TIP! Inspect your roof yearly. Spring and winter are the two seasons when roofs are most damaged.

Your roof’s job is to keep your home safe from the weather. The external environment can reek havoc on your roof during the year. Knowing about proper roof maintenance can prevent lots of headaches down the road. Read the roofing advice below to prepare yourself.

TIP! You need to consider the climate when choosing a roof type. If you’re in a dry climate, a clay roof is a good way to keep your home cool.

Though shingles could be the cause of leaks, take a look at your roof’s foundation. Water can enter into many areas that are rotting. It is important to examine every potential water entry point, like rotting wood, so that you are really resolving all the problem areas.

TIP! Always check the references of a contractor before hiring them. Call the clients and ask them about their experience.

You need to consider the climate when choosing a roof type. Clay roofs do well in dry climates, and they help keep the house cool. Clay roof tiles in rainy climates will cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. As always, if you aren’t sure, then you should ask.

TIP! Liability insurance is a must for any roofing contractor you intend to hire. Insurance is a sign of a reliable contractor.

When fixing a leak, you must finish the job right to begin with. This means never stop when you’ve discovered a first issue. Check over the whole roof so that you can see if there are more problems that you’re going to have to take care of.

TIP! Only hire an experienced contractor. Ask loved ones for referrals.

Wear rubber boots when you climb onto your roof. Even if the weather is dry, you still need to wear these. Doing repair work up on the roof can be tricky and dangerous because of the awkward footing, so take safety precautions.

TIP! Whenever you narrow down your list of contractors, ask each one their provided warranties. You’re looking for a warranty which lasts between three to five years.

Mow your lawn the day before your roof is replaced. This helps make it easier to find nails that may hit the ground. Even if your contractor has a nail finder, it’ll work better with clipped grass.

TIP! The age of your roof can help you figure out if replacement is needed. Most roofs only have twenty years or so before they must be replaced.

It is important that you check out your potential contractor’s history before you allow them to work on your roof. Once you have their references, give them a call and ask them about the value and quality of the work. You need to also look at some of the addresses in person. Drive by and get a good look before deciding who to hire.

TIP! If you want a “greener” roofing option, you may want to consider installing a living roof. Living roofs have a layer of soil where plants can grow.

Any roofer you are considering using must have the proper license to do business. If you don’t know what your area requires, you shouldn’t take what the roofer says about it as the truth. Check your local building department and call them to find out what is necessary.

TIP! Always ask a contractor to provide references. Companies with nothing to hide will be capable of showing you plenty of references.

Opting for a contractor with a team could often be less costly than a contractor working alone. Several workers should work faster than a single worker. As a result, because the labor time is being decreased, you should be able to save some money. Check the prices of any solo-roofer against competitor’s rates for discrepancies.

TIP! Don’t try to get too miserly when purchasing new materials for your home’s roof. Buying sub-par materials will lead to higher costs down the road because cheaper materials do not last as long and the work will have to be redone sooner, rather than later.

Before you install new shingles, you should check out your roofing materials. Cracked shingles or punctured material can cause a roof to become corrupt. Make sure all shingles do not have cracks and are strong, and that your nails are long enough to penetrate the shingle completely and secure them to the roof.

Living Roof

TIP! Think about using architectural shingles on your new roof. These shingles are not only better looking than traditional shingles, they also have a much longer lifespan.

Are you environmentally conscious and seeking a new roof? If so, consider a living roof. This type of roof is made up of layers of soil and can be used as a garden. Although only appropriate on flat roofs in certain climates, a living roof also provides excellent insulation.

TIP! If being eco-friendly is important to you, look into coated metal roofing. The material is 100% recyclable and may drastically reduce energy costs.

Not taking good care of your roof could end up costing you a lot in the long run. You can avoid those problems by following the advice in this article. If you take advantage of the things you’ve learned, you’ll be able to feel good about the condition of your roof.