Tips for Roof Repair

First, I would like to say that I am a semi retired general contractor. Most people would call me an independent, because I do all of my own work, unless it is too much for my self and a couple of people. That is when I would need to hire the work to someone else. I’ve used both contractors, and installers. There are pros and cons to each, and I will explain these as I have come to know about each.

The contractor that pays for TV ads, Yellow pages, news paper ads, plush office, etc… has to make a certain amount of money to pay for all of that overhead. He is usually going to give the best deal he can, but probably not the cheapest. He is also going to be responsible, professional, and reliable. He will also probably carry insurance, and put everything in writing. And this will give you peace of mind. That means a lot to me, knowing that insurance is involved, and I don’t have to worry about it.

The installer ( a friend of a friend ) may or may not have the insurance, ask him to show a certificate and to have his insurance company to send you a copy. As with the contractor, get it in writing. Ask for references, and go look at his work. If you are satisfied, and can save some money, use you best judgment.

Inspect your roof every year, and look for unusual wear and loose, damaged, or missing roofing. If you see something obvious, and are confident that you can fix it yourself, by all means do so, but be careful on any roof. Safety First. It is always a good idea to have someone with you to hold the ladder, and just in case something went wrong, someone else is there to help.

If you have lived in your home for a very long time and have no idea how old your roof is, you might want to call a professional to inspect it. Most roofs are good for twenty years or more, but some can need replacement in a lot less time, depending on a lot of factors.

Flat roof and metal roof repair is usually easier than most other types. You can almost always see what needs to be done and repair as needed. Flat roofs are easy to walk on too.

Slate roof, tile roof, and rubber, are best left to the professionals.