The two things vital to a house are the foundation and the roof. The foundation is dug and done with but the roof is a source of constant headache. Its problems can seep into every pore of your life and living. Since it cannot be postponed the best thing is to locate the specialist in the line - a reliable and reputable firm in this line. Finding one can be a difficult task.Although the owner can do some patchwork repairs like popping a headache pill when required, one cannot dispense with the services of the family doctor. It is the same with roofs. Before setting out on the hunt it is better to be armed with some relevant information to test the creditability of the roof contractors and not get taken in by smart talk that has no base.
The first thing is to talk to friends and neighbours - they are the best source of referrals. Ask probing questions and find out whether they have taken the help of one firm repeatedly or is it only one instance. They have no axe to grind and will come out strongly with their satisfaction or disappointment regarding a roofing firm.
If this angle does not work out then it is best to hunt through the phone book for local contacts. They will be classified under 'roofers' or 'roofing contractors'. Having jotted down particulars one can move onto the Internet to check if there are any relevant web sites. These sites will include statements of their work profile, testimonials from clients and how one can go about getting an estimate or what are their approximate rates.
Bonafide roof contractors will be members of NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association). The association trains members and teaches them state of the art technology apart from helping them to survive healthily in this highly competitive business.
One can also check on roof repair contractors with the Better Business Bureau. It details the list of all the complaints that have been filed against any business organization or group. If the owner has any particular contractor firm in mind it will be easy to check if any previous complaints have been lodged. Study the nature of the complaint. The most serious one is incompletion of the job as per promises.
Roofing Secrets From The Roof Doctor
Is your Roof leaking, how can you tell?
The most apparent sign of a leaky roof is water falling into your house. It is very easy to detect a leaky roof, just before it becomes evident. For example, the first thing you notice can be: brown, discolored spots on the drywall ceiling. That means that the water is escaping and leaking in. Sometimes the water leak can occur outside, by rotting the roof framing system. This type of leakage may not be noticeable. However, it can jeopardize. And even if there are no visible signs of a leak, water leakage can rot the roof framing system, compromising its structural completeness, and may require extensive and costly repairs.
There are several tips for prevention roof repair:
• Conduct regular roof inspections at least twice a year, as it is recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). It is highly recommended to perform fall and spring inspections. In certain parts of the country, the winter takes a heavy toll on your roof. If you discover any type of leak, small or big, your first action should be calling the roof specialist. If left unattended, the leaky roof can cause significant damage to insulation, walls, ceilings, flooring and personal property.
• Check the flashing. In some cases, the flashing around the chimney, vents, fans and skylights, and lining roof valleys may cause the leaking. Commonly, the material used with flashing, such as asphalt or caulking compound, that is used for sealing pipes and protrusions-gets torrid and stale from being exposed to natural elements to sun and the heat. In time the dry materials crack or loosen the seal, allowing water to penetrate. The resolution can be inexpensive. The asphalt cement can be used and last for about three years. Another option would be to replace the flashing, which can last much longer, for about ten years. Oxidized and rust-covered flashing can be cleaned, and coated with the special rust-resistant paint. However, if the flashing is completely deteriorated, it needs to be replaced. Tips to replace flashing: http://www.roofdoctor1.com/
• Replacing of shingles. Decaying and ruined shingles can cause leaky roof. When asphalt shingles get cracks, tears, or when it reveals the black asphalt, it is time to get them replaced. If several shingles are damaged, you can just have a small repair, by replacing just several of them. However, If the majority of shingles are damaged,
Clean leafs and other natural debris. A buildup of leafs and debris in he roof can cause water backups to leak through the roof. Make a habit of inspecting your roof for possible debris on the roof and clear it away right away. Left unattendant, debris, may cause damage of the wood and sheathing. Also, make sure to keep the gutters and downspouts clean, as they me get cluttered with leafs and other debris; therefore causing the water to go back and leak the roof
• Ice build up at the eave, called an ice dam, and can also lead to roof leakage. It can even cause structural damage to the roof's framing system. The best ways to prevent an ice dam is by using an eave-heating system - heated wires that are strung on the roof above the overhang which prevent the water from freezing, and promoting proper watershed. A worthwhile investment if your roof is prone to ice dams.