People don’t spend much time thinking about the roof until there’s a problem. Many people don’t know much about them, so when something goes awry, they may be scared. Read on and learn how to care for your roof in pristine shape.

Leaks come from having damaged shingles, but you should also inspect the foundations of your roof. Water can enter into your home anywhere that dry rot has occurred. You need to be checking all entry points so that you can find the problem.

Never attempt to fix a roof when it is raining, snowing, or conditions are icy. A wet roof can cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you have to do any kind of work on a roof it needs to be a sunny and dry day.

Don’t try to fix your roof when the weather conditions are poor. A wet roof can cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you are doing your roof yourself, make sure to do it during dry and sunny days.

Consider the climate in your area when thinking about roofing. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and may keep the house cool. Clay roof tiles in rainy climates as they will cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. If you have questions about this, be sure to ask a knowledgeable professional.

Rubber boots should be worn when working on the roof. Although the weather may be perfect, your roof is still very slippery; therefore, you need these boots to ensure you have the best grip on your roof. Repairing anything on your roof usually means you will be putting yourself in awkward positions where you can easily lose your footing, so play it safe.

Rubber boots should be worn when working on your roof.

Mow your lawn the day before your roof. This helps make it easier to find any nails that may hit the ground. If the contractor uses a magnetized nail finder, the shorter grass helps this tool work better.

You may have to do temporary repairs yourself. If a roofing contractor cannot get to your home quickly, a quick fix will do. Nail heavy plastic over the leak. This may be a somewhat inefficient method of handing leaks, but it can buy you some time.

Don’t get frustrated if you’re not able to find out where a roof is leaking from. 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 it’s a big house, 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 buy roofing materials. The cheapest supplies aren’t necessarily the cost of the damage and repairs that substandard materials lead to.

Don’t attempt to create a temporary fix for your roof. Though you may think you are saving money, more damage can occur, which will cost even more. The smartest thing to do is to completely fix the problem as quickly as possible to prevent things from getting worse.

Ask your contractor to tell you what industry associations the company is a part in. The top contractors join industry groups so that they keep up with all the latest technological advances and current information. If they aren’t a part of these associations, question their level of dedication to the field.

Get quotes before hiring a roofer. There are contractors out there that will try to gouge their clients. To steer clear of rip-offs, you need to see what the going rate is in your market before making decisions.

When looking for damage on your roof, don’t start by taking a walk around the roof. If you think your roof has problems, be sure to hire a professional to look at it. Walking on a damaged roof could lead to it caving in.

The materials used for these roofs are great for reducing energy costs and should help you use less energy. You can even install such a metal roof right on top of your old one.

Roof boots are an area of a roof that is commonly ignored. These boots are located where the roof fence comes up and they can dry out. When this happens, they become susceptible to leakage, so frequent inspection and replacement may be required.

You may be able to spend less money if the roofer you choose has people working for him. A group of roofers are able to finish jobs quickly and that can end up costing you a lot less. Make sure that solo roofers are not overcharging you for labor.

When selecting professional roofers, check with the BBB. This will allow you if any previous customers have lodged complaints. You need to also check with your local Chamber of Commerce.

Don’t agree to contracts that aren’t written one. 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.

Look at the materials you have before you put on new shingles. Leaks often occur quickly due to improper installation. Be sure that the nails and shingles are in good shape before you add them to your roof.

When you are interviewing roofing a roofing company, ask them if the workers are sub-contractors. If the company uses sub-contractors, liability issues could arise in the future. Make sure you are aware of any sub-contractors before you make a commitment.

Don’t assume that you need to have your roof replaced. Call a pro and let them look at your roof before you spend anything.

If you need to get a brand new roof and want to watch out for the environment, try looking into getting a living roof. A living roof allows you to grow greenery on it. It can only work in some places and some situations, though.

Never let ice to build on the roof. Ice can cause damage to a roof in several ways. You can help to stop ice with handy tools like ice shields and drip shields. Proper ventilation is something that can help quite a lot longer.

Don’t ever hire a roofing job for you unless you have seen proof that they’re licensed in your state. If the work is inadequate, you’ll have no way to resolve the issue. What if you pay a contractor more than one thousand dollars? You are committing a crime in many states.

Keep your roof and gutters clean. If these things build up on your roof that could trap water onto it. This can damage shingles, lead to rot and cause leaks.

Always be wary of weather whenever you do any roofing work. While it’s obvious that you want to avoid rainy conditions, be careful with strong winds.

When hiring a contractor, ensure he is an actual roofing specialist. Ask your contractor for the contractor’s license number.

Use architectural shingles when you replace your roof. These shingles are not only better looking than traditional shingles, they also have a much longer lifespan. Also these kinds of shingles add some value to a home because people seek them out so it’s a good idea to go with them if you’re selling your home.

Check with the BBB before you hire a roofer to make sure they have been filed against them. Most reputable companies are listed with the BBB. The BBB can help you find a great resource for dealing with any contracting services.

The goal of this article is to make you a better-informed homeowner and help alleviate some of the stress involved in caring for your roof. If you keep your roof in good shape, you won’t have as many issues over time. You’ll be well-prepared for whatever does happen to your roof if you make use of the advice above.

Get quotes from different contractors before hiring one. Some of them are looking to scam customers and get all the money they can from you. To avoid becoming the victim of shoddy work or someone who will rip you off, make sure you compare fair market prices and know what you’re getting into first.