How To Make The Most of Your Roof Repair Home Improvement by Terry Klara - September 9, 2015November 17, 2015 How To Make The Most of Your Roof Repair Let’s face it, roofing maintenance and repair is by no means a “fun” thing to spend your hard-earned money on. But when it’s time to get some work done on your roof – whetherit’s spot repair or tear-down replacement – a homeowner’s job is to make the best choice for his home and for his investment. Here are a few simple yet reliable tips to help you do so. Image – http://www.bigstockphoto.com/ Make Inspections, Not Assumptions An early and thorough assessment of your roof’s health is your first line of defense in protecting your home and your budget. If you see shingles curling and blistering, worn areas around skylights and chimneys, or asphalt tiles losing their granules, be warned! These arethe most common signs that point to the need for a professional assessment. It may also possibly be time for you to start planning, calculating, and begin preparing for roof repair and replacement. Image – http://www.bigstockphoto.com/ One critically important thing to know is how many layers of roofing material your home already has. A common mistake in roof repair that I’ve encountered in Maryland is homeowners not knowing whether or not their roofing already has multiple layers of material. Without the proper and timely inspection of a roofer, what you may have expected to be a one-day-job can turn into a week-long project instead. Factor in the Hidden Costs You may have requested for estimates from several roofers you’re considering working with. The lowest bid will always look very tempting. But a lower bid may not include the best materials to ensure your roof’s long-term durability, nor the cost of disposal of the old roofing material. Compare your offers and take the time needed to make a smart and informed decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn as much as you can. Are you looking towards concrete or clay tiles for your roofing system? Some roofing materials are designed for special applications. Ask about the warranty that comes with the material you choose. Image – http://www.bigstockphoto.com/ Know Your Enemies Just as there are elements that you must factor into the performance of your roofing, there are elements you likewise need to consider in terms of roof repair. Some things can influence how smoothly the work will go, and can very well become your “enemies” when it comes to getting your roof repaired or replaced quickly and efficiently. Image – http://www.bigstockphoto.com/ Weather: It’s best to constantly check the weather and climate conditions and schedule the roof work during dry, calm weather. Rain means water getting underneath the shingles, shakes, or other roofing materials — not to mention a major catastrophe when your home is in the middle of having the roof replaced. High winds, on the other hand, can lift the edges of the roofing material and force debris underneath. Not only can weather seriously affect the quality of the repair and the damage to the landscaping below, it also presents a risk to the safety of the workers involved. Trees and Leaves: Trimming your trees and clearing away leaves so they don’t obstruct the roof repair process should be done beforehand. This will also prevent moisture build-up in shaded areas in the future. Know Your Allies Roofing repair doesn’t have to be – and is generally recommended not to be – something you have to face alone. Get to know the contractor you’ll be working with. Check for a permanent place of business, the proper licensing, and the contractor’s registration number. This will ensure that they have the legal credentials to operate in your state and on your home. Look for a company with good track record and client references. With careful consideration and good judgment, the roofer you choose can be your greatest ally in getting the best value for your investment. Image – http://www.bigstockphoto.com/ Author Bio Terry Klara is President and Operations Manager at DryTech Roofing & Home Solutions. With over 25 years’ experience in the construction/building industry in the Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD area under his belt, Terry has gained a reputation as a problem solver and an expert at managing many complex ongoing construction projects at a time. Client-focused, he is admired by his industry colleagues and his customers alike for being professional, detail- oriented, and organized. Since joining Drytech in 2010, he has regularly shared insightful articles on the company blog.