TIP! Always remember the rubber boots if you are going up to work on your roof. Even on a dry day, you need a proper grip.

While most roofs are made to last about fifteen years, you shouldn’t count on it lasting that long without help. Maintaining your roof properly is part of being a responsible homeowner. Continue to read to learn more about roofing.

TIP! If you have a contractor coming to remove your old roof, be sure to cut the grass beforehand. This enables them to find nails much easier should they fall during the job.

If your roof leaks, wait until the weather passes to examine it. Not only will you not be able to repair a leak quickly at first, you won’t be safe if the roof is wet. A dry is roof is much safer.

TIP! When you hire roofing contractors, you need to check into their references and reputation. Once you have the references you should speak with the homeowners and see how well the job was done.

When you must climb on the roof, wear some rubber boots. Although the weather may be perfect, your roof is still very slippery; therefore, you need these boots to ensure you have the best grip on your roof. It can be physically challenging to perform roof repairs.

TIP! There are a number of questions you should ask your roofer before you sign the contract. One inquiry should be about how many nails the roofer will place into every shingle.

Always research the contractor that you are considering for your roofing job. Avoid using the first roofer you find, or the one that costs least. Spend some time looking up local roofers. Look for online reviews and talk with friends and colleagues about any recommendations they could give.

TIP! Always research roofing contractors. Don’t hire the cheapest or first company you locate.

Choose a contractor who has a a good liability insurance. If for no other reason, this lets you know that your roofer is professional and reliable. If something does happen, their insurance will cover the bills.

TIP! Never pay in full before the job is complete. It’s common to pay about 25% up front, but any more expected by the contractor could be a danger sign.

Always make sure that you don’t pay the full amount up front if you don’t have to. A downpayment of about 25% is all that should be needed to get them started on the job. You don’t want them to do a poor job or do less work than expected.

TIP! Make sure any contractor you are considering has insurance. If you hire a roofer that is not insured, you will be financially responsible if there is any property damage.

Make sure your materials are in good condition. Cracked or warped shingles, the wrong type or length of nails along with any other inappropriate materials can doom the installation from the beginning. Be sure your shingles are sturdy and without cracks and make sure your nails are long enough to secure the shingles properly.

TIP! Roofing contractors you hire should have current credentials. A license is required of roofers, generally.

Always consider how long a roofing company has been in business before hiring them for a job. Someone with a lot of experience, who has been in business for a while, knows the secret to keeping customers satisfied. Anybody that doesn’t have a good history may be someone that’s just trying to scam you out of money.

TIP! A contractor who hires employees is usually cheaper and more efficient than a contractor who works alone. A roofing team can accomplish a job quicker and this usually ends up with a much cheaper final product.

Only award your roofing work to a contractor who can prove he has valid insurance and proper licensing. If they don’t have this, don’t hire them. You won’t have any recourse available when they do a bad job which ends up costing you a lot of money to fix.

TIP! The age of your roof often dictates whether or not you replace it. Most roofs have a lifespan of twenty years before replacement is needed.

Don’t ever pay the full cost of a roof repair before the job has started. It’s not a sign of good faith for a company to want all the money up front. In fact many scam artists follow this technique and then never do any work. Rather, pay a smaller percentage initially, and pay the remaining balance once you are happy with the final product.

TIP! Discuss warranty options with any potential contractor. Some companies will provide better coverage than their competitors.

If your roof is not visible from the ground, climb up and inspect it following a big storm. It’s very smart to catch any issues immediately as broken shingles can lead to flying debris and leaks. Look over your roof, remembering to be safe.

TIP! If you want your roof to be in excellent condition for years to come, make sure it does not fill with excess debris, such as branches, leaves, and dirt. If debris builds up, it can cause water to stagnate.

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. It can be said that your roof is a very important asset to your home. These tips will help you maintain it properly.