You can say a lot of things about roofs, and most of them might be true. But one thing that nobody can argue with is that roofs are tops. This statement can be taken in several ways. A roof does for the top of your home. It can also act like a "top" or lid for your home, keeping the rain out. Then, there's the third meaning, which is the one we happen to like the most: roofs are the best. (People say things are "tops" when they really like them.) Since we like roofs so much, we've decided to write about them, and you've discovered the blog where we do that.
Brian Riley
Each year, many homeowners need a roof replacement. In the summer of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has experienced a resurgence, leading to renewed guidelines about social distancing and mask-wearing. Property owners might feel nervous about having people they don't know into their homes, and they wonder if a roofing contractor must come inside. Reputable roofers need to do an indoor inspection if signs of leaks have appeared, which is typically why homeowners schedule this project.
Looking for Interior Damage
The contractors want to determine how much damage has occurred before beginning the project. Water stains, wood deterioration, and mildew under the roof indicate some of the decking could require replacement.
The roofer may ask to see the attic, which is especially important if the homeowners have not checked its condition for a while. When an attic is difficult to reach, people commonly ignore this section of the house.
Indoor Repair Work
The roofer might need to perform repairs inside the house too. For instance, plaster or drywall could be crumbling in spots where water has dripped repeatedly from a flaw in the roof.
Presenting an Accurate Estimate
This inspection is the only way roofers can provide an accurate estimate. Accuracy is important for both the contractor and the customer. Homeowners don't like surprise increases in project expenses, but that can happen without an indoor inspection.
Professional roofers draw up contracts for customers before the work begins. The contract lists details of the project, the estimated cost, and the payment structure. Some ask for a deposit for the required materials, while others request a percentage of the full cost.
Why Delays Should Be Avoided
With no end in sight to the pandemic, property owners should not try to wait out the situation and delay roof replacement. Placing tarps over leaks is a temporary measure at best. Tarps gradually deteriorate in the sun, and new hidden leaks could develop.
Patching sometimes stops an existing leak but does nothing for future ones that might not be easily noticed. A torrential downpour could cause significant interior damage to the structure.
Being Upfront
Anyone who feels nervous about the situation should be frank with the roofer when making contact. These contractors generally have no problem complying with customer requests for preferred types of courteous behavior. The homeowners can ask that the roofer wear a mask when inside the building and practice recommended social distancing guidelines.