Most homeowners don’t know much about roof until it is in need of repair. Read on to learn the basics of roofing.

If you have a leak when it rains, wait until the weather passes to examine it. You could compromise your safety on a slippery roof. A dry is roof is a safe roof.

When roofing is concerned, safety should be your number one priority. Fixing a leak while in the middle of the storm can cause you serious injury. Just do what you can with the leak, like collecting the water in a bucket, and look at the roof later when the weather is better.

Don’t procrastinate replacing shingles. Replacing or repairing your roof as problems arise can save you a ton of money and energy in the future. Your roof will last much longer if it is maintained well.

Mow your lawn before the contractor work on your roof. This will ensure he can find nails that may hit the ground. If they bring a type of magnetic nail finder, it will work best with the short grass.

As far as roofing goes, you need to think about the climate. When you live in a dry climate, go for clay tile. Clay tiles applied in damper climates can cause rapid deterioration. If you don’t know, ask.

There are quite a few things that need to ask the roofer before signing any contracts. One question to ask is the amount of nails that need to be inserted into every shingle. Three nails are usually doesn’t cut it. Ask about the methods they use to find out whether or not they give good answer. If you do not, continue looking.

Make sure you do your homework is done when you’re hiring a contractor. Don’t simply hire the cheapest or first company you can find.

When fixing a leak on your roof, be sure all repairs are done at the same time. This refers to the fact that you do not stop with only a single spot causing the issue. Look over all of your roof; there may be more problem areas than you first suspected.

Don’t use remedies that only work for your roof repairs. It may seem like a money saver, but it may end up causing more damage, you are more likely to have further damage that will only cost you more money. The best thing to do is to completely fix the problem as quickly as you can so that nothing bad happens later on.

Check roofing materials thoroughly before putting new shingles up.

Rubber boots should be worn when working on the roof. Even if the weather is dry you don’t want to take any chances of slipping off the roof. Working on a roof is always a dangerous proposition. It is easy to slip and fall while balancing on high, slanted rooftops, so take your safety very seriously.

A living roof is one that has soil to grow plants if you want to on it.

Don’t get frustrated if you’re unable to locate the source of a leak is originating from. You are going to find the problem, and having a buddy will help as well.If you have a large home, try using cell phones to talk so that the water doesn’t go into the house by mistake as you test possible leak areas.

If you have a contractor coming to remove your old roof, be sure to cut the grass beforehand. Having cut grass will help both you and the contractor find any nails that have fallen on the ground. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, short grass will also help this tool work more efficiently.

If you think your roof has a leak, you would be wise to take a garden hose and spray it. This will let you determine if you have a leak and also where the leak is located. This is a lot cheaper alternative to having to hire a contractor.

Only employ roofing contractors that can prove he has valid insurance and an active license.

Don’t use band-aid solutions. You may think you are saving money, but in the long run you could end up spending a lot more due to major damage. The smartest thing to do is to completely fix the problem as quickly as possible to prevent things from getting worse.

Get several quotes before hiring a contractor to replace or repair the roof. There are companies out there that will try and squeeze as much money from you as they can. To avoid becoming the victim of shoddy work or someone who will rip you off, you need to see what the going rate is in your market before making decisions.

The roof is an important aspect of your home, especially when it comes to protecting the structure and the contents of your home. Keep what you’ve read in focus, and there should not be any problems you can’t quickly address. Don’t let your roof become a problem.

Check to see how long contractors are in business for and how many employees work for them. This will prove that they are legitimate and can do quality work. A roofer with no track record is pretty suspicious; be aware that such contractors may intend to take advantage of you.