A home’s roof is the first defense against inclement weather. That is why it has to be properly maintained. Too often homeowners neglect their roofs in a timely fashion. Use the following tips to take good care of your roof the right way.

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

When you are choosing roofing contractors, it’s important to look at background references. Call the clients and ask them about their experience. Drive by some of the addresses on your own. Drive by and get a good look before deciding who to hire.

Mow your lawn prior to having a contractor comes to remove your roof.This helps make it easier to find nails that fall from the roof. If the contractor uses a magnetized nail finder, the shorter grass helps this tool work better.

It is important that you check out your potential contractor’s history before you hire. Once given the references, check them out and ask about value and quality of the work. You need to also go and check out some of their previous work. Drive around and get a good look at the work before deciding who you will hire.

It is your responsibility to know what’s involved in hiring a suitable roofing contractor. Don’t just accept the cheapest repairman who comes to call. Compare the various contractors in your area to get an idea of the common rate. You can use online resources or ask trusted friends or family members.

Avoid Paying

Avoid paying the full amounts upfront. You can pay about 25% to start the job, but avoid paying anything more. You don’t want them to perform less work than you anticipated.

Confirm that your contractor has the necessary skills to perform the job. Your coworkers and friends are excellent sources for referrals, reviews, and recommendations. This is key, as you never want to have poor work done on your roof, causing you to spend more money down the line.

Insurance is something you will want to confirm your roofer has. If the roofer lacks sufficient insurance and you suffer damages, you are responsible for the bill. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, comprehensive coverage.

Make sure your roofer has credentials, valid certifications. Nearly every state insists that roofers be properly licensed, so carefully look at their licensing is valid and current.

After narrowing down your list of roofers, determine which one offers the best warranty. You want a warranty that is going to last for at least 3-5 years. The warranty ought to cover poor workmanship and defective materials and needs to incorporate any manufacturer’s warranties also.

The age of the roof often determines if it needs to be replaced. Many roofs only last for around 20 years prior to needing replacement. If your existing roof was put directly into an older one, you are going to have to redo your roofing in 20 years.

Check your roofing materials before installation.

Check to see that your roofer has all of the necessary documentation. If you don’t know what kind of licensing your area requires, you shouldn’t just ask the roofer what’s needed. Talk to your local building department and find out what the contractor should have.

Ask a roofer about any warranties they might offer. Some may give you with better deals than others. This will prevent possible disagreements about any of the terms later.

Don’t cut corners when purchasing new materials for your home’s roof. 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.

Have you checked the contractor’s credentials? They need to have a license, so check that it is valid. They need to also have insurance that is full liability, as well as a certificate that’s current and covers workers’ compensation.

If you want to give your new roof a one-of-a-kind look, for instance by installing a metal roof or getting some turrets, find a contractor who has worked on similar projects before. If they don’t have much experience with that specific type of roof, hire someone else. You sure don’t want to have to take chances like that when it pertains to your roof.

Roof boots are an area of a roof that is commonly ignored. These rubber boots are located where the roof fence comes up and they can dry out very quickly when performing tasks. When they do, leaks usually are not too far behind so make sure this doesn’t become a problem area for you.

If you want a “greener” roofing option, you may want to consider installing a living roof. A living roof allows you to grow greenery on it. Living roofs require a flat surface and appropriate climate conditions to thrive.

Always inspect the condition of roofing 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.

No matter how good your roofer is, there are going to be problems down the line, especially in extreme climates. A yearly visit can ensure your roof stays in the best shape possible.

Only hire people who are professionals at every step. For instance, all contractors need to give you typed quotes with all the costs itemized. You should expect 100% professionalism. If they are professional in business, it’s a good sign that they’ll be professional in their work on your roof too.

It is dangerous climbing on your roof. Roofs aren’t built for human traffic. Make sure that your shoes have rubber soles to prevent slipping. A harness should also strongly encouraged.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations when you’re searching for a new roofing contractor. Word of mouth is the best source for a contractor that’s good. They will at least be able to get you where to look.

Can your contractor come back yearly for maintenance? Even a good roofing job will need some further care, especially in extreme weather conditions. Yearly maintenance will help ensure your roof’s overall health.

When hiring roofers, ask them if the workers are sub-contractors. If the people working at your house are not the company’s own employees, then there could be a potential liability issue. Make sure you understand the sub-contracting situation before entering into a repair contract.

Ensure that your roofer has the necessary paperwork before they begin the job. Your contractor may need a permit or permits before they can touch your roof.

Climbing onto your roof is dangerous. Roofs aren’t built for people to be walking over them. Wear shoes with a rubber sole to prevent slippage. A harness is also strongly encouraged. Last, but not least, have someone with you.

Make sure your shoes that have rubber soles. It can be dangerous working and walking around 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.

Don’t ever work on the roof without help.

If you’re checking out a professional roofer, consult the BBB – Better Business Bureau. Research if there are any complaints filed against the contractors you are considering. Seek out input from the Chamber of Commerce in your area as well.

Get quotes from roofers.Compare their offers and make a better decision. You can save a lot of money and time this way.

Tin roofs have undergone a lot of improvements. They don’t cost much and provide a pleasing sound when it rains.

OSHA requires all roofing contractors to establish a safety plan for projects. This will ensure that each project gets done in the proper manner. Because of this, you shouldn’t hire a roofer unless you know they’ve developed a safety plan. Find someone else if they don’t give you a safety plan.

As said previously, your roof protects you and your family. Keep the tips from this article in mind and keep your family protected all year long. Your efforts will pay off tenfold.