This article will provide some basic information about what to look for when it comes to your roof.

Inspect your own roof yearly. Roofs tend to suffer the most damaged during winter months as well as spring time.

Never attempt to fix a roof when it is raining, snowing, or conditions are icy. If your roof is slippery, you’ll likely fall and sustain an injury. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, make sure to do the work when the weather is dry.

When you are selecting a roofer, ask your family, friends and colleagues. Ask how well contractors cleaned when they finished the clean-up job and if they offer warranties are offered.

Make sure your research when looking for a roofing contractor. Don’t simply hire the cheapest or first company you can find.

Make sure you’re properly secured when you’re on the roof. If you end up slipping, this could save your life.

Make sure that your roofer has adequate liability insurance. The mere existence of such a roofer is the fact that they are a reliable person. If something does happen, the insurance will take care of it.

Insurance is something that you need to have when it comes to roof work. If you hire a contractor who is not properly insured, you are responsible for the bill. Don’t just take their word for it either; ask for proof that they have plenty of up to date, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.

Always check references. When you speak with the referring individual, inquire about the quality of work and overall satisfaction. You should check some of the addresses if you have the time. Drive by the houses your contractor worked at and pay attention to their roofs.

Ask prospective roofing contractor how long their company has been roofing. Those who have been working in the area for some time likely provide customer satisfaction. Anyone who hasn’t been around for very long could be a scammer ready to steal your money.

Only consider hiring roofers who are able to supply you with proof of an active license and insurance.

There are quite a few things that need to be asked to a roofer before signing any contracts. For one, ask the amount of nails they normally use when placing a shingle. Usually, three nails are inadequate to the job. Ask them about which techniques they use and be sure you’re happy with their answer. If you are not happy with their response, find another roofer.

Don’t pay for a roof repair before there has been some work done. Many shady contractors ask for full payment.

It’s imperative that damaged shingles as soon as possible. Give it a brief look, but remember to do so safely.

If a roofing salesman is giving you a high pressure pitch, tell him no thank you and show him out of your home. Once the salesman locks you into a contract, you and your home are at their mercy. This makes it essential to prevent being pressured into an agreement.

Get several quotes before you pick a contractor. There are contractors out there that try and squeeze as much money from you as they can. To steer clear of rip-offs, evaluate the roofing market.

When having a roofing contractor repair or inspect your roof, do some research with the BBB. This is the best place to search for complaints from previous customers about any specific contractors you may be considering. You can also check the area Chamber of Commerce.

Don’t attempt to create a temporary fix for your roof. It may not cost you a lot to do, but after a while it could cause more damage than it saves and that costs a lot of money. The best thing to do is take care of any problem as quickly as you can so that nothing bad happens later on.

Never agree to a contract that aren’t written out. A lot of times when a person has a verbal contract with a roofer they will find that issues occur when the road. Having a written contract will protect you to prove that they have not held up their end of the bargain.

OSHA requires roofing contractors to have safety plans in order. This plan is needed because it helps you that the project will be completed correctly.

Look at the materials you have before you put on new shingles. Installation is a big cause of leaks, whether it be from the wrong sized nails or cracked shingles. Be sure your shingles are sturdy and without cracks and make sure your nails are long enough to secure the shingles properly.

Have your contractor outline the whole project in full.He should go over what kinds of products they’ll have to use, how things will be cleaned up and the price involved. Ask plenty of questions if you don’t understand the roofer says. If you don’t think you’re getting enough information,not provide specifics, it’s not a good idea to work with that person.

As previously stated, ensuring your roof maintains a state of good repair is extremely important. Take what you have learned here, and use it to make sure your roof lasts a long time and is fixed properly when needed. When it comes to roofing, a little work now can help prevent a lot of work down the road.

Speak with a roofer about their offered warranties. You’ll find that some contractors offer much better warranties than others. Additionally, you should be sure you get a written copy of the warranty at the same time you receive the estimate so that you’ll have the documentation on-hand. This will make the work that he does legally bound.