Most people call on the services of a roofer after spotting a leak in their homes. From there, the roofer must assess the situation during what is known as the initial consultation. Many homeowners have the tendency to discount the value of these consultations, as they do not see any "work" being done. However, it is in your best interests to allow your roofer adequate time to make his diagnosis. Never rush your roofer through this critical stage of the repairs process.
Once your roofer has diagnosed the problem, he will explain to you what needs to be done and provide you with an estimate, which will vary according to what kind of roof you have as well as the level of work involved. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, for instance, the most common practice would be to lay a second roof right over the first and then tear everything off before the third roof is laid down. However, if the first layer has curled and broken shingles and therefore isn't flat, it will need to be removed before another layer is installed. Prices will vary according to the amount of work that needs to be done.
If you have a slate roof, you are better off repairing it than replacing it, as slate roofs are built to last much longer than asphalt shingle roofs. New innovations in slate products make for easy installation and repairs. In most cases there is no longer a need for specially trained installers.
Your roof is your home's number one protector-it's a barrier against harsh weather and storms. Maintaining a strong roof will not only help ensure the protection of your home and personal belongings but can help prevent hefty repairs from eating away at your bank account in the future. Follow these maintenance tips and you'll be on your way to protecting that all-important area of your home that is specifically designed to protect you.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, examine your shingles every once in a while to see if they are frayed or damaged. If they are, they should be replaced.
Look at your shingles to see if the granules on them have been washed away. If they have, you will need to replace those shingles, or perhaps even the entire roof, as missing or broken shingles allow water to enter your roofing system, which causes damage to your home.
If you are planning to remove your damaged shingles yourself, pick a warm day to do the work. The shingles will be more pliable on a warm day, meaning that they will be less likely to split when you bend them backward to remove the roofing nails. Be careful, though, if the temperature is above 27 degrees Celcius or the shingles are in direct sunlight. If this is the case, wait for the area to cool a bit. Also, remember that hot shingles are easily damaged, so avoid walking on them.
For more information and tips please contact us at anytime and we will gladly discuss all options with you.
|