A good roof is the first defense against elements in your home and family dry. That is the main reason why it must be properly maintained. Too often homeowners neglect their roofs in a timely fashion. Use the advice listed in this article to ensure that your roof.

If you find out that your roof is leaking when the weather is bad, hold off on your inspection until things dry out. You could compromise your safety on a slippery roof. A dry roof is much safer.

Make sure to inspect your roof annually. Spring and winter are the two seasons when roofs are most damaged. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to your roof at these times.

Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but don’t discount a foundation problem as well. Water can get into your home anywhere that are rotting. You should examine all entry points to make sure there is no problem.

When repairing a leaky roof, do it right the first time. This means never stop when you’ve discovered a single spot causing the issue. Inspect the entire roof to be sure that need to be fixed too.

If you find out that your roof is leaking when the weather is bad, wait until things settle down before doing any repairs. Fixing a leak isn’t easy, but it is even more difficult in the rain as you might slip. You will be safer if you wait until the roof dries to fix it.

Always research the contractor that you are considering.Don’t simply hire the cheapest or first company you locate.

Don’t use short-term solutions for your roof. You may think you are saving money, but ultimately you might have more damage costing more in the end. You should take care of problems as early as possible before they get worse.

Your environment matters when thinking about your roof. Clay roofing is good for climates that are dry, and they keep the temperature of the house down. Clay tiles applied in damper climates can cause rapid deterioration. If you have questions about this, you can inquire with a roofing professional.

You never climb atop your own roof to inspect for damage. If you have any doubt about the structural integrity, find a pro to come look at it. You certainly shouldn’t walk on the roof that could collapse.

The age of your roof often determines if it needs to be replaced. Many roofs only last around 20 years prior to needing replacement. If your new roof is installed over the old one, you really have no choice once twenty years has passed but to replace it.

It is crucial that you make repairs right the first time. That means you don’t stop with the first spot you find which has a problem. You might find several spots to repair after inspecting your whole roof.

Speak with your roofing company and find out what warranties they provide for their offered warranties. Some may provide better coverage than others. This will prevent ant disagreements in the line.

Get references for any roofer you may hire. A company will have no problem giving you a few references. If a firm is hesitant in providing references, you should ditch them quickly. This might be a problem with the company.

Mow the lawn prior to the removal of your old roof. Major roof work will inevitably scatter some nails on your lawn, and close-cropped grass will make it easier for you or your contractor to recover them. Even better, a magnetized nail finder will work at its optimum in short grass.

Don’t get frustrated if you’re unable to locate where a leak on your roof. You will find the source eventually if you use a water hose, and the use of a water hose and a buddy system can help. If your house is large, have another person on a cell phone to see if you’re getting water everywhere inside the house.

Think about selecting architectural shingles on your new roof. They’re great looking and also last longer.

There are many questions you’ll need to ask a prospective contractor before signing a contract. Ask about the number of nails that will be used for each shingle. Three isn’t enough. In addition, you should ask them to provide you with a complete outline of their project. Otherwise, keep on searching.

Regardless of the expertise of your roofer, unexpected issues are sure to arise, particularly if you live in an area that has extreme temperatures. A visit can help keep your roof in the best shape possible.

Never make any verbal agreements. A lot of times when a person has a verbal contract won’t protect you if anything happens down the road. A written contract is your best way to prove whether or not a contractor has not done what they will be liable for any lapses in quality of work.

When you’re trying to find someone to work on your roof, you have to be sure that they have the proper skills. You might need to speak with people you know to see if they have any recommendations for you. That is critical, as you need to have a good job done that doesn’t have to be repaired expensively later.

Have your contractor explain the whole process. He should go over what kinds of products they’ll have to use, from costs to clean-up. Make sure you completely understand their plan. If the outline is very vague or incomplete,not provide specifics, then you probably should not do business with him.

When trying to hire a roofers, ask them if the workers are sub-contractors. If they are, liability issues could arise in the future. Make sure you understand the sub-contracting situation before hiring.

After narrowing down your list of roofers, determine which one offers the best warranty. You’re looking for a warranty which lasts between three to five years. The longer it is, the better. The contractor’s warranty should cover faults due to both workmanship and part failure. A proper roofer should provide you with the manufacturer’s warranties for all of the supplies he uses, too.

Determine your roof’s age to see if it needs repairs or full replacement is needed. Knowing when you should hire a contractor and replace it is dependent on the age of your roof.

If the weather isn’t good, wait and don’t climb onto your roof. It isn’t anything that is worth your safety or life to make a home repair.You need to be careful and use caution.

Proper insurance is an absolute must-have. If the roofer you use causes damage and they are uninsured, you are responsible for the bill. 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.

Beware door-to-door roofing companies. A solid roofer doesn’t need to peddle his business and good reputation shouldn’t have to go soliciting for business. Most companies that are credible companies prefer to set appointments. They usually have their employees and company logos. There may be a few exceptions out there, but think twice.

This can help prevent you from slipping and moving around.

Check all of the materials that you are using to repair your roof. Installation is a big cause of leaks, whether it be from the wrong sized nails or cracked shingles. Being sure that the shingles are in perfect condition and that you are using the correct nails to hold them securely will help the roof to last much longer.

Don’t decide anything based on phone quotes since final expenses will always be substantially different. These quotes are being used to hook and lock in customers by phone.

Make sure that your gutters are cleaned. Don’t do extra roof work if you preventative measures can be taken. Clogged gutters are a leaky roof. Be sure to clean your gutters regularly, especially after there has been a storm. This can reduce the amount you avoid some costly repairs.

Always consider how long a roofing company has been in business before hiring them for a job. The contractors that have been around for a while definitely keep their customers happy. Those who have a short history in the area may be scammers who abscond with your funds.

Are you getting a guarantee? You need manufacturer’s warranties or product guarantees, but also one from the roofer himself for his actual work. The only way to ensure you are happy with the final repair is to document the requirements in writing.

Have someone inspect your roof at every year. You can do this yourself, but you need to check on the condition of your roof on a regular basis. Failing to do so can let problems develop that will end up costing you plenty.

Utilize architectural shingles whenever you have to replace the roof. These shingles are not only better looking than traditional shingles, they also have a much longer lifespan. These shingles are desired by those looking to purchase a home, so when you sell your home, it will be worth more.

As mentioned in the introduction, your roof is necessary to keep your family safe and protected. Be sure that you use everything that has been gone over here so that your home and family are kept safe. You will not be sorry you did.