TIP! While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, be sure you look at your roof’s foundation too. If you have dry rot on your home’s sides, it can allow water to get into your home.

No homeowner gets excited about necessary home maintenance. It’s a chore that people would much rather put off. Maintenance of the roof, however, is key. Your roof is the best protection your home has, so you need to make sure it stays in good condition. This article can teach you how.

TIP! Never attempt to fix a roof when it is raining, snowing, or conditions are icy. When you have a roof that is wet then it could cause you to fall and get hurt pretty badly.

Each year, take a long, hard look at your roof. Spring and winter are the two seasons when roofs are most damaged. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to your roof at these times.

TIP! Wear rubber boots when you work on your roof. You need rubber soles to get good traction even when it is dry and sunny.

Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect the foundations of your roof. Water can get into your home anywhere that dry rot has occurred. Look at every entry point, even rotten wood, to see if the problem can be solved for good.

TIP! Make sure that you’re secured in the right way anytime you’re doing work on your roof. If you end up slipping, this could save your life.

Don’t try to fix any roof when the weather conditions are poor. If your roof is slippery, you’ll likely fall and sustain an injury. If you are performing your own roof repair, only work when conditions are sunny and dry.

TIP! When looking for damage on your roof, don’t start by taking a walk around the roof. If you think there are problems, hire a professional to do an inspection.

Consider the climate in your area when replacing your roof. If your climate is dry, clay roofs are an excellent option because of their ability to cool a house. However, using clay tiles on a roof in a wetter, rainy climate can lead to quicker deterioration of those tiles. If you don’t know, ask.

TIP! Check to see that your roofer has all of the necessary documentation. If you don’t know what your area requires, you shouldn’t take what the roofer says about it as the truth.

When fixing a leak on your roof, be sure all repairs are done at the same time. This means you’re not going to want to only stop on the first place you locate that has problems. Look at the whole roof and you might see that several areas are causing the leak.

TIP! One thing to ensure is that the contractor you choose is insured and bonded. When your contractor lacks insurance, all responsibility falls on you.

Make a list of questions to ask before hiring a roofer. One question is the amount of nails that need to be inserted into every shingle. Three isn’t enough. Ask detailed questions regarding their methodology and ensure you are satisfied with their responses. Go with another contractor if you’re not happy with their answer.

TIP! The age of your roof plays a key role in the decision to purchase a new one. Usually, roofs have a lifespan of 20 years before they need replacing.

If your appointment with the roofer is scheduled, but is not to occur for a few more days, you may want to make a temporary leak repair. You could try putting plastic over a leak, for instance, and nailing it down. This method is not the best way to address a leak, but it will buy you time while you wait.

TIP! Before you install a new roof, check out your supplies. Installation is a big cause of leaks, whether it be from the wrong sized nails or cracked shingles.

Talk to your roofer about what kind of warranty they offer on their work. Some companies will have better deals than others. Make sure you always get written warranties with your estimates so that you retain a copy of important information. That allows you recourse if anything happens.

TIP! If you’re unable to find where a leak is coming from in your roof, don’t get upset. You’ll find it sooner or later, likely by using a hose and having a friend help.

Do not pay the full amount of your roof’s price prior to the commencement of work. Scamming contractors like to get payment upfront so that they don’t have to return to complete the work. The best policy is to pay a portion of the total for materials and labor when the project begins and then pay the remain balance upon completion. Write this agreement into your contract.

TIP! If you are seeking a more unique look to your roof, for example turrets, make sure your proposed roofer has the skill and experience in this area that you need. If they have less than three years of experience, you probably want to search for another contractor.

There is a lot that goes into choosing, installing, and maintaining the roof of your home. But it is critical if your home is to remain safe and secure. Use the tips here in order to help you with roofing issues you have. Your efforts will be well worth it in the end.