No homeowner wants to be facing major roof repair project. It is wise to make small repairs to your roof before they become larger issues.Read through these tips if you want to learn how to properly maintain your roof.

Wear shoes with rubber boots when you work on your roof.

Inspect your own roof annually. Spring and winter are times when damage is prevalent. Be extra watchful during these seasons.

Make sure that you’re safely secured properly every time you need to go on your roof.

Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor comes to remove your roof.This enables them to find any dropped nails easily. If they bring a type of magnetic nail finder, short grass will also help this tool work more efficiently.

If your roof leaks, wait until the weather passes to examine it. You can’t walk safely on a slippery roof. Once the roof has dried, you can set about making repairs.

There are some questions you’ll need to ask a prospective contractor before you hire him. One question to ask is the amount of nails they will put in each shingle. Three nails are usually doesn’t cut it. Ask about what their methods are to see if the answer they give is satisfactory. If you have any doubt, keep looking.

When you are selecting a roofer, check with family, friends and colleagues. Ask about the job and if warranties are offered.

If you have a contractor coming to remove your old roof, be sure to cut the grass beforehand. This will ensure he can find any dropped nails easily. Your roofer may use a metal detector to locate lost nails, and this job will also go faster if your grass is freshly trimmed.

Don’t consider ‘quick-fixes’ for your roof repairs. It may seem cost effective at the time, but it may end up causing more damage, and that may cost you more. You want to always catch any roof problems before they cause serious damages.

You never want to just get on your own roof in search of damaged spots. If there is a problem, be sure to hire a professional to look at it. You certainly shouldn’t walk on the roof that could collapse.

Investigate the credentials and reputation of a roofing contractor before signing a contract. Talk to loved ones for suggestions on who they used. You need to hire an excellent contractor; this is the best way to ensure that you aren’t looking at expensive repairs down the road.

When you have your contractors narrowed down, find out what kind of warranties are available. You want a warranty that is going to last for about three or more years. The warranty needs to cover defective supplies and sup-par workmanship, and you should have manufacturer warranty copies too.

Insurance is something you need to have when it comes to roofing. If you hire a contractor without insurance and something goes wrong, you will be responsible for any damage they cause. Don’t just take their word for it either; ask for proof that they have plenty of up to date, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.

Closely inspect all roofing materials before installing shingles. A lot of leaks come from installation, due to nails that aren’t the proper size, or shingles that are cracked. Be sure those shingles are crack-free and strong, and make sure nails secure and penetrate the shingles to keep them in place.

The age of your roof is a major factor in determining whether you should replace it or not. Most roofs have a lifespan of twenty years or so before they must be replaced. If your current roof is installed over an older layer of roofing, you must replace it after 20 years.

Only hire a roofer that can provide proof of an active license and insurance policies.

If you are big into the environment, consider a living roof. Living roofs have a layer of soil where plants can grow. While they only work on various kinds of flat roofs in specific climates, they give you great insulation.

Keep your roof clear of leaves and gutters clean.If you let these materials build up, it can cause water to stagnate. When water stagnates, the wood beneath the shingle may rot, making you susceptible to leaks.

Get several quotes from different contractors before hiring a roofer. 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, make sure you compare fair market prices and know what you’re getting into first.

When meeting with prospective roofing contractors, request a minimum of three references from past clients. Honest companies will have no problem giving you some references. If a company is reluctant to do so, you might want to look into another roofing contractor. This is an indication that there may be trouble ahead.

Have your contractor explain the whole process. He ought to talk about important matters, such as the materials that will be used, the costs, and how cleaning up is done. Ask questions if you fully understand the roofer says. If you aren’t comfortable with the information your contractor is providing you with, you should go with a different contractor.

This will give you don’t get scammed.

If you think your roof has a leak, 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 located. It doesn’t cost as much as hiring a professional, so give it a try.

Ensure your chosen roofer has completed and acquired all paperwork before they begin the job. Your contractor might need a permit or bond prior to them beginning work on your roof.

If the weather is not ideal to climb out onto your roof, then you should wait. Fixing your home is never worth injury or death. You need to know exactly what to do and be safe about it.

Only consider hiring roofers who are able to show proof of current insurance and licenses. If they do not provide you with these things, don’t hire them. You have no options of recourse if their work is not up to standard.

Make sure you wear shoes have rubber soles. It can be dangerous to work and walk on the roof. Wearing rubber-soled shoes provides better traction and reduces the chances of slipping and falling. A roof can get very slippery when wet.It can be hard to stay standing on a roof if you aren’t prepared.

Think about what the weather is like in your area when you choose roofing materials. For example, wood shingles will not do well in extremely dry climates.Synthetic materials do not last in warm climates. Metal roofs aren’t ideal for colder conditions.Talk to a professional contractor to ensure you’re making a good choice.

To keep your roof in good quality over the years, it is important to keep it clear of excess debris such as leaves and sticks. When debris builds up, water pools. If water sits on your roof for a while it can make the roof start to rot in places and that could cause some expensive leaks.

Don’t ever hire anyone to do a contractor without proof of licensing. If you want to have recourse in case of a botched job, there will be no available recourse. What if you pay an unlicensed contractor more than one thousand dollars? You would be breaking the law in most states.

Totally neglecting your roof is a sure way to have major roofing problems at a later date. This can cause serious future issues. Instead, use what you learned here to make sure your roof is in good shape. Perform maintenance a few times a year on your roof for the best results.

Do not pay for a full roofing job until it is complete. Scamming contractors like to get payment upfront so that they don’t have to return to complete the work. You should be giving them a certain amount before they begin and give them the rest once the job is completed and you are pleased.