A home’s roof is the first defense against inclement weather. This is why it is so important for you must keep it maintained properly. Many homeowners make the issues are major. Use the following tips to take good care of your roof remains in great shape for years to come.

Inspect your own roof once a year at the bare minimum. Roofs tend to suffer the most damaged during winter months as well as spring time.

If you discover a leak in your roof while it’s raining, wait until it’s dry to examine and repair the leak. A wet roof can become corrupted if you work on it too fast, and it’s quite easy to slip. Once the sun is shining again, you can look at the roof with a fresh set of eyes.

While leaks sometimes do come from problems with your shingles, be sure you look at your roof’s foundation too. Water can enter into many areas that dry rot has occurred. You need to be checking all potential entry points so that you can find the problem.

Don’t try to fix your roof when the weather conditions are poor. A wet roof could cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, do it when it’s dry and sunny outside.

Never neglect safety when planning repairs on your roof. Don’t try to fix a leaking roof, for instance, while it is still storming outside. This is very dangerous. Just do what you can with the leak, like collecting the water in a bucket, and look at the roof later when the weather is better.

Nail Finder

Mow your lawn before the contractor work on your roof. This helps make it easier to find nails that fall on the ground so you can pick them up later. Even if your contractor has a nail finder, a magnetized nail finder will work at its optimum in short grass.

It is crucial that you make repairs right the first time. You need to ensure that the entire structure of your roof is sound. Check over the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems that you’re going to have to take care of.

You never want to climb atop your roof in search of damaged spots. If there is a problem, try hiring a roofing contractor to stop by and look at the spots. You don’t need to walk up there and have the roof cave in.

If you are concerned about a leak on the roof, spray it with your garden hose. This will let you know if you do indeed have a leak and where the leak is. This will cost you much less than hiring contractors.

Rubber soled shoes are a must when you get up on your roof. Even in dry conditions you will reduce the chance of slipping if you wear the right kind of boots. You never know what you will encounter on the roof, and what you will have to do, so good footwear is essential.

Don’t cut corners when you buy roofing materials. The initial cost savings of low priced materials cannot outweigh the best option as they can end up costing you more money down the road.

Keep your roof and other debris to make it last. When there is build up, they can provide a holding place for water. This can lead to shingle rot and leaks, lead to rot and cause leaks.

After you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, talk to them about what kind of warranties they have available. You’re looking for a warranty which lasts between three to five years. The longer it is, the better. The warranty must cover defective supplies and shoddy workmanship. Make sure the contractor gives you a copy of it.

Ask any contractor to tell you are considering what associations the roofing company is a member of. The good contractors are going to be involved in these groups to stay informed on the latest technological advances and improvements to standard techniques. If they aren’t a part of these associations, then you may just begin to wonder if they are truly dedicated to their chosen field.

It’s very important to catch damage to the shingles are replaced as early as possible and even a few flying off can add up to major leaks. Give it a quick look-over every time, but make sure to be safe about it.

One thing to ensure is that the contractor you choose is insured and bonded. If you hire a roofer that is not insured, you will be financially responsible if there is any property damage. Do not just ask if a prospective roofer has insurance, ask them to provide you with the documentation that their insurance is current and comprehensive as well.

Make sure all your questions when hiring a contractor. The worst thing you do is keep a question to yourself only to have a problem later on. If you can’t get clear answers from a contractor, don’t work with them.

Don’t let anyone that doesn’t have a professional attitude do any work on the roof of your roof. You need the entire process to remain professional so that you can be sure their work will be too.

What warranty does your roofer offer? Compare this when choosing a contractor. Also, it is important that you get your warranty in writing, as well as the estimate, so as to keep it in your possession. If you do things this way, you can be sure the terms don’t change after the work has been completed.

Never make any verbal agreements. A verbal contract won’t protect you if anything happens down the work isn’t done right. A written contract is the contractor has not performed his duties.

Not all roofing contractors are good at what they do, so choose one with care. Do not pick one because of their advertisement. Word of mouth can be the superior kind of a reputable business.Check out reviews online and talk with your friends.Check to see how reputable a company is with local business groups. Hiring a bad contractor can cost you tons of money.

Ask roofing companies for references. Honest companies will gladly provide these to you. Find another contractor if the roofer you were interested in cannot provide you with references. A contractor who does not have any good references might not perform a quality service.

Ensure that your roofer has completed and acquired all paperwork before they begin the job. Your contractor might need a permit or bonds before starting to work.

Be wary of roofing companies that has roofers going door-to-door. A roofer doesn’t usually have to search for business. Most companies that are credible companies prefer to set appointments. They usually have their employees wear uniforms and company identification on it. Of course, this does not apply to every reliable company, but be careful.

Don’t get frustrated if you’re unable to locate where a leak is originating from. Sooner or later you will find it using a process of elimination. Having a friend help you along with a water hose can aid this process. If your house is large, utilize cell phones for communication to avoid having water leaking into the house any more than necessary when you test various areas to locate the leak.

Don’t work on your roof alone.

Watch out for storm chasers! These contractors look for areas that have been recently hit by a major storm. Many are from another state and have the right documentation to work on your state. You can easily spot these contractors by their different area codes, most notably through their area code (which won’t be local) and their references.

Inspect your roof after any high winds or major storms. A few shingles blown off can result in major leaks, so you must fix the damage as soon as possible. Whether you have to get up on your rooftop or can see it from a ladder, be sure to be safe while performing an inspection.

When choosing a contractor, ensure he is an actual roofing specialist. Ask him for the contractor’s license number to confirm his credibility.

Just one coat of paint might be enough to void any warranty you may have on your roof. Call your insurance company prior to painting it.A nice looking roof won’t mean much if it’s not properly protected.

If being eco-friendly is important to you, look into coated metal roofing. Metal is completely recyclable, and it and cut down on your energy costs. Reduce the amount of waste by installing coated metal roofing over your older asphalt shingles.

Large tress can make a home look attractive, but they are not good for your roof. Trim trees that are too close to the roof so it is not damaged from nearby branches. This will also keep leaves from clogging your gutters.

As mentioned before, the roof is what keeps your belongings and loved ones safe and dry. Use the tips from this article to avoid serious roof problems and keep your family safe. The results make up for the extra work.

Check to see if the contractor you’re considering will be able to perform yearly maintenance on your roof. Even if the roof installer is very good at what they do there could be issues that arise, especially if you’re in an area with a rough climate. A yearly visit by a roofer can ensure your roof stays in top shape.