Most people aren’t very much about roofing. A damaged roof can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home. The article has some helpful tips about roofing.

Safety should be your number one priority when working on a roofing project. You can be seriously injured by attempting to fix a leak during a storm. Put a bucket where it’s leaking and then look at the roof to determine whether or not you can fix the issue.

Never hesitate to replace your roof’s shingles. You may want to avoid repairs, but waiting will only make things worse. Replacing or fixing shingles now will prevent trouble and money spending in the future. Your roof will last longer if it is maintained well.

If you’re working on a leak, make sure that you get it fixed properly the first time.This means never stop when you’ve discovered a first place you locate that has problems. Check every square inch of your roof for problems; you might find more problems.

Make sure whatever roofer that you employ has the licensing necessary to do the work. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what he says. Contact your local building department where you live and see what is needed.

Your environment matters when thinking about your roof. Dry climates can greatly benefit from clay roofs. They also keep homes cool. Clay roof tiles in rainy climates will cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. If you don’t know what material is best in your area, ask a professional.

Insurance is vital when it comes to roof work. If your roofer does not have insurance and your property is damaged, you may end up paying that bill. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, get documentation that they do and go over it carefully.

Ask your roofer about warranties they might offer. Some companies will provide you with better deals than others. This will ensure there shouldn’t be any disagreements about any of the future.

There are a number of questions you should ask your roofer before you sign the contract. For example, ask how many nails they plan on putting in each shingle. Generally, three nails are not enough. Ask them about their work, and really consider the answers. If you have any doubt, find another contractor.

Always check a potential roofing contractor. Honest companies will have no problems giving you some references. If a firm is hesitant in providing references, look elsewhere. This is generally a read flag that the work isn’t going to go as planned usually.

If you think your roof might have a leak, spray the roof with your garden hose. This will let you determine if you do indeed have a leak and also where the leak is. This is a lot cheaper and quicker than hiring an expert.

If you have a leak, fix it temporarily. Nailing heavy plastic to the area can help. This is a temporary repair that allows you to hire a contractor to fix the problem permanently.

Keep your roof clear of leaves and gutters clean.If debris builds up, water can start to build up. When water stagnates, the wood beneath the shingle may rot, making you susceptible to leaks.

Get several quotes before you pick a roofing contractor. There are companies out there that try and squeeze as much money from you as they can.To avoid falling for a scam and losing your money, you need to see what the going rate is in your market before making decisions.

Avoid paying full amounts upfront. Normally, you pay 25% or so to start the job. But paying the whole amount up front can cause the roofer to do less than they agreed to, or poor work.

Only contract with companies who demonstrate professionalism at every step. You want the entire process to remain professional to ensure that you can be sure their work is too.

The materials used for these roofs are great for reducing energy costs and should help you use less energy. You can even reduce the amount of debris you have to dispose of by installing a metal roof right on top of your current shingles.

Once you have your potential contractors list narrowed down, ask each what sort of warranties they provide. The warranty should last at least three years. Keep in mind that a longer warranty is always better. Defective supplies and shoddy workmanship should be covered along with the warranties from the manufacturer.

If you want a certain look with a new roof, such as having a metal roof or putting up turrets, you have to talk with the roofer to see if they have experience with those things. If the answer is little to none, find a different roofer. You definitely shouldn’t take chances with your roof.

When you are seeking a roofing contract, you need to be sure that you look to the BBB first. This can help you determine if prior customers have filed complaints. You should also check with your local Chamber of Commerce as well.

Insurance coverage is essential when it comes to roofing. If you have a roofer that isn’t insured and causes property damage, you may end up paying that bill. Asking about insurance is not enough since people can be dishonest. You should ask for current proof of insurance.

A reputable roofer will always carry insurance that covers potential damage and accidents that might occur. If they aren’t insured, you are responsible for any damages that occur, you should never hire a contractor who doesn’t have insurance or does not have much insurance. Ask contractors for this information and verify it by calling their insurer.

This will protect you can avoid scammers.

Contractors who have their own workers are often a more inexpensive option than those who work alone. A good team working in unison can achieve good results more quickly. A person working alone will often charge the same price, but will work more slowly. Make sure the labor cost is not too high.

Don’t automatically conclude that you need a whole new roof is necessary. Call a professional for an inspection prior to making that decision.

Determine your roof’s age so that you’ll know if a minor repair or full replacement is needed. Knowing when you should hire a contractor and replace your roof is largely-dependent on the age of your roof.

The age of your roof is the main factor in determining whether you should replace it or not. The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. If your new roof is installed over the old one, you must replace it after 20 years.

Be wary of any company that solicit your business.A solid roofer that’s established and has a good reputation isn’t going to need to peddle his business that way. Credible companies work on an appointment schedule. They also typically have their employees wearing uniforms and driving vehicles with company identification. There are some exceptions, however lack of these signs should be considered it a warning to check further into a company.

This can help prevent you from falling.

If you want to go green when installing your new roof, think about acquiring a living roof. You can use a living roof for growing flowers and many other types of plants. Living roofs require a flat surface and appropriate climate conditions to thrive.

A single coat of paint might be all it takes to void your roof’s warranty. Call the insurance company prior to attempting a paint job. A fresh new roof won’t mean much if it’s not properly protected.

You should have a better idea of how you can maintain your roof or find a good contractor after reading this article. Use the tips here to help you navigate the problems associated with a leaking or damaged roof. Remember that your roof is protecting you and your family, so you must protect it.

Don’t get frustrated if you’re unable to locate where a leak is originating from. Just continue to eliminate all the possible sources, and eventually, you’ll find it. A water hose and a friend can greatly help you find the problem. If you have a large house, try using cell phones to talk so that the water doesn’t go into the house by mistake as you test possible leak areas.