Your roof is what protects you from the elements at all times. That is why it has to be properly maintained. Many homeowners forget about roof maintenance until the issues are major.Use the following tips to take good care of your roof remains in great shape for years to come.

Inspect your roof annually. Roofs tend to suffer the most damage in the spring time.

Don’t put off single replacement. While your natural inclination may be to wait, the shingles aren’t going to fix themselves and could deteriorate over time. Replacing or repairing shingles immediately can save money and stress later. Your roof will last longer if it is maintained well.

There are some questions you need to be asked to a roofer before you hire him. One important question is the quantity of nails they will put in each shingle. Three nails are usually doesn’t cut it. Ask them about their procedures and make sure their answer satisfies you. If you cannot get a reasonable answer, choose someone else.

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

Don’t go up on your roof in inclement weather. When the roof is wet or slippery, you could end up falling, causing major injury and even death. If you decide to repair your roof on your own, do it when it’s dry and sunny outside.

Make sure any roofer you choose has adequate liability insurance.The main thing that this will show you about a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability.Secondly, if a worker sustains injury on the job, their insurance company would cover the costs.

If you have a leaking roof, but he or she is not coming for a couple of days, have a temporary solution in place. Get yourself a piece of heavy plastic material and you can nail it up.

When a salesman tries to pressure you, send him on his way. 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.

Insurance is vital when it comes to this line of work. If the roofer lacks sufficient insurance and you suffer damages, it’s going to cost you. Don’t just speak with the person doing the job to see if they have the insurance, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.

A good team can accomplish a job quicker and this usually ends up with a much cheaper final product.

When it comes to your roof, you should stay away from quick-fixes. Though you may think you are saving money, more damage can occur, which will cost even more. Always fix issues quickly and completely, to avoid major issues later.

Speak with your roofing company and find out what warranties they provide for their offered warranties. Some contractors might offer better deal than others. This will keep things running smoothly because they’re bound by the terms of the estimate or warranty later on.

A living roof is one that has soil layers where you can grow plants and flowers.

Find out about warranties from all contractors you are considering. You want to be offered 3-5 years of coverage. The warranty needs to cover defective materials and poor installation. You should receive a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty too.

Ask prospective roofing contractor how long their company has been in business. Those who have been working in the area for some time obviously know how to keep their customers happy. Anyone who hasn’t been around for very long could be trying to scam artist who runs away with your money.

If you are concerned about a leak on the roof, try spraying it with a garden hose. This will let you know if you do indeed have a leak and where the leak is. This will cost you much less than hiring a professional.

Choose a roof contractor with some good credentials. A license is required of roofers, generally. Check with local authorities to see of you roofer has his up to date. You should also check that they maintain a policy for full liability insurance, as well as workers compensation.

Keep your roof and other debris to make it last. If debris builds up, water can start to build up. When water stagnates, shingle layers start to rot, which can lead to costly leaks.

It’s very important to catch damage to the shingles as soon as possible. Look at the roof each time, remembering to be safe.

Consider a living roof if you are thinking about putting a new roof on your home and you are environmentally conscious. A living roof allows you to grow greenery on it. While they only work on various kinds of flat roofs in specific climates, they give you great insulation.

Get more than one quote before hiring a contractor. There are companies out there that will try to gouge their clients. To steer clear of rip-offs, check the market before you decide who to hire.

Many people neglect the roof boots when roofing. These rubber boots are located where the roof fence comes up and they can dry out very quickly when performing tasks. When this occurs, you are very susceptible to leaks so be sure to check on them and replace if necessary.

If you’re worried about a leaky roof, spray it with a garden hose. This will help you find the exact location of the leak and assess how bad it is. You can do this for free, and on your own, without bringing in costly roofing professionals.

Talk to your family and ask them for recommendations when it comes to selecting a roofer. Word of mouth is the best source for a reliable company. They may be able to get you going the right way.

This will allow you don’t get scammed.

After a harsh wind storm, climb onto the roof to inspect everything that you cannot see while on the ground or on a ladder. It’s very important to catch damage to the shingles as early as possible and even a few flying off can add up to major leaks. Take a good look, but keep safety in mind.

Not all contractors are the same, so be careful when choosing one. Do not pick someone based on fancy ads. Word of mouth happens to be a great indicator of advertisement. Check reviews online or seek out the advice of friends. Check with local business groups. Hiring a bad contractor may cost you thousands.

Always pay attention to what kind of the weather is about to happen before you are planning to work on the roof. While rain is obviously weather you want to stay away from, it’s also not a good idea to work in strong winds.

Always make sure you ask every question you have in mind before letting someone work on your roof. You do not want to leave a question unasked and have the issue get out of hand down the road. When he hedges the question, move on.

A single coat of paint may be all it takes to void your roof. Call your insurance company prior to painting it.A brand new roof isn’t going to mean a lot.

Regularly cleaning out your gutters is among the smartest things you should do to maintain your roof’s health. Clogged gutters can back up water can’t flow away freely and damages the roof. Make sure to have your gutters are checked and cleaned on a minimum of once monthly.

Never allow unprofessional contractors to touch your home. A contractor ought to be able to give you a reliable quite, for instance. The more professional they are in their approach, the better the work will be.

Make sure that your gutters are cleaned on a regular basis. Taking preventative measures could keep you from having to do added work needed on your roof. Clogged gutters are often a common cause for leaky roofs. Be certain to regularly clean gutters, particularly if a big storm has come through. This should help you will spend on roof repairs.

As mentioned before, your roof plays a big role in keeping your family safe. Use what you’ve just learned to keep safe all through the year. The results make up for the extra work.

If you are having work done on your roof, inspect all of the materials beforehand. In many cases, shingles develop cracks after being nailed in, which can lead to expensive issues later. Keep your eyes peeled during the entire installation.