CALL FAMILY ROOFING AT (202) 276-5004 FOR ALL OF YOUR ROOFING, GUTTER AND BRICK REPAIR NEEDS IN WASHINGTON, DC OR EMAIL US AT FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM! WE PROVIDE FREE ESTIMATES!!
5 DIY Roof Maintenance Tips
Clean Up Roof Debris:
Fallen leaves, branches, bird feathers and debris can block water flow in the roof drains. Accumulated water can damage the roof. Clear the roof of all debris but make sure this is done on bright, sunny, spring or fall days to prevent slipping or burning.
General Inspection: Lay out walkway pads or roof pavers to protect the roof’s surface during inspection. List down all damages such as leaks or missing, loose or damaged shingles. Inspect shingles for mold, moss, cracks, peels or curling. Peeling, curling or loose shingles indicate that roof may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Sometimes leaks are caused by HVAC equipment, not drainage issues. If damages are extensive, bring it to the notice of the roof maintenance professionals.
Remove Moss and Mold: If the shingles are discolored, they need to be tackled differently. Spray a roof moss remover and cleaner on the discolored areas. Let the solution sit for a while. Use a wide handheld soft bristle brush or broom to gently scrub away moss and mold. Avoid harsh bristles as they can wear away the shingles, exposing them to harmful UV rays.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts:
Protect your hands with heavy rubber work gloves. Remove debris from the gutters and downspouts. Clean the remaining debris with a garden hose. Fix gutter screens or cover the gutters to reduce gutter and downspout debris through the rest of the year. Check for paint peeling, soffit and fascia rotting, cracks, holes or missing sections. Recaulk and repaint damaged shingles or call roofing experts for replacements.
Inspect Chimneys and Vents:
After the general inspection for surface wear and tear, take a close look at the chimney, skylights and vent for damage or missing bricks or mortar. Clean the vent outlets, using a roof safety harness to prevent falls. Check flashing for leaks because flashing are more stressed than the roof’s field because of thermal movement and UV damage.
6 Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor
1. Insurance is a must!
Make sure that your contractor has worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Ask to see the certificates and actually call the insurance carrier to confirm that they are valid.
This keeps all bids on a level playing field. Part of the cost of the roof and the service being provided to you is protected with the security of coverage.
2. Choose local contractor
Make sure that the company that you choose is local. This means that they are not just operating locally now, but have an established business and reputation in the community.
We have had many calls from customers that have problems within the standard five-year warranty period. The company that they chose to install their roof closed, moved or vanished. It is very easy to provide a piece of paper, but the warranty is only as good as the longevity and reputation of the roofing company.
3. Price isn’t everything
Never choose a company based on price. Cheap bids drive down the market. Anyone with overhead and proper insurance has to establish pricing to cover such costs.
Those that do work on the side or are just working out of a pick-up truck can always do the work cheaper. In the long run, you get what you pay for. Customers that are sold on price as their sole criteria ultimately end up spending more money to fix problems. Many of these problems would have been covered under a workmanship guarantee by a reputable established roofing company.
4. Avoid storm chasers
Steer clear of the knock-on-the-door, “We were in your neighborhood” roofers. This is just canvassing and selling. Pick a roofer from a referral or a sign in your area that has a satisfied client on the other end. If you are approached by this technique, call your agent and ask for a recommendation. The majority of these roofers will tell you that you have storm damage and have you sign a letter of intent. Don’t be pressured by forceful tactics. You never have to sign an intent letter. Wait to see the contracts and take your time in reviewing.
5. Get job details in writing
Both belong to you and you should be in control. We suggest that you don’t give funds until the work is complete. Make sure that you are satisfied with the result and that the terms of payment were discussed prior to the job and adhered to by both parties. Make sure that you ask how long a job will take. You need to have a clear idea of what size crew that they have and a completion day.
6. Communication is paramount
Do they return your calls? Do they send the documentation that you asked them to send? Do they follow through? If you answered “no” to these questions, then make sure you communicate your concerns to the company representative.
CALL FAMILY ROOFING AT (202) 276-5004 FOR ALL OF YOUR ROOFING, GUTTER AND BRICK REPAIR NEEDS IN WASHINGTON, DC OR EMAIL US AT FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM! WE PROVIDE FREE ESTIMATES!!
