Though most roofs are meant to last for 10-15 years, you need to do your part. You must make sure that you’re taking care of your roof all of the time. The following article will help you keep your roof in good shape.

Don’t procrastinate on replacing worn or broken shingles. Replacing or repairing your roof as problems arise can save you both time and heartache. Maintaining your roof means it will extend its life.

Check out your roof yearly. Typically, roofs suffer the most damage during winter and spring. For this reason, carefully monitor your roof during these months.

Wear shoes with rubber soles whenever you need to get on your roof.

When you are selecting a roofer, check with family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Ask about the job and if warranties are offered.

Don’t wait when you need to have shingles replaced. You may think it’s a good idea to hold off on fixing something, but the damage will only get worse with time. Replacing or fixing shingles now will prevent trouble and money spending in the future. By taking care of your roof properly, it will take care of you.

Make sure your research when looking for a contractor. Don’t simply hire the cheapest contractor you locate.

Make sure whatever roofing contractor you hire has liability insurance. The mere existence of such a roofer is the fact that they are a reliable person. Secondly, if a worker sustains injury on the job, their insurance will pay for any problems.

Never neglect safety precautions when working on your roof. Repairing a roof in bad weather is a recipe for disaster. Put a bucket to catch the water until the rain stops, then get up on the roof to find the problem.

If your contractor won’t be out for a day or two, try a temporary solution for your leak. Get yourself a piece of heavy plastic material and nail that over the leaking area.

Don’t use short-term solutions for short periods of time when dealing with roof repairs. It may seem cost effective at the time, but it may end up causing more damage, and that may cost you more. The smartest thing to do is take care of any problem as quickly as you can so that nothing bad happens later on.

Keep your climate in mind before getting any roof work done. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. However, if your climate is rainy, clay roofs can quickly deteriorate. If you are hesitant if it will suit your area, ask an expert.

The age of your roof often dictates whether it needs replacing. Most roofs only last about every 20 years. If your existing roof was put directly into an older one, you definitely need to have it replaced after twenty years.

Check roofing materials before installation.

Always research contractors you are considering. You shouldn’t hire the first or the cheapest one you find. Instead, research the different roofers in your area. You should ask friends, search online, or even use a referral service that looks for workers for you that are trusted.

Roofing Contractor

Always check a potential roofing contractor. A legit company that performs well and is honest should have no problem giving you their references. If the company is dodgy about references, you might want to look into another roofing contractor. This might be a tell-tale sign that the work isn’t going to go as planned usually.

Contractors with workers tend to be cheaper than those who work alone. A team of people can get the job done more quickly, and this may mean cheaper costs too. If you are hiring a single roofer, be sure that you aren’t overcharged for labor.

Keep your roof clear of leaves and gutters clean.If debris builds up, water can start to build up. When water stagnates, the wood beneath the shingle may rot, which can lead to costly leaks.

Architectural shingles can be a great alternative roofing material. They’re more attractive and last a long time.

What warranty does your roofer offer? Some roofers may offer better warranty options than others do. Obtain a written warranty with your estimate so that you’re in possession of all the proper information. This will prevent ant disagreements in the future.

Do not pay for the services a full roofing job until it is complete. Many shady contractors actually never return to finish work after receiving full payment.

Industry Associations

Pay attention to details when selecting your roofer. You can measure a firm’s reliability by whether or not they are prompt for appointments and easily accessible by phone. A contractor who provides you with a typed bid demonstrates professionalism on his part. These are both things to look for in a roofer.

Ask any contractor to tell you what industry associations the roofing company is a member of. The top contractors are going to be involved in these groups to stay informed on the latest technological advances and improvements to standard techniques. If your contractor is not a part of any industry associations, then you may just begin to wonder if they are truly dedicated to their chosen field.

If you work on your roof and are able to make sure it’s taken care of, it will take care of your home for you. Your roof can be seen as probably the most important part of your home’s exterior. Apply the tips from this article and do more research about roofing.

Never pay for your new roof in full before the work has begun. Some shady contractors collect upfront and then never do the work. Rather, pay a percentage up front for start-up, and then pay the remainder when the job has been done to your satisfaction.