
While most roofs are made to last about fifteen years, that doesn’t mean your roof will do all the work. You have to be sure to maintain it properly. The following article will help you keep your roof in good shape.
If you think your shingles need replacing, do not hesitate to act. It may seem okay to hold back on fixing small problems, but those small problems can balloon into giant issues. Shingles should be repaired or replaced at the first sign of damage so that small problems don’t become bigger ones. If you maintain your roof, it’ll last you a long time.
Look over your roof at least once a year.Spring and winter are times when damage the roof the most.
Consider your climate when roofing. Roofs made of clay are excellent for dryer climates. They can really keep a home very cool. But, if you use clay in a rainy area, you can have roof deterioration very quickly. If you don’t know what material is best in your area, ask a professional.
When you fix a leak, you must finish the job right to begin with. This means you’re not going to want to only stop when you’ve discovered a first place you locate that has problems. Check the whole roof and you might find that your leak is actually a bunch of problem areas at work.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to inquire about the provided warranties of each company. You need a warranty of at least three years, preferably five. The warranty needs to cover defective materials and poor installation. You should receive a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty too.
Make sure that your roofer you choose has liability insurance. The main thing that this will show you about a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability.This will also help you if something were to go wrong with the project, their insurance will cover it.
When it comes to hiring a roofer, they must have insurance. If you work with an uninsured contractor and something is damaged, you’ll be the one responsible for the cost. Don’t just ask the contractor if he or she has insurance. You need to find out if it’s current and also see the actual documentation.
If you have already called a roofing contractor, but their visit isn’t for another couple days, you may want to make a temporary leak repair. Get yourself a sheet of heavy duty plastic and you can nail that over the leaking area with it.
The age of your roof is a good indication as to whether it should be replaced. A lot of roofs will only last about twenty years before needing to be replaced. If your current roof was placed over an old one, you’re going to have to have it replaced once it’s twenty years old.
Always make sure that you’re not paying for the whole project before it’s all done. You may have to pay around 25% of the amount to get the job started, but see if you can pay only that. You wouldn’t want to avoid having them do a low-quality job or less work than you anticipated.
Before you install new shingles, you should check out your roofing materials. Lots of leaks come from basic installation, such as improper nail lengths and cracked shingles to start with. Make sure the shingles are strong and free from cracks and that the nails you use will penetrate the shingles and secure them onto the structure.
Make sure whatever roofer that you employ has the licensing necessary to do the work. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what he says. Contact the building department and see what kinds of things you’re going to need.
If you are unable to find where your roof is leaking, try not to become discouraged. A systematic approach works well, so enlist the help of a friend and a water hose. If you have a large home, have someone inside with a cell phone keep in touch with you as you look for the leak.
Make sure a roofing contractor has current, and make sure thy are current.Nearly every state requires roofers to have certain licenses; therefore, so make sure your roofer has the necessary paperwork.
When purchasing materials for your roof, don’t believe cheaper is better. Cheap materials can get worn out quickly and you may have to end up spending more than you would if you bought something of better quality.
Ask about any warranties on his work. Some roofers may offer better deals than others do. This will allow you to clear up any disagreements that may occur at a later on.
Always do a roof inspection after a large storm or strong winds. It is best to fix damaged shingles right away and remember that a small problem can quickly turn into a major leak. Make sure to do this after every storm to stay safe and save money.

Living roofs include soil layers that you can plant a garden with or grow some vegetables.
Voice any concerns or inquiries that you have with your contractor. The worst thing is that you do not ask a question and then it becomes a problem later on. If the contractor refuses to answer your questions, don’t work with them.
Ask for references from prospective roofing companies.A reliable contractor should have no problem coming up with multiple references. If a company is reluctant to do so, it may be time to look somewhere else. This can be a tell-tale sign that the contractor isn’t a true professional.
When it comes to maintaining your roof, one area that most people neglect are the roof boots. They dry out quickly and can cause problems. When they dry out, leaks are likely. Therefore, it’s important to regularly inspect them and if needed, replace them.
Don’t pay for a roof fully before there has started. Many shady contractors ask for full payment.
Always research prospective roofing contractors by contacting your local Better Business Bureau branch. Research if there are any complaints filed against the contractors you are considering. Another wonderful source of information is the Chamber of Commerce in your community.
Always inspect the condition of roofing materials that are being used to repair or replace your roof for possible defects. Be certain your materials are intact at all stages of roofing work.
Never agree to a contract that isn’t in writing. People often agree to contracts verbally and then face problems if the work done on their roof isn’t up to par. A hard contract allows you to seek recourse in the event that the other party does not perform to standards.
It can be dangerous to climb on your roof. Roofs are not made for people to safely stand on. Wear shoes with rubber soles to prevent slippage. You should also consider wearing a harness if you have one.
Talk to everyone you know and ask them for recommendations when it comes to selecting a roofer. This is the best way to find a trustworthy roofer. If you have hired any residential contractors for other jobs, they may also have a good recommendation available. Even if they don’t have a recommendation handy, they’ll probably be able to help you get off to a good start.
A reputable roofing company can provide you with proof of insurance to cover any accidents.If the company has zero insurance, it’s you who will be liable, you should never hire a contractor who doesn’t have insurance or does not have much insurance. Ask contractors for this information and verify it.
OSHA requires all roofing contractors to establish a safety plan for projects. This safety plan is important for ensuring projects are completed properly. Because of this, you must be sure that your contractor has a safety plan prepared. If you are not provided with this safety plan, it’s time to look for another contractor.
OSHA dictates that roofing contractors have safety plans for the project they’re working on. This safety plan is needed because it helps you to be sure that the project will be completed project.
Determine how old your roof is to see what sort of repair will be required or if a total replacement is needed. Knowing when you should hire a pro to replace it is dependent on how old it is. A typical roof lasts 15-20 years. If yours is that old, replace it rather than repair it.
Have your contractor explain the whole process. He should readily inform you about everything involved, how things will be cleaned up and the price involved. Make sure you totally understand the plan in its entirety. If you think that the contractor you’re working with is not giving you enough information, or he is very vague, it’s not a good idea to work with that person.
Wear footwear with rubber soles. Working high up on the roof is a dangerous thing to do. If you wear shoes with soles that are made of rubber, then it’s harder to slip because they have good traction. Roofs tend to be slippery. When you don’t take proper precautions, you may have a hard time keeping your footing.
A well-maintained roof will protect your whole home. It is a very valuable asset. These tips will help you maintain it properly.
Clear any ice from your roof before there’s a build up. Ice can be very damaging to any roof. Prevent ice buildup by having rain, ice, and drip shields installed. Good ventilation is also critical.
