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

Many people buy a home and realize at some point that they know very little about their roof when it comes time for general care or replacement. However, just a bit of knowledge goes a long way in helping to make decisions regarding the repair and maintenance of your roof. Continue on if you would like more information.

TIP! Never neglect safety when planning repairs on your roof. Trying to repair a leak while it’s raining or during a storm can seriously injure you, or worse! Until the weather gets better, put a bucket underneath a leak.

Each year, take a long, hard look at your roof. The most common time of year for a roof to suffer from damage is during the winter and spring months. With this in mind, you should monitor the state of your roof frequently during these times.

TIP! If you’re going to have to get onto the roof to do some repairs, put on rubber boots. These boots will allow you to keep a good grip on your roof.

Leaks may come from roof foundation damage. If your home has dry rot in the outside walls, water can enter there. It is important to examine every potential water entry point, like rotting wood, so that you are really resolving all the problem areas.

TIP! Make sure you’re properly secured when you’re on the roof. This is important because it is very easy to become unbalanced and fall.

If you intend to complete work on your roof, you must do so securely. If you aren’t secure, you are in danger of losing your balance and falling, which injures and kills thousands each year.

TIP! You should always first ask family and friends regarding contractors when getting started. Ask those you trust if the work they had done was good quality and whether they think the price was reasonable.

If you plan on hiring a roofing contractor, talk to your family and friends first. Ask those people you know best about their opinions on the work done, if they thought if was a fair price, and if the materials were of good quality. In addition, you should ask them about the contractor’s clean-up procedure and if they provide warranties.

TIP! Always be sure that you’re not paying for the whole project before it’s all done. You may have to pay around 25% of the amount to get the job started, but try not to pay more than that.

Avoid paying full amounts upfront. Pay a percentage of the fee in the beginning and then when the work is done. You would hate to spend a lot of money in case their work is sub-par.

TIP! After narrowing down your list of roofers, determine which one offers the best warranty. The warranty should last at least three years.

Insurance coverage is essential when it comes to roofing. If you hire a contractor without insurance and something goes wrong, you have to pay for it. Simply receiving verbal confirmation of insurance is not enough; make sure you see a copy of the document to ensure it is up to date and comprehensive.

TIP! Confirm your contractor’s credentials before he starts the job. Nearly every state insists that roofers be properly licensed, so inspect your contractor’s paperwork to ensure that they are fully compliant.

Check roofing materials before putting new shingles up. A lot of leaks come from just installing the roof because shingles are cracked or nails aren’t the correct size. Check these materials before you do anything so that you can make sure your roof will be structurally sound.

TIP! Make sure the roofing materials are inspected before using them. Leaks can actually start at the point of installation due to damaged shingles or nails of the wrong length.

Ask roofing contractors about the type of warranty they have. You may be able to get a better deal if you talk to certain companies. 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! Can your contractor provide proof of insurance and a license? If they do not provide you with these things, don’t hire them. This is because you will have no line of defense or recourse if they end up doing a bad job and damage your home.

Don’t hire a contractor unless they can give you proof of up to date insurance and licensing. If they can’t then look elsewhere. If you hire them, you could cost yourself a lot of money.

TIP! Never cut corners when buying roofing materials. Even if you can get materials at cheaper prices, think about how much that will end up costing you if the materials you purchased get worn out in a record amount of time.

When you are hiring a roofing contractor, every little thing counts. Someone who shows up on time and calls ahead when there are issues is probably dependable. Also, a typed out bid is a good indication that you are dealing with a professional. You want both of these qualities to be present in your roofer.

TIP! Keep your roof and gutters clean. Too much debris on your roof can cause water to build up.

The roof on your home, like any other part of your home, needs general upkeep and repair so that your home retains its value and nothing in your home is damaged due to a problematic roof. Just remember what you have learned, and you will be able to handle just about issue that arises. A little education now will result in a lifetime with a worry-free roof.