Get matched with top roofers in Rockport, AR

If you choose to get a personal loan to finance a roof, you will want to aim for a “good” or “excellent” credit score for the best rates. That means a credit score of 690 or more. If you aren’t sure of your credit score, you can request one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Many banks also provide free credit reports monthly.

Roofing estimates and inspections are not the same thing. Roofing inspections (whether done with a drone or by the traditional method) help you find any damage or defects on a roof. You will pay a set fee for a roofing inspection and use it to get certification or to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary. Beware of unsolicited contractors coming to your home and offering a so-called free roof inspection—these are often scams.

Roofing estimates, on the other hand, are typically free and offered by a roofing company hoping to earn your business. Some roofing estimates are performed with drones, while other companies will still opt to send people up onto the roof. Either way, the estimate is for roof repair or replacement costs the company wants you to hire them for.

Removing snow from your roof can help prevent ice dams, but the best thing to do is address insulation issues in your attic. If you do decide to remove the snow manually, you should always use a roof rake rather than a shovel. You shouldn’t climb your snowy roof in any circumstance, and roof rake allows you to remove the snow from the ground or a ladder. For the best results, remove snow as soon as possible after it falls.

A properly installed, high-quality tarp can be left on a roof for up to 90 days. However, this is only a temporary measure and not a substitute for proper roof repair or replacement. Thinner tarps or those exposed to heavy wind and rain may not last the full 90 days, so it's important to monitor the tarp's condition to ensure it continues to protect your roof from the elements.