As a home owner or even a tenant, you know the value of a solid roof over your head. If you notice a leak or other potential problems with your roof, you need to act quickly to determine the exact nature of the problem and to take the necessary steps to remedy the situation. Whether you are going to do the repairs yourself or hire out the work to professionals, you will be best prepared for the process if you keep roof maintenance and damage on your radar. The sooner you identify damage, the quicker the repairs can happen.
The first step in roof maintenance is to know how your roof can be damaged. Hail, severe rain, ice, strong wind, and fallen objects can all contribute to roof damage. Be sure to always visually inspect your roof after severe weather or extreme temperatures. Keep an eye out for leaks, tell-tale signs include water spots, wet insulation, or damp framework.
How Do I Identify Roof Damage?
You can identify some roof damage from the ground and, of course, via signs such as internal leaks. However, it is often necessary to use a ladder and get up to the roof level to best assess the situation. Even you do not plan to fix the problem by yourself, doing the visual inspection at roof level helps you best work with a roofing specialist. Your visual inspection can identify the area of concern and help the contractor do the best job. In some cases, wind damage will rip an entire row of shingles off the house and your information provides your contractor with a sense of the scope of the project. When doing your roof inspection, never climb on the roof after a storm. Exercise safety first.
What’s Next?
Once you have identified potential roof damage, be sure to get professional assistance, unless you have experience in roofing construction. Fixing your roof is essential to safeguarding your home and family. Do not cut corners, but be sure to pick the best contractor for your situation. If you do not have someone already in mind, there are some good guidelines for selecting a contractor for fixing your roof or any other part of your home.
Hiring a Specialist
The best time to do the necessary research on finding the appropriate contractor or specialist for your roof problem is before you need them. Keep an eye on your roof and other major systems in your home. Begin the selection process for contractors before you need them. Start with recommendations from family, friends, and other associates who have had similar work done on their homes. After you gather some good recommendations, do further work by checking their records for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau as well as local online reviews.
Once you have your list of potential contractors, start contacting them and get some sense of their personality, availability, and professionalism. You will want to ask them about their insurance coverage, about who is going to work on your home, and then request a detailed quote in writing. Be sure that you aren’t hiring the wrong roof specialists. While you have done your research in identifying the potential contractor, be sure to ask them for additional professional references.
Keep At It!
After you have selected a contractor and the work has started, stay diligent. Stay up to date with the project and communicate with your contractor. If some aspect of the work seems confusing, be sure to ask. Throughout the process, treat the contractor and workers with respect. If you are courteous, but ask questions while being respectful of the contractor’s experience, you will get the results you need.
Keeping your home protected with a well-maintained roof is important. You can ensure the safety of your home by being aware of potential roof damages and, when necessary, hiring and supporting the best professional for any repairs. Follow the guidelines above and you and your family will enjoy the comfort of having a solid roof over their heads!
This article was written by Tim Hansen. A wealth of information, Hansen enjoys creating blogs that help others by providing them with information and tips for everyday life. Having done business with the inspectors over at Roof Tech 2000, Tim has found an appreciation for those companies who really strive to make life better for others. He brings this article to people in hopes that they learn something new and useful about the world of roofing.