TIP! Inspect your roof once a year at the bare minimum. Spring and winter are times when damage is prevalent.

Your roof shelters you from the elements, and keeps your home from getting damaged. It is obvious that the home’s roof is the most important element of the home. If you are a homeowner, you know the necessity of keeping the roof in good shape. The following advice will help protect your roof and keep water out of your home.

TIP! If it is raining and your roof is leaking, you shouldn’t attempt to climb up onto your roof and fix the problem until it has quit raining. Not only will you not be able to repair a leak quickly at first, you won’t be safe if the roof is wet.

If you find out that your roof is leaking when the weather is bad, wait until things settle down before doing any repairs. Not only will you not be able to repair a leak quickly at first, you won’t be safe if the roof is wet. Once the sun is shining again, you can look at the roof with a fresh set of eyes.

TIP! While damaged shingles are sometimes the cause of leaks, it is also a good idea to check with your roof’s foundation as well. If your home is showing signs of dry rot, your house is vulnerable to water intrusion.

Don’t procrastinate replacing worn or broken shingles. You may want to avoid repairs, but waiting will only make things worse. Replacing or repairing your roof as problems arise can save you a ton of money and heartache. Maintaining your roof will extend its life.

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TIP! Ask your friends and relatives for references if you need a new contractor. Ask them about their experience with roofers, whether or not they were satisfied with the quality of service and the price of the job.

Never neglect safety when planning repairs on your roof. The weather is key to whether or not you should be up on a roof. Until the weather gets better, put a bucket underneath a leak. Check your roof out when the weather gets better to see if the issue is something you can fix.

TIP! Don’t fix your roof with short-term solutions. Sure, you’ll spend less money up front.

Don’t try to fix any roof when the weather conditions are poor. This could cause injury and roofs are difficult to replace while moist. If you’re doing roof work yourself, make sure to do it during dry and sunny days.

TIP! Don’t just climb onto your roof to look for problem areas. If you are having trouble with your roof, it is safest to hire someone that can look at it for you.

Whenever you have to climb up onto your roof to work, wear rubber boots. Even on a dry day, you need a proper grip. You never know what you will encounter on the roof, and what you will have to do, so good footwear is essential.

TIP! If you want a “greener” roofing option, you may want to consider installing a living roof. A living roof has layers of soil in which a plant or flowers can be grown.

When climbing on the roof, it is important that you stay safe. This is critical because losing your balance on a roof is not difficult if you do not have regular experience on roofs. Falls from roofs kill or injure many people annually.

TIP! As you select your roofer, look into how long he has been engaged in this kind of work. If they’ve been in business for quite a while, it is obvious they know what they are doing.

Trim your grass prior to the arrival of your contractor. Major roof work will inevitably scatter some nails on your lawn, and close-cropped grass will make it easier for you or your contractor to recover them. Even nail-finding equipment will work better when the grass is cut short, which makes the cleanup process easier and faster.

TIP! If you think there may be a place on your roof that’s leaking, spray it with your garden hose. This will show if you have a leak and the area where the leak emanates from.

When selecting a roofer, ask loved ones for their experiences and recommendations. Find out if they were happy with the work and the cost of a particular roofer. Inquire about how well the yard was cleaned up and what type of guarantee they received as well.

TIP! Find out if your contractor is a part of any industry associations. If he is not aware of what is going on, you may want to try someone else.

Liability insurance is a must for any roofing contractor you intend to hire. Insurance is a sign of a reliable contractor. This insurance will also cover costs in the event of an accident.

TIP! Always be sure that you inspect your roof after there has been a lot of wind in your area. It’s very important to catch damage to the shingles as early as possible and even a few flying off can add up to major leaks.

When your roof is in good shape, you’re being a good homeowner. Many maintenance and repair jobs around the house can be ignored, but roof problems aren’t among them. Using the tips you just read will be a huge help.