TIP! Before hiring a roofer, check all credentials. Ask loved ones for any referrals they may have.

No one likes to go to great lengths to care for their home. It involves lots of chores and grunt work, and it is easy to delay things indefinitely. However, you can’t ever neglect maintaining your roof. The roof keeps rain, snow, and even animals from getting into your house. It is important that you keep it in the best condition possible. Use the information in this article to learn how.

TIP! Make sure any contractor you are considering has insurance. If the roofer has no insurance and the property gets damaged, you have to pay for it.

When working on a roof, safety must be a top priority. Don’t try and fix your roof during a storm. Use a bucket to catch the leak, and then check out what is needed for repair when the weather changes.

TIP! The age of your roof will determine whether it needs to be replaced. With most roofing materials, a 20-year lifespan is standard.

After you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, talk to them about what kind of warranties they have available. Find one that is covers you for at least 3-5 years to be safe. 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! If the source of your leaky roof is evading you, don’t worry. By utilizing a water hose and some help, you will eventually find it by a process of elimination.

Insurance is a must when it comes to roofing. Without insurance, you are liable to paying for damages. Ask not only for proof of insurance, but contact the insurer to check that it is up to date.

TIP! If you think your roof has a leak, bring a hose with you and spray the roof down. This can help you find out if there’s a leak and where it is.

The age of your roof plays a key role in the decision to purchase a new one. Most roofs only last about 20 years. If your roof was installed on top of an old roof, you really have no choice once twenty years has passed but to replace it.

TIP! Always ask any questions that you have before you allow work to begin on your roof. You may have a question you didn’t ask that turns into a problem.

Look over the materials you’re using for roofing before you get new shingles put up. A lot of leaks come from just installing the roof because shingles are cracked or nails aren’t the correct size. Be sure your shingles are sturdy and without cracks and make sure your nails are long enough to secure the shingles properly.

Living Roof

TIP! Roof boots are so frequently overlooked. They are near the roof fence and can get dried out.

If you want to go green when installing your new roof, think about acquiring a living roof. This type of roof has soil that can grow vegetation. While a living roof can only be used in certain climates, it also adds extra insulation.

TIP! Roof maintenance is important and if you do not want to do it yourself, you may be able to hire a roofer to do it. Regardless of how good the person installing the roof is, issues are bound to crop up, particularly if you live in an area that has extreme temperatures.

Don’t get frustrated if you’re unable to locate where a leak is originating from. Sooner or later you will find it using a process of elimination. Having a friend help you along with a water hose can aid this process. If you have a large house, try using cell phones to talk so that the water doesn’t go into the house by mistake as you test possible leak areas.

TIP! There is no doubt that getting on your roof can prove dangerous. Roofs are not made for us to walk on.

There is a lot that goes into choosing, installing, and maintaining the roof of your home. It is, however, extremely important. Apply these guidelines to ensure that you get the most from your roof, rain or shine. In the end, your efforts will pay off.