TIP! Look at your roof closely once a year. Common seasons for roof damage are winter and spring.

Similar to many homeowners, you’re probably uneducated on roofs or you simply don’t care about them. But, given the importance of the roof to any home, you need to pay attention. This article will teach you all you need to know about roofing. Keep reading if you want more information.

TIP! If you notice a leak during a rain storm, hold off on your inspection until things dry out. Don’t jeopardize your safety by going up on a wet roof.

Leaks often come from shingles, but don’t discount a foundation problem as well. If there’s dry rot, water may be able to enter a home. Look for ever potential entry area, rotten wood included, to be sure you get the problem permanently fixed.

TIP! Never delay in repairing or replacing shingles. It may seem okay to hold back on fixing small problems, but those small problems can balloon into giant issues.

Remember: safety first. Trying to repair a leak while it’s raining or during a storm can seriously injure you, or worse! Get a bucket to catch the water from the leak until things start to clear up and then you should check on your roof.

TIP! Mow the lawn prior to the removal of your old roof. This enables them to find nails much easier should they fall during the job.

Be secured as you traverse the roof. It’s critical, and you can lose balance when you haven’t climbed onto a roof often; thousands are hurt or lose their life from falling each year.

TIP! Do not make changes to your roof that are not long-term. While it may seem like a cheaper choice, it can actually result in more damage in the future, costing you a whole lot more money.

Liability insurance is a must for any roofing contractor you intend to hire. If he has this insurance, there is a good chance he is reliable. This will also help you if something were to go wrong with the project, because it will be paid for by the insurance.

TIP! When hiring a roofing contractor, ensure that they’re skilled at roofing. Talk to your family, friends, coworkers, etc.

If you require the services of a roofing contractor, look into his credentials and experience. You may want to ask your friends or family for suggestions if any of them have had their roofs done. Hiring a contractor who is not properly licensed and experienced could cost you a lot.

TIP! Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. You want a warranty that is going to last for at least 3-5 years.

After narrowing down your list of roofers, determine which one offers the best warranty. The warranty should last at least three years. The longer it lasts, the better. It should cover both defective supplies as well as poor workmanship, plus they should give you copies of all manufacturer warranties as well.

TIP! Insurance is vital when it comes to this type of work. If you hire an uninsured roofer who damages your property, it’s going to cost you.

Be sure that your roofer has insurance. If you hire a contractor who is not properly insured, you will be responsible for any damage they cause. When it comes to insurance, you shouldn’t just take roofers at their word. Make sure you see documentation so that you know their insurance is up to date.

TIP! If you cannot find out where your roof leak is coming from, do not despair. You’ll find it sooner or later, likely by using a hose and having a friend help.

The age of your roof is the main factor in determining whether you should replace it or not. With most roofing materials, a 20-year lifespan is standard. If your current roof is installed over an older layer of roofing, you are going to have to redo your roofing in 20 years.

TIP! If you think your roof is leaking, spray it with a garden hose. This will help you find the exact location of the leak and assess how bad it is.

Don’t install new shingles until you’ve gone over your roofing materials. Using damaged materials, such as cracked shingles, can be a primary cause of a leak right from the start. Only use the right tools for the job.

TIP! Only hire a roofing contractor that is able to supply you with proof of an active license and insurance. If they’re not able to do this, then they should not be hired no matter what.

As previously mentioned, many homeowners don’t know or get concerned over roofing. However, it is important to educate yourself on the subject so you know how to handle any roof-related issues that may arise before it becomes too serious. This is important for the safety of your family.