Home maintenance is not something we all have to do.This article can show you the ropes.

Inspect your own roof once a year at the bare minimum. Spring and winter months tend to damage is prevalent.

Safety should be a strong consideration with taking on a roofing project. Do not attempt to repair a leaky roof when the weather is stormy or you could be seriously hurt! Damaged roofs are unstable during rainy weather, so do not take such a risk. Get a bucket to catch the water from the leak until things start to clear up and then you should check on your roof.

Consider the climate when replacing your roof. Clay roofs work great for dry climates and can help to keep the home cool. Clay roof tiles that are on a home that is in a place where it rains all the time can deteriorate fast. If you have questions about this, then don’t be afraid to ask.

Rubber boots should be worn when working on your roof.

With regards to roofing, it is important to consider the weather. Clay roofs do well in dry climates, and they help keep the house cool. However, if your climate is rainy, clay roofs can quickly deteriorate. Always ask an expert’s opinion on the best types of roofs for your home.

Make sure the roofer you hire has experience. Ask your friends and family for any referrals they may have. This is important because you don’t want to avoid poor roofing job done which would result in costly repairs in the future.

Make sure whatever roofer you hire has the licensing necessary to do the job. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what he says. Contact the building department where you live and see what is necessary.

It is your responsibility to know what’s involved in hiring a suitable roofing contractor. You shouldn’t just go with the one who has the best ad or the lowest prices. Instead, you should research all the roofers that are in the area. Look online, ask friends for recommendations, or use a professional service to find trustworthy workers for your project.

Keep your roof and other debris to make it last. If there is a build of debris, it can cause water to stagnate. This can damage shingles, both which can cost you lots of money.

Don’t overlook small things when you hire a contractor. Someone that’s on time to appointments or calls ahead when they tell you is most likely dependable. You want both of these qualities present in your roofer.

How old your roof is will often determine whether or not it is time to replace it. A lot of roofs will only last about twenty years before needing to be replaced. If your current roof was installed over an old one, after twenty years you don’t have any other option besides replacing it.

Architectural shingles are another great addition to your roof. They’re more attractive and also last a long time.

Don’t pay in full before the work starts. Many shady contractors ask for full payment.

Speak with your roofing company and find out what warranties they provide for their work. You’ll find that some contractors offer much better warranties than others. Make sure you get any warranty in writing (and the estimate too). You’ll need that if the time arises where there is an issue. This will allow you to clear up any disagreements that may occur at a later time.

Ask your contractor you are considering what associations the company is a part of. The top contractors are going to be involved in these groups so that they keep up with all the latest trends and improvements to standard techniques. If they don’t happen to be members, question whether they are dedicated to their field.

Make sure to ask plenty of questions are clearly answered before letting your roofing contractor begin work.The worst thing you do not ask a question to yourself only to have a problem later on. If you can’t get your questions answered by a contractor, you should not work with them anyway.

If you want a brand new roof and consider yourself someone who is conscious about the environment, rememember to think about a living roof. A living roof provides you with space to plant. A living roof only works for some climates, but it does provide great insulation.

Always inspect the condition of roofing materials that are being used to repair or replace your roof for possible defects. Be sure that you’re paying attention to what you’re doing at all stages of the work.

Don’t verbally agree to a contract; get a written down. A lot of times when a person has a verbal contract won’t protect you if anything happens down the road. Having a written contract is the only way for you to prove that they have not held up their end of the bargain.

If you cannot find out where your roof leak is coming from, do not despair. A systematic approach works well, so enlist the help of a friend and a water hose. Communicate via cell phone if you have a large house so that you ensure there is no large pools of water flowing into the home as you test for leaks.

OSHA requires every roofing contractor needs to have a safety plan in place during a project. This plan is necessary for ensuring projects are completed properly.

Don’t assume that a whole new roof is necessary. Call a pro and let them look at it before you spend anything.

Can your contractor provide proof of insurance and a license? If they aren’t able to, don’t think about hiring them. This is because you will have no line of defense or recourse if they end up doing a bad job and damage your home.

Learn about different roofing materials. Each material has positives and disadvantages. Metal is tougher to install, however, and may not be the most visually attractive option. Asphalt shingles are lower cost and easier to work with, but they don’t last as long. You can also wish to consider using tile or wood roofing material.

In conclusion, keeping up with your roof can be challenging. However, you have to do it for the sake of your home’s protection. Apply what you’ve learned here, and handle all issues that come your way. These efforts will pay off.

Although you may want to save money by using cheaper materials on your roof, this usually is not a good idea. Even if the materials are very cheap to buy you need to think over the fact that if they were to wear out quickly you may have to fix things, costing you more money.