TIP! Repair your leak when the water has dried up. Fixing a leak can take some time and walking on a slippery roof is extremely dangerous.

Shingles and gutters and contractors, oh my! There is a lot you should know about roofing, but there are not many places to learn. This article will guide you along. This article will talk about tips and techniques to improve your roofing knowledge.

TIP! When you’re thinking of roofing, you should always be aware of what the climate is like. For instance, certain roofing materials, like clay, are better in cool climates.

While damaged shingles are sometimes the cause of leaks, it is also a good idea to check with your roof’s foundation as well. Water can leak into your home through dry-rotted siding. Check every possible entry point, including rotten wood, to ensure you solve the problem once and for all.

TIP! When repairing a leaky roof, make sure you fix the problem the first time. If you find one bad spot, there could be more, so keep looking for them.

Talk to your family, friends, and colleagues regarding contractor suggestions. Ask others if they’re pleased with their work, with the overall quality of the chosen materials, and if the costs were fair. Ask about the clean-up job that was done after work was completed and if warranties are offered.

TIP! Always research roofing contractors. You shouldn’t just go with the one who has the best ad or the lowest prices.

If a roofing salesman is giving you a high pressure pitch, tell him no thank you and show him out of your home. These types of people are difficult to deal with, so it’s best to end any relationship before it begins.

TIP! If you’ve called a roofer, but their visit isn’t for another couple days, use a type of temporary fix on the leaky roof. Consider nailing in a layer of heavy plastic over the leaky area.

Make sure to do your research when looking for a roofing contractor. Don’t just think that you should hire the first person that you find or one that’s the cheapest. Instead, look into numerous contractors in the area. You can check them out online, ask people that have previously used them, or find a service that will help find workers you can trust.

TIP! Avoid using short-term remedies on your roof. It may not cost you a lot to do, but after a while it could cause more damage than it saves and that costs a lot of money.

When selecting a roofer, you need to make sure that they have a liability insurance policy. Roofers with this kind of insurance are more reliable than others. In addition, if they have an accident or cause serious damage to your roof, you won’t be held liable. Their insurance company will handle it.

TIP! Once you have your potential contractors list narrowed down, ask each what sort of warranties they provide. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better.

Check to make sure the contractor has all the licenses he needs. If you don’t know what’s required of the area, don’t just trust the roofer’s word. Call up the local building department and ask what you will need.

TIP! Be sure that your roofer has insurance. If you hire a contractor who is not properly insured, you will be responsible for any damage they cause.

The age of your roof often dictates whether or not you replace it. With most roofing materials, a 20-year lifespan is standard. Even if you have a new roof on top of your old one, you’re going to have to replace it once the older one is about 20 years old.

Architectural Shingles

TIP! All reputable contractors should be licensed and insured and be happy to show you proof of both. If they won’t, do not think about hiring them.

Consider having your roof done with architectural shingles. Such shingles look better than typical shingles and also last longer. Using architectural shingles for your roof could also increase the value of your home when you decide to sell it.

TIP! It is best to choose a contractor who is a member of different industry associations. The best roofing companies will want to remain updated on the latest technology and roofing techniques; therefore, they will associate themselves with these kinds of groups.

Don’t ever pay the full cost of a roof repair before the job has started. Sometimes, contractors will take your money without doing any work. Only pay a portion upfront, and pay the rest when a satisfactory job has been completed.

TIP! Make sure that you have a few people give you a quote before hiring someone to work on your roof. You need to do this to avoid scams.

There’s a ton to learn when it comes to roofing, so don’t get scared off by it! The advice that this article has give you should help you quite a lot with a variety of roofing issues. You’ll be off to a good start, whether you go with what you’ve just learned, or continue to seek out information. Apply these tips as needed.