Owning a home is a huge investment. You are filled with excitement, but you may also experience worry and stress when considering everything for which you are now responsible. As a new homeowner, it is beneficial to understand the major systems and aspects of your home. This allows you to know when something is operating or performing correctly. One major element of your home is your roof.
Your roof has an important role to play in both the exterior and interior of your home. Your roof helps shield you from damaging weather elements and plays a role in the efficiency of your HVAC system. It is important to evaluate the condition of your home and find a qualified professional to repair or replace any elements of your roof you may need over time. When it comes to your roofing, these few simple tips can help ensure a long life for your roof.
Have your roof professionally inspected
Before purchasing your home, you likely needed to have a professional home inspector assess the property for structural and mechanical integrity. A home inspector is responsible for completing a detailed evaluation of the condition both inside and outside of the home. In most instances, a home inspector will do a visual check of the roof from the ground or while remaining on a ladder. This can be beneficial to spot obvious damage, such as missing shingles or roofing material that is cracked, broken, or curling.
However, to completely understand the condition of your roof, a detailed and up-close inspection is necessary. A professional roofer knows exactly what to look for when inspecting your roof. A professional will be able to find even the smallest issue before it can turn into a major concern. The condition of your roof is vital in protecting against water leaks. Even a small leak can create significant damage to your home’s interior over time, especially if it goes undetected.
Find the perfect roofing contractor for you
To ensure your roof is treated with the utmost care, you’ll want to find the right contractor for you. Finding a quality contractor can provide the peace of mind that your roof is under the best care. This contractor will be able to provide regular maintenance, as well as any repairs or replacements you need throughout the life of your roof. Here are a few tips for finding the perfect contractor.
Personal references
The most trusted feedback often comes from friends, family, or coworkers. These individuals will be able to tell you their unique experiences when it comes to working with different roofing contractors in your area. You may even get the opportunity to see the projects they completed when pursuing this route. If you don’t have any personal references, the next best step is conducting basic research.
Web search
Professional, quality roofing companies will typically have both a business website as well as a social media presence. You can use these platforms to explore the different options in your area. Spending a few minutes exploring websites can provide you with the basic information you need, such as how long they’ve been in business, what services they offer, what products they work with, portfolios of completed projects, and personal testimonies. This information can help you create a list of prospective candidates.
Conduct interviews
An interview doesn’t have to be a formal event. You can simply call the different businesses on your list to ask questions. Taking the time to talk to potential contractors can give you a sense of their level of professionalism, as well as their willingness to give you the time you need to ask your questions. You’ll want to get a feel of their experience, their time availability, and any other questions that are unique to your roofing situation.
Confirm certifications and licensing
Any roof work is potentially dangerous. A licensed professional has taken the time, courses, and training necessary to safely operate on different roofing surfaces and roof pitches. Any contractor you hire must be licensed and insured. This protects both parties if any accidents were to take place. This also ensures that if you do have a new roof installed, your warranty will be valid. Many manufacturers won’t honor a warranty if the material was installed by someone without proper licensing or certification.
Request an assessment
Many roofing companies, such as the experts at Mr. Roof, are willing to provide an initial assessment to help homeowners understand the current condition of their roof and what they can expect in the future. This allows you to meet different contractors in person, as well as get a feel for the cost of their different services.
When weighing costs, you’ll want to consider the different factors that affect service costs. You don’t necessarily want to go with the cheapest option. In most instances, you’ll likely pay a bit more for a company that has spent years building its reputation. These companies have the skills and experience to provide true peace of mind. You’ll have to decide what factors matter most to you.
As a new homeowner, you’ll want to find professional contractors that you know you can rely on when needed. Unexpected circumstances happen all the time. A severe storm could cause unexpected damage to your roof that requires immediate attention. To save time and prevent excessive damage, it helps to already know who to call.
Know your roofing options
Some roofing contractors only work with certain roofing materials. Even if you aren’t looking to replace your roof shortly, it is beneficial to know what type of material you may be interested in. There are pros and cons to any material you may choose. In general, a material that is cheaper up-front may not last as long as a more expensive material. Residential homes often consist of either asphalt, metal, or concrete. You’ll want to factor in cost, energy efficiency, life span, and your taste and style.
If you are looking for upgrades that provide a great return on investment, you may find yourself interested in solar options when it comes time to update. Finding a contractor that works with solar options, such as solar shingles, can help you determine if that is the best option for your home. Solar shingles can last over 20 years and blend in with your roofing material. Not only is this a great option for the environment, but it can save homeowners a significant amount of money when it comes to monthly utility bills.
Schedule regular maintenance
The best way to ensure your roof lasts for years to come is to commit to regular maintenance. Being preventive is the best way to save both time and money. If your roofing material becomes damaged, or if a vent or seal stops working properly, you’re at an increased risk of water damage. In many instances, it takes some time before any leaks or damage is noticed. This can lead to property damage and the potential to need significant repairs done. This can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
With regular maintenance, a professional roofer will examine your roof for any sign of damage. They can also clear debris and inspect vents, seals, and gutters. Catching any issues early typically results in repairs that can be completed quickly and are more cost-effective.
Maintaining your roof
In general, it is advised not to try any DIY repairs or replacements to your roof. This can void any warranties as well affect the value of your property if you ever decide to sell. Trying to make repairs yourself can be dangerous. A professional roofer has the right training to ensure their safety. In many cases, DIY approaches can ultimately cost more in both time and money. What a professional could get done in a few hours could take you a few days. A professional also has access to materials and tools at a lower rate than retail.
While repairs and replacement should be left to the professionals, there is still plenty you can do yourself. A great way to protect the life of your roof is to clean your gutters regularly. Your gutters can be a perfect spot for nests created by birds or squirrels. Your gutters can also become blocked by debris, such as leaves, twigs, or small branches. Blocked gutters lead to excess water pooling on the surface of your roof. This will eventually compromise the integrity of the material, leading to potential water leaks.
If climbing onto your roof is unsafe, you can conduct your inspections from on the ground or within your home. You can walk around your home at a distance to see the majority of your roof’s surface. This allows you to spot any missing or cracked pieces, trapped debris, moss, and other fungi growing. You can also explore your attic for any indications of issues. You can check the condition of your vents, chimney, and any skylights from inside. You’ll also want to check the ceiling or walls for any sign of water damage, such as stains or streaking. If you identify any of these concerning issues, reach out to the professionals at Mr. Roof for a free estimate.
