TIP! Look at your roof closely once a year. Springtime and winter are the harshest times of the year for rooftops.

Maintaining your roof is quite a bit of work. It’s time-consuming and can require a lot of effort from you. This doesn’t mean it should ever be neglected however. Without a solid roof, you will face disaster; take good care of it! The tips below will help you do just that.

TIP! When roofing, think about safety first. Trying to fix issues while the roof is wet can cause serious injuries, or worse.

Safety needs to be first. Repairing a roof in bad weather is a recipe for disaster. Use a bucket to catch the leak, and then check out what is needed for repair when the weather changes.

TIP! You need to consider the climate when choosing a roof type. If you are in a dry climate and want to keep your house cool, then a clay roof would be ideal.

Your environment matters when thinking about your roof. Clay roofs are great for dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. However, these do not survive well in wet climates and will have a short lifespan. If you do not know if these are ideal for you, ask a pro.

TIP! If a roofer is making your feel uncomfortable with a sales pitch, politely decline. These salesmen are simply in it for the profit.

When hiring a roofing contractor, checking their background references is an absolute must. Once you have the references you should speak with the homeowners and see how well the job was done. Take a tour of the neighborhoods and pass by the references’ addresses. Take a quick drive and look at the work before making any decisions.

TIP! Make sure you do your homework before you decide on what contractor you will hire to do roof work. Don’t just hire the cheapest guy or the first one you find.

If you’re getting pitched to by a high pressure roofing salesman then you need to tell them you’re not interested. Pushy people like this will never give up on getting you to sign with them, and the results usually aren’t pretty. Stop them before you’re pressured into something you don’t want.

TIP! If your contractor won’t be out for a day or two, you can put a bandage on your leaking roof. Buy heavy plastic, then nail it to that spot.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask them what kind of warranties are available. You need to find someone offering a warranty that lasts for about three or more years. This will cover you in the event of poor work.

TIP! Investigate the credentials and reputation of a roofing contractor before signing a contract. If you know anyone who has recently had their roof fixed, find out if they would recommend that contractor.

Does your roofer have a license? If you don’t know what your area requires, you shouldn’t take what the roofer says about it as the truth. Call your area’s building department to find out what is needed.

TIP! Walking around on your roof looking for damage is not always safe. If there are issues, have a professional come take a look.

Ask a roofer about their warranties. You’ll find that some contractors offer much better warranties than others. Additionally, you should be sure you get a written copy of the warranty at the same time you receive the estimate so that you’ll have the documentation on-hand. This will prevent possible disagreements on terms later.

TIP! As you narrow down the field of possible roofing contractors to hire, make sure that you learn about each one’s warranty offers. You want at least a 3-5 year warranty.

You need to think about how long a contractor has been doing business. Contractors who have been working for years and have an excellent reputation are your best choice. A roofer with no track record is pretty suspicious; be aware that such contractors may intend to take advantage of you.

TIP! Closely inspect all roofing materials before installing shingles. Cracked shingles or punctured material can cause a roof to become corrupt.

Never hire a contractor unless they have the correct licensing and current insurance. If they can’t then look elsewhere. Without this protection, you have no way to recoup your costs in the event of damages or faulty installation.

TIP! Ask a roofer about their warranties. Some companies will have better deals than others.

To maintain your roof properly, keep debris away from it. Too much debris on your roof can cause water to build up. If water stays on your roof, it can permeate the shingles, causing rot.

TIP! Do not get upset if you cannot find sources of leaks in your roof. If you keep looking, you’ll find it eventually, especially if you get a friend to help you search with a garden hose.

The small things should not be ignored when you hire a roofing contractor. If the person returns your call promptly, you can feel good about the fact that they are dependable. Also, they are probably professional if they provide you with a typed bid. You want to see both happen with your contractor.

TIP! There are many small things that you will need to take into consideration when retaining a roofer. If the person returns your call promptly, you can feel good about the fact that they are dependable.

It can take time and energy to care for your roof. However, you should now realize how important it is. Whenever any issues occur with your home’s roof, take a look at this article. You’ll be happy you did.