Your roof is what protects you and your home’s first line of defense when it comes to the elements at all times. That is the main reason why it must be properly maintained. Too often homeowners fail to look after their roofs in a timely fashion. Use the advice listed in this article to ensure that your roof the right way.

Look over your roof at least once a year.Roofs tend to suffer the most damaged during winter months as well as spring and winter.

Safety should be a strong consideration with taking on a roofing project. Don’t try to fix a leaking roof, for instance, while it is still storming outside. This is very dangerous. Until the weather gets better, put a bucket underneath a leak. Check your roof out when the weather gets better to see if the issue is something you can fix.

Consider the local climate in your area when replacing your roof. Clay roofs work great in dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. Clay roof tiles applied in damper climates can cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. If you are hesitant if it will suit your area, then don’t be afraid to ask.

Make sure you’re secured whenever you climb onto your roof.

If you have a contractor coming to remove your old roof, be sure to cut the grass beforehand. That way, you are more likely to be able to locate fallen nails. If the contractor uses a magnetized nail finder, cut grass can also help.

Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor comes to remove your roof.This will ensure he can find any dropped nails that may hit the ground. If you get a contractor that has a nail finder with magnets on it, short grass will make things much easier.

When you have come up with a short list of possible contractors, find out what kind of warranties are available. You need to find someone offering a warranty that lasts for at least 3-5 years. It should cover both defective supplies as well as poor workmanship, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.

Any salesman that has to use too much pressure to make a sale should be considered suspect and you should look for another. They usually don’t offer quality work.

Keep your roof clear of leaves and gutters clean.If there is a build of debris, they’ll keep water from leaving your roof. This can lead to shingle rot and leaks, which will cause costly leaks.

It’s very important to catch damage to the shingles are replaced as soon as possible. Look over your roof, but do so safely.

Make sure you research any roofer before you hire them. Don’t hire the cheapest or first company you locate. Always research all options available to you instead. You can use online resources or ask trusted friends or family members.

Roof boots are an area of a roof that is commonly ignored. They are near the roof fence and can cause problems.When this occurs, you are very susceptible to leaks so be sure to check on them and replace if necessary.

No matter the contractor’s skill level, there are going to be problems down the line, especially if your area is prone to bad weather or extreme temperatures. A yearly visit can help keep your roof stays in the best shape possible.

When hiring a contractor, be sure they they are experts in their field. Your coworkers and friends are excellent sources for referrals, reviews, and recommendations. You need to hire an excellent contractor; this is the best way to ensure that you aren’t looking at expensive repairs down the road.

When you are trying to choose a roofing contractor to inspect or repair your roof, do some research with the BBB. This can show complaints filed by previous customers about any specific contractors you may be considering. You should also check with the Chamber of Commerce.

Don’t agree to a contract; get a written down. Verbal contracts lead to trouble if the work agreed on is not completed properly. A written contract is necessary in order to prove that the sole way for proving they did not performed his duties.

If you think there may be a place on your roof that’s leaking, spray it with your garden hose. This might help you determine if you do indeed have a leak and also where the leak is located. This will cost you much less than hiring an expert.

Quality roofing companies always carry insurance that covers unexpected events. If such insurance is lacking, you may have to cover damages they incur, you should never hire a contractor who doesn’t have insurance or does not have much insurance. Ask for this information and contact that insurance company to see if they can verify it by calling their insurer.

All roof contractors are not equal, and they have different skill levels. Don’t simply pick the splashiest ads. Word of mouth happens to be a great indicator of advertisement. Check out reviews online and talk with your friends.Look at a contractor’s reputation with the BBB and other groups.Hiring a poor contractor could cost you tons of money.

Never cut corners when buying roofing materials. Though some materials are cheaper, they may cost you more in the long run, since they will become worn out more quickly.

Ensure your roofer has the necessary paperwork before they begin the job. Your roofer may require bonds or bond prior to them beginning work on your roof.

Ask your contractor about the workload they’re currently dealing with. Find out the number of employees work for this company. Companies with several projects and few employees could struggle to meet deadlines.

You need to keep debris off of your roof in order to keep it in good shape. If these things build up on your roof that could trap water onto it. When water sits on your roof, the shingle’s bottom layers with probably rot and those are expensive repairs.

As mentioned earlier, your roof is very important in protecting your home and everyone living in it. Ensure you utilize the excellent strategies outlined in this article so that you thoroughly protect your home. Taking care of your roof is a lot of work but remember that it is best to address problems early.