement, so be sure that they have the proper licensing. They needfull liability insurance, along with a current worker's compensation certificate.

Page 2: Important Things To Consider About The Roof On Your Home

You may be able to spend less money if the roofer you choose has people working for him. A group ofroofers are going to perform the job much faster, which should lessen the total cost to you. Weighout the pros and cons of each contractor as a worker doing the job alone may charge you more.

Ask about the warranties that you can get for the work done. Some roofers may offer betterwarranty options than others do. Additionally, get your warranty in writing when you get yourestimate, this way you have documentation in your possession. That way, there cannot be anydisagreement about the terms later on.

Ask for references when hiring a roofer. A reputable firm will have no problem giving youreferences. If a contractor is hesitant to give them to you, it may be time to look somewhere else.This should raise red flags.

Don't hire a contractor unless they can give you proof of up to date insurance and licensing. If theycan't then look elsewhere. If your contractor does not have insurance and causes a large amount ofdamage, then you will be the one to pay.

Don't give a contractor all of the money for your roofing job before they even begin. It's not a sign ofgood faith for a company to want all the money up front. In fact many scam artists follow thistechnique and then never do any work. The best policy is to pay a portion of the total for materialsand labor when the project begins and then pay the remain balance upon completion. Write thisagreement into your contract.

Make sure to ask plenty of questions when hiring a contractor. You may have a question you didn'task that turns into a problem. If you find your roofer to be a bit standoffish, consider going withsomeone else.

Get a couple of quotes prior to making any choices. You need to do this to avoid scams. In order toprevent a contractor from ripping you off, it is important to consider the industry average.

Ask any roofer you are considering if they are able to provide yearly maintenance for your roof. Nomatter how proficient your roofer is, problems can come up, especially if your area is prone toextreme temperatures. A yearly visit by a roofer can ensure your roof stays in top shape.

Make sure you get a written contract. People often agree to contracts verbally and then faceproblems if the work done on their roof isn't up to par. The best form of proof you can have when thejob is not done properly is a contract.

Page 3: Important Things To Consider About The Roof On Your Home

Word of mouth from acquaintances and co-workers is a great way to locate a reputable contractor.The experience of others is the best way to ensure a contractor's value. You may also be able toacquire references from other contractors that have worked on your home in the past. At the least,they can provide you with some advice to assist you in your quest.

Be sure any prospective roofer has the necessary paperwork in hand prior to commencing work.Your contractor may require bonds or permits before they can touch your roof. To learn whichdocuments and licenses are necessary, contact your local building office.

It should be clear that you need to take steps to maintain the quality of your roof. Be sure to use theadvice given earlier so that your home and your family remain safe. A little effort will go a long way.