Firstly, you should always check your gutters. If they are clogged, water will not flow off of your roof. This can lead to water damage, leaks, and structural damage. You should check your gutters regularly, especially after a storm.
You should also check your roof and gutters in the wintertime. Snow and ice can clog your gutters. Icicles can also be dangerous. If the ice becomes too heavy, your gutters can break. In addition, if your roof is not insulated and properly protected, the melted snow can leak into your house.
It is important that you fix your roof immediately when you have a problem. This will prevent further roofing problems. For this reason, you should find a trustworthy roofing contractor that guarantees quality results. If you are not trained to repair or replace roofs, you should hire a professional for the job. A professional contractor will take care of the problem for you and ensure that you are not left with any regrets after the project is completed.
Before you hire someone, you should meet with several contractors. Let the professionals take a look at your roof and give you a quote on the project. The contractors will tell you what they can do for you. They will explain the process to you, so you will not encounter doubts or problems when they begin the project. Don't be afraid to ask questions if something is not clear to you. Professional roof repair companies can offer you dozens of selections that you can choose from and they have the materials needed to get the project done.
You can find roof repair companies in the Yellow Pages, in online directories, and by scouring the internet. Many websites were designed to help homeowners find contractors, so you can check their listings and start networking with the professionals online. Roof repair contractors can tell you exactly what's wrong with your roof. They can take care of routine maintenance for you or install a brand new roofing system.
If your roof is leaking, you should never ignore the problem. You need to call a roof repair specialist. One small leak can lead to black mold and your insurance provider will not cover the cost to fix it. Black mold is costly to get rid of and it can cause health problems. It is your responsibility to prevent moisture from building up. If you follow these tips, your roof will function well for a long time
Whether you're in need of a new roof today, or are just thinking about an update as a possible home improvement project down the road, you should be aware that not all roofing solutions are created equal. There are many types of materials, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and most can be fairly easily tailored to suit your particular style of house.
One of the most common materials used in roofing is overlapping squares of asphalt shingles, known in the business as a composition roof. This style is suitable for just about any house, from a historic residence to the modern contemporary building. In general, installation is fairly inexpensive, there are a variety of colors available, and a range of manufacturers produce it.
Another advantage is that it is relatively easy to repair in case of damage. In addition, it is of major benefit to the composition style that the asphalt is fire resistant. On the down side, the materials have a fairly short lifespan, anywhere from 15 to 30 years. While it is resistant to fire, the materials will scar easily when it gets too hot, and it is subject to both moss and mildew growth.
Another popular type of material is the use of wood shingles, also referred to as shakes. These tend to be found on ranch, bungalow cottage and historic homes, where they weather to a natural looking soft-grey color over time. The fact that they offer some insulation and protection helps to offset their higher installation costs, and they are fairly easy to repair and/or replace if needed.
If properly maintained, they can last a good 30 to 50 years, depending on weather conditions, of course. The drawbacks to wood shingle roofs are that the usually require a professional to install, which adds to the already higher cost. Also, because they are prone to rotting, splitting, molding or mildewing, they can be a pretty high-maintenance project. Being made of wood, they are not fire resistant unless you have them pressure-treated first.
