TIP! If you have a leak when it rains, examine it when it’s dry and fix it. Fixing a leak isn’t easy, but it is even more difficult in the rain as you might slip.

When you see a yellow stain on your ceiling, or a storm blows through, your roof is often the first thing on your mind. It is a hard job, and people tend to put things off. However, you can’t ever neglect maintaining your roof. Your roof is the best protection your home has, so you need to make sure it stays in good condition. This article is going to teach you the things that you need to know.

TIP! When you’re thinking of roofing, you should always be aware of what the climate is like. If you are in a dry climate and want to keep your house cool, then a clay roof would be ideal.

Repair your leak when the water has dried up. A wet roof is an accident waiting to happen. This will allow you the time to do the job right and do it under safe conditions.

TIP! When fixing a leak, you must finish the job right to begin with. You need to ensure that the entire structure of your roof is sound.

Don’t think twice about replacing your shingles. It may seem like a great idea to wait a while to fix a problem, but damage will worsen as time passes. Replacing or fixing shingles now will prevent trouble and money spending in the future. If you keep up with your roof, it can last for years to come.

TIP! If you intend to complete work on your roof, you must do so securely. It is not hard to lose your footing and sustain serious injury – even death – when you are on your roof.

Some leaks are caused by shingles, but you should check your roof’s foundation. If your home has dry rot in the outside walls, water can enter there. You need to be checking all entry points to make sure there is no problem.

TIP! Always take the time to check the references and credentials of any roofing contractor you want to hire. Make sure to call the references if you can too.

Your grass should be cut before you have someone come over and remove your roof. This will make the process of finding nails that fall to the ground much easier for your contractor and for you. Some contractors use a magnetic device to find stray nails. These devices are most effective when used on shorter grass.

TIP! Be sure to ask many questions of your roofer before hiring him. Talk about the amount of nails that they will use in the repair.

There are several important questions that one should ask a roofing contractor prior to the contract signing. For instance, how many nails will they use on each shingle? Typically, three nails will not work. Ask them about the methods they use, and see if they give a good answer. If they don’t answer things right, move on.

TIP! Make sure any contractor you are considering has insurance. When your contractor lacks insurance, all responsibility falls on you.

The first thing you should do is ask people you know to recommend a roofer. Ask around to see if anyone you know recently hired a roofing contractor who did a good job. Also ask how well the contractor cleaned up after the job was done and whether there is a warranty for future repairs.

TIP! If your contractor has workers with them, this could be cheaper than one that works alone. A roofing team can accomplish a job quicker and this usually ends up with a much cheaper final product.

If a roofing salesman is giving you a high pressure pitch, tell him no thank you and show him out of your home. It is better to turn down salesmen using an unrealistic pitch. They are unlikely to fulfill a contract if you do sign one.

TIP! If you’re wondering if your roof is leaking, try spraying it with a garden hose. Not only will you know for sure whether a leak exists, you will also know exactly where it is.

Don’t consider ‘quick-fixes’ for your roof. It may seem like a money saver, but it may end up causing more damage, and that may cost you more. Get the problem fixed today to avoid disaster tomorrow.

TIP! Make sure your roof stays intact as the years go on by making sure it is clear of sticks, leaves and debris. If these things build up on your roof that could trap water onto it.

Confirm that your contractor has the necessary skills to perform the job. If you know anyone who has recently had their roof fixed, find out if they would recommend that contractor. You would hate to hire the wrong roofing contractor because this could result in wasted time and money.

TIP! Utilize architectural shingles whenever you have to replace the roof. Not only do they look better than normal shingles, they also last longer.

As stated before, maintaining a roof can be tough. That said, it is vitally important. Use what you have read as you tackle any roofing issues that are thrown your way. It’ll all work out in the end this way.