TIP! Before you hire a roofing contractor ask for references. Whenever you check out these references, follow up on them by contacting them so you can ask them their opinions on the contractor’s work.

Are you experiencing roofing issues? If so, it is important that you are informed on the matter before you take action. You need to avoid poor decisions that you’ll regret later. After all, the roof is what hangs over you and your family’s heads. The following information will help educate you on the topic of roofing.

Inspect your roof at least once yearly. Your roof is most likely to incur damage during winter and spring. Be extra watchful during these seasons.

TIP! If you plan on hiring a roofing contractor, talk to your family and friends first. Find out whether he used good quality materials, did the work at a good price, and whether they were pleased overall with the job he did.

If you’re going to have someone work on your roof, they need up-to-date liability insurance. If they have this kind of insurance, it is a good bet they are reliable. This insurance will also cover costs in the event of an accident.

TIP! Always research roofing contractors. Don’t just accept the cheapest repairman who comes to call.

Walking around on your roof looking for damage is not always safe. If you know there is a problem, get a professional to visit and do an inspection. You do not want to have the roof cave in under your feet.

TIP! It’s best to use a roofing contractor who has extensive experience in the industry. Your coworkers and friends are excellent sources for referrals, reviews, and recommendations.

Insurance is a must when it comes to roofing. If your roofer does not have insurance and your property is damaged, you will have to foot the bill. Have the roofer provide you with proof of current comprehensive insurance.

TIP! You should never climb on your roof and try finding damaged areas yourself. If you think there are problems, hire a professional to do an inspection.

Any roofing contractor you are considering hiring should maintain full and up to date credentials. Nearly every state requires roofers to have certain licenses; therefore, do not neglect checking for current and valid licenses from any contractors you are considering. They need to also have insurance that is full liability, as well as a certificate that’s current and covers workers’ compensation.

TIP! When shopping for a contractor, be sure to ask about warranties. You want at least a 3-5 year warranty.

Look at all of your roofing materials before you put up new shingles. Quite a few leaks happen due to improper installation, whether that be shingles that have cracked, nails that are too long, or something else. 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! If you plan on hiring a contractor, you should ensure they have proper credentials that are updated. Make sure your contractor has a roofing license.

Talk to your roofer about what kind of warranty they offer on their work. Some may provide you with better deals than others. On top of that, be sure to get the warranty and the estimate in writing, so you will have this information on hand. This way, no one can dispute on the terms of the agreement.

TIP! Get quotes from different contractors before hiring one. Some contractors will bid high just to see how much they can get out of you.

If you think there may be a place on your roof that’s leaking, spray it with your garden hose. Not only will you know for sure whether a leak exists, you will also know exactly where it is. This is more cost effective than hiring a professional.

TIP! Expect complete professionalism from your contractor at every step in the process. As an example, the best contractors will always give you a formal quote that includes all work to be done and costs.

While it is tempting to go with the cheapest roofing materials, this may not be your best bet. Even if you find cheaper prices, you should consider what you could end up paying if your roof wears out sooner.

TIP! Always check the condition of roofing materials before they go on your house. Shingles can be cracked or damaged during shipping.

Always ask any questions that you have before you allow work to begin on your roof. Neglecting to ask certain questions can lead to future trouble. If you can’t get your questions answered by a contractor, then you shouldn’t be doing business with them.

TIP! Call the BBB to find out more about a particular contractor. That helps you to know whether people have had complaints about someone you want to hire.

You should now have more information about roofing. You should, and you are now ready to plan that roofing project. Choose your contractor carefully and do your best to prevent damages to your roof. When you are ready to plan, remember what you have read here.