TIP! If you have a leak when it rains, examine it when it’s dry and fix it. Not only will you not be able to repair a leak quickly at first, you won’t be safe if the roof is wet.

Roof repair takes a lot of hard work and dedication. That said, it has to be dealt with before it spirals out of control. Having a damage-free roof can keep your whole house in better condition. The following article will show you how to take care of your roof.

TIP! When you must climb on the roof, wear some rubber boots. Even in dry conditions you will reduce the chance of slipping if you wear the right kind of boots.

Look over your roof carefully at least once a year. Springtime and winter are the harshest times of the year for rooftops. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to your roof at these times.

TIP! Prior to the removal of your old roof, make sure your lawn is cut short. This will make the process of finding nails that fall to the ground much easier for your contractor and for you.

Be as secure as you can be when you’re up on your 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! Before you sign any contract, make sure you ask certain questions of a roofer. A good question might be how many nails are going to be used in each shingle.

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. Discuss how well the contractor cleaned up, and inquire as to what type of warranties were provided.

TIP! Make sure you research any roofer before you hire them. It is not a good idea to go with someone simply because they are inexpensive or readily available.

If you feel pressured by a roofing contractor, it’s time to turn them down and ask them to leave. Stop them before you sign a contract that doesn’t benefit you.

TIP! Does your roofer have liability insurance? The mere existence of such a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability. If anything happens while they work on your roof, the insurance will take care of it.

If you require the services of a roofing contractor, look into his credentials and experience. Talk to loved ones for suggestions on who they used. This needs to be done because it’s not good to have to deal with a bad roofing job that costs you a lot to repair later on.

TIP! Only employ roofing contractors that can give you proof of insurance and an active license. If they do not provide you with these things, don’t hire them.

After you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, talk to them about what kind of warranties they have available. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. The contractor’s warranty should cover faults due to both workmanship and part failure. A proper roofer should provide you with the manufacturer’s warranties for all of the supplies he uses, too.

TIP! To maintain a mint condition roof, clear excess debris from it, such as sticks and leaves. Build up of such materials causes water to stay put.

The age of the roof can determine if it needs to be replaced. Most roofs only last about 20 years. After 20 years or so, it is in your best interest to replace your old, worn roof.

TIP! You don’t want to forget the small things when you’re hiring a roofer. Choose a contractor who gets back in touch within a timely manner and comes across as reliable.

Always check a potential roofing company’s references. Companies with nothing to hide will be capable of showing you plenty of references. If the roofer is reluctant, walk away. Move on to another firm.

TIP! After a harsh wind storm, climb onto the roof to inspect everything that you cannot see while on the ground or on a ladder. It’s very smart to catch any issues immediately as broken shingles can lead to flying debris and leaks.

Don’t get too discouraged if you’re not able to find out where a roof is leaking from. Eventually you will find the leaking spot by applying water with a hose and having a helper look for the leak below. If your house is large, utilize cell phones for communication to avoid having water leaking into the house any more than necessary when you test various areas to locate the leak.

TIP! If you want to give your new roof a one-of-a-kind look, such as having a metal roof or putting up turrets, talk with the roofer about their expertise with these things. If the roofer does not have much experience, find someone else.

To reduce the problems other homeowners face, you mustn’t forget about your roof. That opens you up to disaster down the road. The best thing you can do is use the information above to become more savvy about the roof of your home. Any costs that go into maintaining the roof will be recouped over time.