Being a homeowner is a lot more work than you may assume. Between keeping up with all your mortgage and home insurance payments and fixing different odds and ends around the house, there’s always something that needs to be done.
This goes for everything from fixing a leaky faucet to improving your home’s insulation and getting on the roof every once in a while, too. It’s good to check your roof before and after the snow hits to see how well it can hold up this winter (or already has).
But, snow isn’t the only thing that may call for a roof repair. To make sure your roof is in good condition all year-round, use the guide provided below.
Signs You Need a Roof Repair
It’s easy to tell when you need a roof repair if a storm has just passed through and affected your home. When you don’t have such an obvious signal, though, how are you supposed to maintain the quality of your roof? By knowing what to look for.
Here are three signs your roof needs repair.
A Leaky Ceiling
Leaks in the ceiling are never a good thing. It doesn’t matter if you only get a leak when it rains really hard or if you have a leak in an area of the home you don’t often use. Either way, a leaky roof requires attention as soon as possible.
It’s a sign of water buildup and potential water damage in your roof. Over time, this can develop into more extensive problems in the home like mold and mildew, which will affect the health of everyone living under your roof. Take care of a leak sooner rather than later in order to prevent such issues from happening.
Missing Shingles
Shingles are also a good indicator of the condition of your roof. If you spot a roof patch without any shingles on it or notice that you have a few missing ones here and there, plan to get a roof repair in the near future.
You may just need something as minor as new shingles. Or, this could be a sign of something more serious. The only way to find out is to call the roof repair experts and see what they find.
Cracks in the Shingles
Cracks in the shingles are harder to spot and not as alarming as missing shingles. But, they aren’t a sign to ignore. Keep an eye on the area where you have cracked shingles and see if the issue spreads.
If you already have two or three spots on the roof where the shingles look like they can’t hold on much longer, get a repair. It’s better to be proactive about such things than to wait for them to become more problematic.
How to Find the Right Roof Repair Team
It’s one thing to know you need a roof repair and another to know who is right for the job. You can’t trust your home with just anyone. To find the most professional, experienced team, follow these three simple steps.
Ask Your Friends and Family
Whether you just have a leaky roof or you need a much bigger repair, start your search by talking to friends and family in your area. Chances are, they’ve recently had some roof repairs done and can point you in the right direction.
Collect a list of company names and contractors to get in touch with. But, before you pick up the phone, do some research of your own.
Do Your Own Research
Once you have a handful of roof repair professionals to choose from, visit each of their’s website. Go to the services provided to double-check that they offer what it is you think you need.
Not everyone will specialize in all kinds of roof repair, so this is a great way to start narrowing down your options. Also, take a moment to find out a little bit more about the company itself. Check each site’s “About” or “History” page.
These are great resources for you to see how long a company has been in business and the level of experience they have. Many roof repair businesses will mention how they got started and why they’re passionate about this line of work, too.
But, the most important thing to read is the customer reviews. When you find out what people really have to say about one roof repair company versus another, you’re able to get the big picture. The reviews may or may not match up with what your friends and family said, which can help you make an informed decision.
Get an Estimate in Person
Just when you think you’re ready to make your final choice, contact two or three roof contractors and invite them to visit your home. This gives each provider a chance to assess the damages and necessary repairs.
It also allows you to compare the quotes you get from all the companies you contact. Even if a contractor has rates listed on their website, always make the effort to get an estimate based on the needs of your home.
You may end up discovering the necessary roof repairs don’t cost as much as you thought, or that they are more expensive than you budgeted for. Not to mention, comparing rates lets you notice if anyone is trying to rip you off by giving a quote that is unreasonably high.
Introducing G.H. Clark Contractors, Inc.
G.H. Clark has been serving the Maryland area for almost thirty years, working on over three thousand homes along the way. We are a team of highly-trained, professional roofing experts ready to help you restore and maintain the quality of your home’s roof.
We’ve won many awards and certifications for many of our services. G.H. Clark offers everything from flat and metal roof repairs to siding work, window replacements, doors, and gutter projects.
To ask us about our roof repair options and set up a no-pressure estimate, click here.