TIP! When roofing is concerned, safety should be your number one priority. It’s just too risky to get up on your roof during inclement weather, when accidents are most likely to occur.

A roof is essential to a home. Unfortunately, not every home owner knows a lot about taking care of roofs. After reading this article your should know the basics of roof maintenance.

TIP! When faced with snow, ice, or rain, it is best to postpone your roofing project. Slippery roofs can mean major falls.

Climate should play a key role in your roofing decisions. For instance, certain roofing materials, like clay, are better in cool climates. Clay does not do well in wet climates and can damage a roof pretty quickly. Be sure to ask an expert if you aren’t sure.

TIP! When fixing roof leaks, make sure the whole problem is fixed. This means that it’s not a good idea to patch up the first leak you come to and stop there.

If you need to fix a leak in your roof, make sure you get it right with the first try. If you detect the problematic area, don’t stop there. It is important that you determine the entire extent of the problem before beginning repairs.

TIP! Your grass should be cut before you have someone come over and remove your roof. This way, if nails fall on the ground, they’ll be much easier to find.

Mow your lawn the day before your roof is replaced. This will ensure he can find any dropped nails easily. Short grass also makes a magnetic nail finder work much more efficiently.

TIP! When selecting a roofer, you need to make sure that they have a liability insurance policy. If the contractor has this insurance, he is more likely to be a reliable professional.

If you’re looking to hire a contractor to work on your roof, be sure and look at their references. Interview the homeowners who gave references to learn whether they found the quality and attitude of the contractor to be professional. You should also go and check out some of their previous work. Drive by them and look at them carefully to figure out who to hire.

TIP! Insurance is vital when it comes to this type of work. If you work with an uninsured contractor and something is damaged, you’ll be the one responsible for the cost.

Don’t hesitate to interrogate a would-be contractor before signing anything. A good question might be how many nails are going to be used in each shingle. Generally, three nails are not enough. In addition, you should ask them to provide you with a complete outline of their project. If you are not happy with their response, find another roofer.

TIP! Always check the credentials of the roofing contractors you are considering for work on your home. Nearly every state insists that roofers be properly licensed, so inspect your contractor’s paperwork to ensure that they are fully compliant.

If you plan on hiring a roofing contractor, talk to your family and friends first. Ask others if they’re pleased with their work, with the overall quality of the chosen materials, and if the costs were fair. Also find out what kind of warranty their roofer gave and whether he cleaned up the job site.

TIP! Don’t install new shingles until you’ve gone over your roofing materials. Cracked shingles or punctured material can cause a roof to become corrupt.

Never pay in full before the job is complete. Although paying approximately 25% of the cost upfront may be necessary, avoid paying more than this amount. You don’t want them to do a poor job or do less work than expected.

TIP! When you are hiring a roofing contractor, every little thing counts. You can probably depend on a roofer that shows up on time.

The age of your roof is the main factor in determining whether you should replace it or not. The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. 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! Inspect your roof after any high winds or major storms. It is of the utmost importance to replace or repair damaged shingles immediately, as this can make you susceptible to leaks if you don’t.

Only hire a roofing contractor that is able to supply you with proof of an active license and insurance. If they won’t, do not think about hiring them. If your contractor does not have insurance and causes a large amount of damage, then you will be the one to pay.

TIP! Learn if your roofing contractor is able to perform annual maintenance work. No matter how well the roof is installed, problems can easily arise, especially if your area is prone to bad weather or extreme temperatures.

Don’t pay in full for your roof prior to installation. Sometimes you’ll find that a contractor will take your money and then won’t come back to finish things like they promised. Pay a percentage at the beginning, and pay the rest once the job is done.

TIP! Check with Better Business Bureau if the roofer you are considering has anything on record. This step gives you knowledge about how the company or contractor has treated other customers in the past.

It’s impossible to not think that a roof is a big part of what keeps your home safe as well as your family. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t know how to properly maintain their roof. Hopefully, the tips in this article have helped you gain that knowledge.