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Roofing Tips That Can Save You Some Trouble While most roofs are made to last about fifteen years, you shouldn't count on it lasting that long without help. You have to be sure to maintain your roof properly. Keep reading to find out some helpful advice about roofing. Always be safe when you're up on your roof. If you don't know what you're doing, don't go up there! Wear the right safety gear and don't do anything that puts your body at risk. Remember to bring along the right tools for the job as well to ensure you do the work right. When taking on a roofing job, make sure that you understand what you are doing, before starting the project. Taking a class at your local hardware store can prepare you for the job. Not understanding what you are doing can result in the job costing more than you ever intended. http://www.blackplanet.com/your_page/blog/view_posting.html?pid=8072642&profile_id=102528319&profile_name=Emborg92Hines&user_id=102528319&username=Emborg92Hines When installing a new boot on any pipes which leave your roof, make sure they fit as snug as a bug in a rug. If they're even slightly loose, water can seep inside of them, causing you a headache you don't need. Choose the right size to spare yourself from problems down the road. If you're working on a leak, do it right the first time. This often means searching for other leaks after the initial spot has been fixed. Check every square inch of your roof for problems; you might have a number of issues. Don't talk to just one roofer. Your co-worker may have raved over a contractor, and you may have been offered an amazing deal, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get multiple estimates. Encourage multiple contractors to put in bids for the job. When people are competing for the work, you're going to get better offers. When choosing shingles, it is important you properly assess how long you would like your roof to last. For example, if you need a new roof but don't plan on living their for over ten more years, you could save money by using shingles that aren't meant for time periods longer than this. Remember, however, this has the possibility of lowering the value of your house upon the sale. Always inspect your roof boots when you happen to be up on your roof, for whatever reason. They have a tendency to dry-up and crack, leaving damaged areas where the rain and snow can come in. Be prepared to remove and replace the surrounding shingles, too. Roof boots can be found at most major hardware stores. Check your rubber boots on your roof for cracking or dryness. This is a very common problem that quickly leads to leaks around the roof. Fortunately, they are easy to fix and can be found at most local hardware stores. However, if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself you should certainly call a contractor. Roofing materials come in many attractive colors. If you are considering a new roof for your home but are not sure which color to choose, ask the salesman for advice. Dark colors will attract heat, and that could be a problem if you live in a warm climate. Neutral colors are usually a better choice. The style and age of your home can influence the type and color of roofing material that will look best on your home. If you own a Victorian style home, roofing material that imitates wood shingles are a good choice. Many home builders are using various styles of metal roofing on their model homes. If you are looking for a dimensional look to your roof, architectural shingles can provide this. Instead of a flat appearance, architectural shingles provide "pop" to your roof. Each shingle is layered, giving the final product a very dimensional and intriguing look. Be sure to pick a quality architectural shingle for a longer sustained roof. T check your roof for leaks, use a simple garden hose. Take the hose up to the roof and spray water over the area of the roof causing you concern. If it is very icy or extremely cold, you might need to do this more than once, as the water will freeze. Consider the type of roofing materials used on other homes in your neighborhood. It is best to blend in and avoid standing out as too different. You home will seem more attractive to a prospective buyer when it looks as if it fits into the neighborhood in which it is located. Keep an eye on your roof's color. If you spot streaks, this could mean that your roof is infested with algae or mold. Your roof can recover if this is addressed right away, but if you let the problem fester, your roof's lifespan could be significantly shortened. Infestations like this can also cause leaks. When you are looking to balance both longevity and affordability, consider wood shake shingles. This type of roofing can last as long as half a century, yet the price tag is quite reasonable. You also do not have to shore up your trusses to install a roof made entirely of this material. Be sure to be courteous if you are having a roof installed in your home. Warn your neighbors, especially if you have a shared driveway. You don't want to make them uncomfortable or unprepared for the people intruding their space. It will also be noisier than normal, and falling debris will be a concern, too. Although roofing is not a popular topic, it is one in which you need some familiarity. By expanding your knowledge on roofing, you are more likely to succeed the next time you need roof repairs. Be sure you carefully read over this article again and again so that you know how to resolve any roofing problems you may have.