Replacing Your Roof

There are few experiences more unpleasant for a homeowner than having to live under a malfunctioning roof, and sometimes replacing your roof can be one of those experiences. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the experience a bit more quick and painless. One of the ways also is simply knowing when it is time to replace it, versus when it just needs minor patching which is an entirely different situation.
Knowing when to replace your roof; knowing is half the battle, and if there is any leak present, it must be taken seriously. A small drip toward the end of winter may seem like something that can be put off until you can get around to replacing a tile, but with monsoon season in between now and then, the drip may become a waterfall. Getting up on the roof can be tricky, especially if snow or ice covered, and it may be better at this point to call a professional. If this is the route you decide to take, there are a few ways to make things run a bit more smoothly.

Choosing a contractor to replace your roof; should begin with setting up appointments with a number of different companies to get estimates. There's no way to guess the cost of roof repair, and even if you eventually decide to replace it yourself, it is imperative to at least know what it will cost you, and what must be done. Not to mention price and specialization can very a fair amount between professionals, so it is always best to get multiple.
See examples of their work: any respectable contractor will have reviews and examples of their work posted somewhere publicly. Whether it is their own web page, or on roofing forums, you should always know what you're getting and seeing and speaking personally to the workers is key. Seeing examples of work also confirms they have been doing their job for a long enough time where they can be trusted and have already made a positive reputation.

There are a number of different materials that can be used to fix or replace roofing, and they have different costs associated, so it is good to know what materials are being used on your home and how much they are going to cost, because labor is expensive also, and the overall expense can be surprising. If you choose to attempt it yourself there is an immense amount of research to do, but more importantly is SAFETY. It cannot possibly be stressed enough that the project is extremely dangerous, and to attempt it without taking every possible precaution is almost certain injury.

Alpharetta Roofing Contractors
Alpharetta Contractors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_A_Buchanan

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The Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks

A home's roof takes a beating during the winter months. Heavy snow, ice build-ups, torrential rains, and high winds not only loosen shingles but also take a heavy toll on other roof components. There are many places a roof can leak. Before the next winter season hits your home, find the leaks and fix them before repairing any interior damage they many have caused.
Three common leak sources are gutters and downspouts, angles on rooftops, and the seals around flashing and vents. Anywhere there's a seam or a hole in the roof surface is a potential site for a leak.
Roofs generally have several peaks and valleys. The biggest one is usually at the very top of the roofline. If your home was built with several attached wings or dormers, there are more opportunities for leaks. Places where two pieces of roofing abut create a perfect opportunity for a leak. These seams are sealed to prevent water infiltration.

Water draining from the roof into gutters and downspouts is normally channeled away from the house to the ground. When gutters and downspouts are clogged by leaves, twigs, and last summer's birds' nests, the water backs up and overflows. A lot of that water cascades over the gutter's edge, splashes against the soffit and fascia under the eaves and runs down the walls. This is a leak looking for a place to happen.
Aluminum flashing and rubber boots prevent water from leaking through holes in the roof where vents, chimneys, and other components enter the house. These sites are sealed with caulking or a rubber gasket-like component to guard against water infiltration. When the caulk or boot deteriorates after exposure to the elements, they are likely to leak.
If you're not sure where your roof is leaking, wait for the next rainstorm and go to your attic. You'll probably find wet spots or dripping water. Follow the water to its highest point. That's usually where the leak is located. If you can't wait for the next storm, wet down the roof with a hose and following the preceding steps.
If you find leaks at roof peaks and valleys, cleaning and resealing the seams is the fastest way to eliminate fewer drips. To be on the safe side, clean the entire roof and reseal it every two years. This isn't cheap and requires some effort but cleaning and resealing is much cheaper than replacing the entire roof or repairing interior water damage.

Clean your gutters and downspouts before winter sets in and again in the spring. Installing screens over the tops of gutters is a one-step solution to clogs. Plastic screens provide a cheap solution but low-maintenance aluminum ones last longer.
Check the rubber boots around vent pipes on a regular basis for deterioration and cracks. Replace the boots if they have stiffened or are starting to crack. Examine the flashing to make sure it is firmly in place and that the caulking is in good condition. Re-nail and re-caulk where necessary.
Flashing and vent boots deteriorate over time because of exposure to the elements. Winter freezing and thawing can enlarge gaps, allowing water to enter. Re-caulking around aluminum flashing and replacing worn vent boots around vent pipes are the usual means of repair.
The bottom line is that consistent, regular maintenance and roof repair is very inexpensive compared to major repairs.

If you are not maintaining your roof regularly then might you soon face problem of leakage. Roof repair is the best option to keep your home secure from any leakage. Also regular care of roof is less expensive than major repair.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ima_Johnson

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