When you own a home, one of the most important things you have to concern yourself with is your roof. After all, your roof is your best line of defense against the elements and it helps protect the rest of your house. Use the following article to learn some helpful tips and tricks with regards to roofing.
As you prepare to get your roof replaced, remember that there are a lot of nails up there. That means that as shingles come off, nails are going to become loose and fall to the ground. Most contractors will place a tarp down to catch as many loose nails as possible. If your contractor does not do this, question them about how the nails will be found and removed from your property.
Some of the new types of roofing materials are steel panels, slate tiles and shingles formed from composite materials. These roofing choices range from average price to very expensive, and the most expensive ones can last the lifetime of the house. Consider how long you will own your home when choosing your roofing material.
Conduct a thorough roof inspection over the entire surface, so you do not miss any problem areas. The material should be bonded well, and fasteners are secured. If you want to work on a certain area, the material must be clean and dry. Be safe when working on the roof to avoid injury.
If you have a general handyman that does work in and around your home, do not allow him to do anything to your roof. Fixing a roof requires a high level of experience and know-how. This is why you would be better off hiring someone that specializes in this type of work.
Tread lightly while you are on your roof looking for damage. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to dry rot, which will compromise the integrity of your roof. This can then make your roof very unsafe to walk on, so take each step lightly to ensure that you are not injured from falling through.
Always check the shades side of your home for deterioration of the shingles. The side that is exposed most to the sun lasts longer because the heat of the sun keeps the shingles lying flat. This prevents wind and rain from loosening the shingles, but shingles on the shaded side come loose sooner.
While you may only see problems with your roof in the valleys on top of your home, this is one way in which your roof will beg for replacement. These are “high traffic” areas for water, so damage will almost always begin here first. Once it starts, it is time to replace your roof.
Maintaining your roof can be a hassle at times. However, it is very important you do so. Use the advice given in the article above to help you keep your roof in good shape throughout the year. If you take good care of your roof, your roof will take good care of you and your loved ones.
