People don’t spend much time thinking about the roof often until there’s a problem. Most people know very little about them, but when a problem arises, it can intimidating. Keep reading this article if you wish to learn what can be done to make sure your roof should be cared for.

Don’t try to fix your roof in inclement weather. A wet roof can cause you to fall; this may result in a bad injury or worse. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, do it when it’s dry and sunny.

Inspect your roof at least once yearly. Typically, roofs suffer the most damage during winter and spring. This means it is important to pay extra attention during these times.

If you need to fix a leak in your roof, you need to make sure you fix it properly the first time around. This means you’re not going to want to only stop when you’ve discovered a first issue. Check the whole roof for problems; you might have a number of issues.

Always wear rubber-soled boots when on your roof.

Repair your leak when the water has dried up. There is no quick fix and it’s dangerous. You will be safer if you wait until the roof dries to fix it.

Make sure that you’re safely secured whenever you need to go on your roof.

Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor work on your roof is replaced. This will make it easier time locating nails that fall from the roof. If your roofer has a magnetic nail locator, short grass will also help this tool work more efficiently.

Make sure that you’re secured properly every time you climb onto your roof. This is key, because you can easily lose your balance, which can result in serious injury or death.

Make sure that your roofer has adequate liability insurance. The main thing that this will show you about a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability.If something happens to the roof when they are working up there, the insurance will take care of it.

Make sure any roofer 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 the local building department and see what kinds of things you’re going to need.

If you are selecting a roofing contractor, they need proper liability insurance. Reliable roofers have this kind of insurance. Additionally, if something happens to the roof while they are working, their insurance should pay for the problem.

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 you have a big area to cover, have another person on a cell phone to see if you’re getting water everywhere inside the house.

If you think there may be a place on your roof that’s leaking, bring a hose with you and spray the roof down.This might help you determine if you do indeed have a leak and also where the leak is. This can be a lot cheaper alternative to having to hire a professional.

Make sure your materials are in good condition. Lots of leaks occur from improper materials, such as nails that are the wrong length or cracked shingles. Ensure the shingles have no cracks and make sure that your nails can secure the shingles to the structure.

Don’t take any shortcuts when you are purchasing roofing materials. The initial cost savings of low priced materials cannot outweigh the best option as they can end up costing you more money down the road.

Architectural shingles are another great addition to your roof. They’re more attractive and last longer.

Don’t give a contractor all of the money for your roofing job before they even begin. Shady contractors will get full payment up front, then they do not finish the job. Pay them a certain amount upfront, and then pay the rest after the work is completed and you’re happy with it.

If you want a custom look for your roof, make sure to ask your potential roofer how experienced they are in this particular area. If they have limited knowledge, then you need a different contractor. You sure don’t want to take chances when dealing with your roof.

Roof boots are an area of a roof that is commonly ignored. They are found along the roof fence and can get dried out. When they do, leaks usually are not too far behind so make sure this doesn’t become a problem area for you.

Always have your contractor outline your roofing project. They should talk about the products they use, how they clean up, the costs, and more. Make sure you totally understand their plan. If you don’t think you have a good handle on what will take place, move on and find another roofer.

Always check the materials before they go on your house. Be sure that you’re paying attention to what you’re doing at all stages of the work.

Never agree to a contract that aren’t written out. A verbal contract with a roofer they will find that issues occur when the road. A written contract is necessary in order to prove that the sole way for proving they did not performed his duties.

Do not rush into hiring a contractor to repair your roof. For solid advice and suggestions, talk to friends, neighbors, or family members that have had roofing work done recently. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Asking proper questions is the only way to make sure the contractor you are considering is qualified to do the work properly.

Quality roof contractors carry insurance that covers accidents should one happen on your roof. If they do not have this insurance, 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 by calling their insurer.

OSHA requires roofing contractors to establish a safety plan for projects. This plan is important in assuring you that the project will be completed correctly.

When trying to hire a roofers, ask them if they’re subcontractors. Though sub-contractors are not always bad, they can mean a more complicated liability issue should problems arise. Make sure to check this in advance before hiring.

Have your contractor outline the whole project in full.He should discuss things like the type of products that must be used, the clean-up procedure, costs, etc. Be sure to fully understand everything that is discussed. If you don’t think you’re getting enough information, or he is very vague, and you should consider hiring a different contractor.

Do not assume that you are in need a new roof. Call a roofer and let them inspect it before you invest any money.

Before you choose a roofing company, make sure you know something about roofing. Learn everything possible about types of roofs, best practices and any other relevant topic prior to speaking to contractors. This may help you avoid getting taken for a ride since you’ll know about the work that needs to be done.

Don’t hire a roofing job for you unless you have seen proof that they’re licensed in your state. If you are not happy with the way the job turns out, you are in trouble. What happens if you’re paying someone that isn’t licensed a grand in money? You would be breaking the law in most states.

Check with the BBB before you are considering to find out if they are registered or if any complaints have been filed against them. Most professional companies have listings with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB has always been a great resource for dealing with any contracting service.

Don’t assume the worst, you may not need an entire new roof. Get in touch with an inspector before hiring anyone to do the work. Often times, people get new roofing when simple repairs could have been done instead.

Now that you’ve read the tips in this article, you ought to feel better about your roof because you know more. Properly maintaining your roof helps you avoid future problems and saves you money. Keep these tips in mind and you can tackle any roofing issues with ease.