Thursday, April 25, 2013

Fix Your Roof By Checking Out These Tips


Tell the truth, how much time do you think about your roof? It probably doesn't cross your mind too often. However, your roof is one of the most vital components of your home. It protects you from the elements and any other harmful things that may fall out of the sky. Every homeowner would be wise to educate themselves on the subject of roofing and this article will do just that.

If you live in a cold climate, protect your home from wind, ice and rain damage. Icicles and ice dams make your home more susceptible to damaging mildew, mold, and rot. Installing solar-powered, roof-mounted ventilation systems is worth the investment. These promote greater circulation and may also reduce your energy expenses over time.

When choosing roofing material, look at the architecture of your house. The roof affects the look of your home's exterior appearance. The roofing material must complement the architecture. For instance, a Spanish-style home will look good with a clay tile roof instead of a composite roof. So, choose the right material for the best look for your house.

If you plan on using a contractor, shop around. There are lots of contractors out there. Do not rush into anything if you don't have to. Compare contractors, read the fine print, and look for the best price. Make sure that you are choosing the best people for the job.

If you plan to tackle your roofing project on your own, consider your disposal needs. Stripping shingles and roofing materials requires much more than a few heavy-duty trash cans. Your best bet is to rent a dumpster for the duration of the project. This makes it easier to avoid littering your lawn with nails, splinters, and other undesirable hazards.

As was mentioned in the beginning of the article, roofing is a subject that many homeowners would be wise to educate themselves in. Ensuring that your roof is in good shape will not only keep you from having to make costly repairs in the future, but it is vital to protect you, your family and your home. You'll be glad you did.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Roofing Tips That Can Really Help You Out

The roof over your head is probably one of the most important investments you will make in your lifetime. Choosing the right company, the right materials, and the right colors isn't a decision that should be taken lightly. The paragraphs below will help guide you in the right direction. Read each tip carefully and consider the impact it will have on the rest of your life.

Always wear the appropriate footwear when venturing out onto your roof. Wearing a rubber soled boot can help you to keep your grip and has been proven to limit the rate of falls experienced by roofers. If you are unsure of the type of boot that you need you should contact an outfitter that specializes in contractors.

Never apply paint to your shingles. When areas of your roof appear discolored or unsightly, more than a cosmetic fix is needed. Replace discolored and damaged shingles to prevent further damage to your roof. By painting shingles for any reason, you are reducing the lifespan of your roofing materials significantly.

Don't ever paint your roof, no matter how much you think it will improve in appearance. Older shingles may crack, look dark and otherwise take away from the beauty of your home, however; painting causes serious and permanent damage to the roofing system. Simply replace the old tiles or have the whole roof done, or wait until you can, rather than trying paint.

Never, under any circumstances paint your roof as a way to give it a new look. Doing so may void any warranty you have which could end up costing you quite a bit of money if something unfortunate were to happen. If your roof is showing signs of age, a good cleaning may be all you need.

These choices may seem trivial to the new homeowner, but they each have their own substantial impact. Using the advice that was offered above, you should know what to expect from each choice and what options to avoid. If you are going to put a roof over your head, then read through these tips one more time!