TIP! Each year, take a long, hard look at your roof. Spring and winter months tend to damage the roof the most.

Trying to learn everything about roofing can be overwhelming. What’s the best way to find a leak? When do you need to hire a pro? Find the answers to these questions and more by reading below. Keep reading to discover some truly amazing tips.

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.

Just before your roof is removed for repair, mow your lawns. This will make the process of finding nails that fall to the ground much easier for your contractor and for you. Even if your contractor has a nail finder, it’ll work better with clipped grass.

TIP! It is important that you check out your potential contractor’s history before you allow them to work on your roof. Once you have their references, give them a call and ask them about the value and quality of the work.

When you hire a contractor for your roofing project, do some research. Never choose the cheapest option or the flashiest ad! Always research all options available to you instead. You can check them out online, ask people that have previously used them, or find a service that will help find workers you can trust.

TIP! Before putting your signature on paper, pose several questions. For one, ask the amount of nails they normally use when placing a shingle.

Liability insurance is a must for any roofing contractor you intend to hire. To begin with, if they’ve got this insurance, you can ensure they’re reliable. If something happens to the roof when they are working up there, the insurance will pay for the issues.

TIP! When you have your contractors narrowed down, ask them about the warranties they provide. You’re looking for a warranty which lasts between three to five years.

If your roofer is a few days away from attending at your home, there are temporary repairs you can undertake. Buy some heavy plastic, and secure it with nails. This is a temporary repair that allows you to hire a contractor to fix the problem permanently.

TIP! You don’t want to hire a roofer unless you’re sure that they’re properly licensed for the job. If you’re unsure of what that is exactly, don’t just assume everything is okay because the contractors says it is.

Any roofing contractor you are considering hiring should maintain full and up to date credentials. Nearly every locale needs licensed roofers, so carefully look at their licensing is valid and current. They also need insurance and have other certificates as mandated in your area.

TIP! Make sure the roofing materials are inspected before using them. Leaks can occur if sub-par materials are installed.

It can sometimes be difficult to locate a leak in your roof. You’ll find it sooner or later, likely by using a hose and having a friend help. If your house is very large, communicate via phone to make sure each person in in the spot they should be. You don’t want water to flow into your home if no one’s there to spot the leak!

TIP! Ask the contractor what what warranty is offered on the work done. Some contractors might offer better deals than others.

Check to see how long contractors are in business for and how many employees work for them. Businesses with a longer history tend to be more reputable and understand how to satisfy their customers. Anyone that is unknown could be looking to scam you for your money.

TIP! If you’re in need of a new roof on your home and consider yourself an environmentalist, consider installing a living roof. Living roofs have soil layers that you can plant a garden with or grow some vegetables.

If you think your roof is leaking, spray it with a garden hose. This will confirm the location of the leak, if there is one. This will cost you much less than hiring an expert.

TIP! Always consider how long a roofing company has been in business before hiring them for a job. The contractors that have been around for a while definitely keep their customers happy.

Though this piece is not exhaustive, it does get you off to a great start. The things you learned here should prove to be useful for lengthening the life of your roof. Continue doing research on your own. Continue to learn more about roofing. There is power in knowledge, and there is no such thing as too much knowledge in terms of roofing.