TIP! Check out your roof yearly. The most common time of year for a roof to suffer from damage is during the winter and spring months.

If you know little to nothing about roofing, you’re not alone. If you are a homeowner however, youâ”d be wise to educate yourself quickly. Not taking good care of your roof could end up costing you a lot. This article will give you some good advice on the topic of roofing.

TIP! Safety needs to be first. Attempting leak repairs during rainstorms can cause serious injuries.

When roofing, think about safety first. Trying to repair a leak while it’s raining or during a storm can seriously injure you, or worse! Use a bucket to catch the leak, and then check out what is needed for repair when the weather changes.

TIP! When you have a contractor coming to do major roof work, give your lawn a close trim. This will ensure he can find any dropped nails easily.

When you’re trying to hire a roofing contractor, you need to make sure they are in possession of liability insurance. Insurance is a sign of a reliable contractor. If something does happen, their insurance will cover the bills.

TIP! Before signing a contract with a roofing contractor, there are many questions you need to ask him. One inquiry should be about how many nails the roofer will place into every shingle.

Don’t pay up front! Pay a percentage of the fee in the beginning and then when the work is done. It could be a sign that their work will be sub-par or that they are trying to scam you.

TIP! If you feel pressured by a roofing contractor, it’s time to turn them down and ask them to leave. These salesmen are simply in it for the profit.

The roofing contractor you hire must have proper licensing for the work involved. If you don’t know what’s required of the area, don’t just trust the roofer’s word. Contact your local building department and ask them what is needed.

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

If you choose a contractor that has workers for him/ her, this could end up being a cheaper option than a contractor that works alone. The more people working on the roof, the quicker the job can be completed. Check the prices of any solo-roofer against competitor’s rates for discrepancies.

TIP! Never pay the full price up front. You should negotiate with your contractor to pay up to a quarter of the amount before he starts working on your roof.

Your roof’s age can indicate if it needs replacing. The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. If your current roof was installed over an old one, after twenty years you don’t have any other option besides replacing it.

TIP! Saving a little time and money in the short-term will set you up for more costly repairs in the future. Sure, you’ll spend less money up front.

Check your roofing materials thoroughly before installation. Installation is a big cause of leaks, whether it be from the wrong sized nails or cracked shingles. Make sure the shingles are strong and free from cracks and that the nails you use will penetrate the shingles and secure them onto the structure.

TIP! The last thing you should do is go onto your roof and walk around looking for damaged areas. Hire a professional to inspect your roof if you think some areas are damaged.

Get references for any roofing company you may hire. Honest companies have no problems giving references. If the roofer is reluctant, walk away. This is generally a read flag that means trouble later on.

TIP! Choose a roof contractor with some good credentials. Nearly every state makes licensing a requirement, so be sure that they have the proper licensing.

When choosing a roofing contractor, consider how long they have been in business. A new company is not necessarily bad, but a company with a long history of happy customers is your best and safest bet. A company that hasn’t been in operation for too long may very well be run by scammers who will take your money and run.

TIP! Always consider how long a roofing company has been in business before hiring them for a job. A new company is not necessarily bad, but a company with a long history of happy customers is your best and safest bet.

If you’re worried about a leaky roof, spray it with a garden hose. This is a great way to see if there’s a leak and you can also see where the leak is coming from. You will not have to spend money on a contractor just to find out.

TIP! When hiring a contractor, only hire someone who provides a copy of their license and insurance. If they can’t then look elsewhere.

Ask the contractor to give you their license and insurance information. If they’re not able to do this, then they should not be hired no matter what. Poor workmanship can actually lead to more extensive damage in the long run.

TIP! Keeping your roof free from excess debris, such as dead leaves and branches, is an important part of maintaining it. If debris builds up, it can cause water to stagnate.

You likely began this article will little roofing knowledge. With any luck, you now know much more about roofing and can confidently tackle any roofing task that comes your way. Staying safe starts with a well-maintained roof.