Welcome to ROOFING7.COM. Your online roofing resource with practical suggestions for hiring roofing contractors, tips for finding and fixing roof leaks, and plenty of additional helpful hints.
Diy Roofing
If you are determined to install your own shingled roof here are a few simple tools that can help make that experience a little less stressful, a little more productive and with a little luck hopefully correct.
A good shingle roof system is designed to shed water, but it takes the right materials and careful workmanship to build a roof that is durable and leak proof.
Start with a solid deck; any wood that is not sound must be removed and replaced before you begin roofing.
If you live in a snowy climate, plan for an ice and water barrier, which is an asphalt-backed plastic membrane that stops leaks at the eaves. Next comes asphalt paper, the drip edge, the shingles, and the hip and ridge caps which all combine to make your roof resistant to water. See Roof Construction
There are many details that impact the look and performance of your roof. Shingling the valleys properly and providing adequate flashing and water shedding details is a must. Chimneys, vents, and skylights must be flashed and counter flashed to keep water out.
Most shingle manufactures do an excellent job of putting shingling directions on each bundle. That's right folks easy to follow directions on each bundle!
Following these simple suggestions will increase your chances of roofing success. Always remember to be safe. Thank you for visiting ROOFING7.COM. Bookmark Us Today!
Roofing Contractors
When hiring a roofing contractor cheapest doesn't mean best and best doesn't mean most expensive. Here at ROOFING7.COM we recommend getting at least two or three estimates before making a final decision.
Interview qualified registered contractors and solicit written bids. Evaluate all aspects of the bids, including the scope of work, warranties, references, time frames and price.
Get their license number and check it out with your state. Ask the contractor for references, and check those references out.
If it's important for you, ask who the owner of the company is and if that person will be on the jobsite at all.
Trouble Signs
- Provides a credential or reference that can't be verified.
- Offers a special price only if you sign today, or use other high-pressure sales techniques.
- Only accepts cash, require large deposits or the entire costs up front, or asks you to make the payment in their name.
- Does not provide a written contract or complete bid.
- Asks you to get the building permit. In most instances, if you have hired a contractor, the contractor is required to take out the permits. Permits are your protection and help ensure that work will meet local building codes.
The Bottom Line: This is your house. It is going to cost you thousands of dollars to have someone replace your roof.Don't feel like asking questions will offend your contractor. If it does, you're not hiring the right person!
Roof Leaks
There are few home repairs in more need of immediate attention than a leaky roof. A roof leak is more than just annoying; it can lead to severe water damage and even threaten the structural integrity of your home or business. If your roof leaks, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible.
Roof leaks are often tough to locate. The most obvious place to look for a leak is just above the evidence of water damage. However sometimes a water stain will show up at a spot distant from the actual leak on your roof.
Always try to follow the water path to its highest point. For example if your leak is showing evidence on the ceiling of your kitchen follow the leak through the interior of the house up to the attic if possible. Stains in the attic will give a good indication where the actual leak is on the roof.
On your roof the best place to check for leaks are flashed areas like chimneys, valleys, dormers, skylights, vent pipes, and stacks basically any area where objects are resting on or coming through your roof.
Finding leaks on flat roofs work much the same way. Check along the walls and just like shingle roofs anything resting on or coming through the roof can spell trouble.
Once the leak is found it is important to take immediate steps to limit the damage and make the repair. Our exclusive roofing Repair Kits will do the trick.
A properly maintained roof will last longer and be less susceptible to leaks. Roofs exposed to sun, wind, and rain undergo periodic minor damage that, when left un-repaired, can result in leaks that may cause substantial damage to your home or business.
You should check your roof for defects at least every other year. If you have leaks and you think you have the skill to either re-roof it or repair it. Do it. It will be money in your pocket in the end.
Finding roof leaks can sometimes take a little detective work. Here at ROOFING7.COM we are confident you can do it! Good Luck.
Roof Safety
Working on any roof requires caution. Let's face it roofing can be dangerous. Following a few simple safety rules can go a long way to keeping you safe.
Use common sense while working on the roof. Let someone know you are up there or better yet, work with a helper.
Work on the roof only in dry, calm, warm weather. A wet roof can be treacherously slick and never work on the roof when lightning threatens.
Use a ladder that is high enough and strong enough for the job you are doing. Secure the ladder at the top and bottom before climbing it.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and non-slip rubber-soled shoes with good ankle support. Don't walk on a roof any more than is necessary or you may cause more damage.
Stay well away from power lines and be sure neither your body nor any equipment comes into contact with them.
Work Patiently If you become confused, frustrated or in too much of a hurry, chances are greater that mistakes will be made or an accident could happen.
Keep work surfaces and traffic areas free from scraps and debris. If an object is too heavy or awkward, get assistance in moving it; bend from the knees when picking up large and heavy items.
Working on any roof can be dangerous. You should take every safety precaution possible, and always use extreme care while working on any roof. Think safe. Be safe.
