A well constructed roof protects you and your family from the dangers Mother Nature can throw at you. When you’ve got a roof problem, you will find that nature can really do a number on your home. Knowing how to properly care for your roof can really save you trouble in the future. Prepare yourself for maintaining your roof by reading the tips given here.

Mow your lawn before the contractor work on your roof. This helps make it easier to find nails that may hit the roof. If you get a contractor that has a nail finder with magnets on it, cut grass can also help.

Never attempt to fix a roof when it is raining, snowing, or conditions are icy. Rain, sleet, and snow can cause you to fall, which can seriously injure or even kill you. If you are performing your own roof repair, only work when conditions are sunny and dry.

It is important that you check the references of any contractor you allow them to work on your roof.Once you’ve got them, ask the homeowners who the roofer worked for how they feel about the quality and value of the work. You should take a look at some of the addresses in person. Drive by and examine the work carefully before determining who you will hire.

Make sure your homework before you decide on what contractor you will hire to do roof work. Don’t hire the cheapest contractor you locate.

Consider your climate when roofing. When you live in a dry climate, go for clay tile. However, if your climate is rainy, clay roofs can quickly deteriorate. If you do not know if these are ideal for you, ask a pro.

Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire has experience. Ask your friends and family for any referrals they may have. This is vital since having terrible repairs done can cost you get a poor roofing job done which would result in costly repairs in the future.

Don’t get discouraged if you’re unable to locate the source of a leak on your roof. You are going to find the problem, and having a buddy will help as well.If it’s a big house, have someone inside with a cell phone keep in touch with you as you look for the leak.

Never hire a roofing contractor who cannot provide references. Swing by the homes the contractor worked on to check their quality. You should also make it a point to have a look at some of these homes yourself. You can drive by their other houses and check them out so you know if you want to hire them.

Only hire a roofer that can provide proof of an active license and insurance.

Keep your roof clear of leaves and gutters clean.When there is build up, they can provide a holding place for water. When water sits on your roof, rot begins to happen and that can cause leaks which cost a lot of money to fix.

It is your responsibility to know what’s involved in hiring a suitable roofing contractor. It’s important that you don’t simply hire the one with the lowest bid. Instead, research the different roofers in your area. You can ask family and friends and search online for this valuable information.

Many people neglect roof boots when they are maintaining their roof.These rubber boots are located where the roof fence comes up and they can dry out very quickly when performing tasks. When this happens, leaks are far more likely, so don’t forget to check and replace as needed.

Always check the materials before they go on your roof for possible defects. Be certain your materials are intact at all stages of roofing work.

If your contractor won’t be out for a day or two, you can put a bandage on your leaking roof. Buy heavy plastic, then nail it to that spot. This isn’t the best way to handle a leak, but it will hold you over for now.

When you’re thinking about hiring someone to work on your roof, do some research with the BBB. This is the best place to search for complaints from previous home owners against potential contractors. You need to also check-in with the area Chamber of Commerce.

Never agree to contract that isn’t in writing. Verbal contracts can lead to hard-to-solve disputes. A written contract is your best way to ensure that they will be liable for any problems or disagreements arise.

Never pay the full price up front. You might need to pay a quarter of the full price in order for the job to begin, but avoid paying anything more. Some contractors will not consider your roof as a priority anymore once you pay the full amount.

Quality roof contractors carry insurance that covers accidents should one happen on your roof. If they aren’t insured, you may have to cover damages they incur, so it is important to hire a contractor with adequate insurance. Ask contractors for this and verify it.

Talk to everyone you know and ask them for recommendations if you’re seeking out a roofer. Word of mouth and personal experience are the best way to find a contractor that’s good. They may be able to tell you going the right way.

Make sure that the roofer you hire has experience. Ask your neighbors, friends and family about their experiences with roofers. It is important mainly because you won’t want to have your repairs be done poorly, as they will only cost you more in the future.

Think about what the weather in your area before selecting roofing materials. In drought-prone, for instances, wood shingles are not appropriate. Synthetic materials are not last very long in hot locales. Metal roofs are not good for cold winters. Talk to a good one.

Watch out for those storm chasers.These contractors look for work in neighborhoods that have been recently hit by a major storm. Many of them are from another state and have no documentation for your state. Some ways to spot these guys is through by the area codes on their contact information, vehicle sticker signs and references from other storm-ravaged areas.

Once you have your potential contractors list narrowed down, ask each what sort of warranties they provide. You want to be offered 3-5 years of coverage. The warranty ought to cover poor workmanship and defective materials and needs to incorporate any manufacturer’s warranties also.

Don’t ever hire anyone to do a contractor without proof that they’re licensed in your state. If the work does not turn out as promised, there will be no available recourse. What occurs if you’re paying someone that isn’t licensed a grand in money? You are committing a crime in many states.

This allows you to move about on the ladder from slipping and moving around.

The age of your roof is the main factor in determining whether you should replace it or not. Roofs have, generally, about 20 years of life in them. 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.

Just one coat of paint might be enough to void any warranty you may have on your roof. Call the insurance company prior to attempting a paint job. A fresh new roof won’t mean much if it isn’t protected.

Don’t make any big decisions over the phone. These quotes are being used to hook and lock in customers by phone.

Ask the contractor what what warranty is offered on the work done. Compare this when choosing a contractor. Ensure the warranty is given in writing along with your cost estimate. This will ensure there shouldn’t be any disagreements about any of the terms of the estimate or warranty later on.

If a roof is poorly maintained, it can be a nightmare to deal with the repairs or replacement. Using the tips above, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. Utilize this excellent knowledge to ensure your roof is properly maintained.