Do You Need a Roofing Contractor Today?

Do you need a roofing contractor to do your roof maintenance and repairs? Generally speaking, a professional roofer is the best choice if you want the job done right the first time. Here are some things that you or the building maintenance staff can handle.

Whether the roof in question is covering a commercial or a residential building, regular inspection and general maintenance is essential. A general inspection of the area can be done from the ground when the roof is sloped, as is usually the case on a single home or duplex.

You may be able to spot loose shingles or a build up of debris for example. Then you have to make the decision about whether you can safely clean away the debris or make the repair.

On buildings with gutters, the gutters should be cleaned out regularly if they are not covered. Leaves, small branches and other debris accumulate in the gutters over time. The added weight can cause the gutters to pull away from the building and the roof leaks can be done as a result.

Do you need a roofing contractor to clean your gutters? No. But if the roof were damaged due to failure to clean the gutters regularly, you would need to call a roofer.

On flat roofs, often used for commercial buildings, an inspection involves walking the roof on a regularly scheduled basis. For any type of roof, an inspection should be done after stormy weather, regardless of the schedule.

Heavy winds can dislodge shingles and other materials. Heavy rains can cause pools to form on flat roofs. Although the pools may dry up eventually, it may be a good idea to remove the water with a wet-dry vac. Pools of water can cause corrosion of certain materials and deterioration of others.  

When water pools near a seam or flashing, the roof is more likely to leak. Do you need a roofing contractor when you have a leak? Yes. If you want the leak repaired correctly and professionally, a roofer is the right choice.

Not all roofers are the same, of course. Their qualifications and experience vary. The pricing may be different among the contractors in your area. The best advice is to interview a few candidates and get some references. You might also ask other business or homeowners in the area for a recommendation.

This is the real answer to: do you need a roofing contractor. If you cannot safely, easily and correctly do the job on your own, then you need to call a roofer.