Things to Know Before Roofing Your House
Before you hire a roofer to install a new roof, there are some things you should know before the project begins. It is important to leave at least 15 feet of clearance around the house, and to secure outdoor toys and furniture. As shingles may fall, you should move these items inside the shed or cover them with a tarp. In case of an emergency, contact the roofing contractor for more information. Read the tips below to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
The first thing you need to do before hiring a roofing contractor is make sure that there are no dead valleys in the roof. If they are, they may collect water, which could damage delicate items, such as china plates. Also, make sure to trim tree branches near the roof and place drop cloths to cover the plants. Lastly, cut the grass at least one day before the project begins to prevent debris from hiding in the lawn.
Another thing to remember before roofing your house is to keep pets inside. If you have a dog or cat, consider boarding them while the work is being done. Your dog may accidentally step on a nail and get hurt! Also, make sure to prepare comfort items for them. Provide a soft blanket, pet toys, and other comfort items to ease their nerves. During the roofing process, a hammer will be used to drive nails into the roof.
Another important thing to consider before hiring a roofing contractor is the company’s communication. Good roofing contractors will offer good communication and quick response times. If a contractor is difficult to reach, you should probably steer clear of them. Make sure to choose a contractor who follows through on his promises and communicates with you throughout the process. The best companies will do a thorough inspection and estimate before starting work on your roof. You can call them for references and make the decision based on their response time and their ability to meet your expectations.
One of the most important things to consider is the condition of the shingles. Old shingles can cause leaks. Broken shingles can result in water running down your fascia boards. If you see visible damage to the shingles, the best way to prevent leaks is to replace the shingles before removing them completely. Also, make sure to inspect the chimney. A leaky roof can cause damage to the fascia boards and roof itself.
If the roof has a warranty, it is important to check whether it covers workmanship problems and manufacturer defects. A workmanship warranty is only as good as the company providing it. Make sure to hire a trustworthy contractor for the job. Make sure the contractor is experienced and knowledgeable of local regulations and codes before completing the project. Also, consider the color of the shingles. You should opt for dark colors for the roof. Dark roofs also complement most siding colors and masonry.