TIP! Inspect your roof once a year at the bare minimum. Spring and winter are times when damage is prevalent.

Major roof issues can cause aggravation for homeowners everywhere. You should look into getting your roof fixed before small problems get any worse. Devoting even a few hours here and there to the maintenance of your roof can spare you time and money further down the road. This article will get you started.

TIP! Sometimes a leak is the result of a faulty shingle, but other times, there may be an issue with your roof’s foundation. If the sides of your home have dry rot, water can enter your home there.

Don’t try to fix your roof during wet weather. When the roof is wet or slippery, you could end up falling, causing major injury and even death. Wait for sunny weather before you work on your roof.

TIP! Wearing rubber boots whenever walking on top of your roof is necessary. Even on sunny and dry days, rubber boots are still a necessity so that you have a good grip.

Mow the lawn prior to the removal of your old roof. This way, you can easily locate any nails that have fallen off during the work process. If your roofer has a magnetic nail locator, short grass will make things much easier.

TIP! It is important that you check the references of any contractor you hire. Once you have the references you should speak with the homeowners and see how well the job was done.

References are critical when choosing a roofer or any other contractor. Be sure and ask each reference how they felt about the quality of work done on their roof. You should take a look at some of the properties yourself. Drive around and look at the work before determining who you will hire.

TIP! When you’re trying to hire someone to do roofing for you, do some research first. Don’t just accept the cheapest repairman who comes to call.

Before you sign any contract, make sure you ask certain questions of a roofer. How many nails do they use per shingle? Three nails usually doesn’t cut it. Don’t be afraid to find out your contractors shingling methods to see if their work meets industry standards. If not, then find a better contractor option.

TIP! If you’ve already tried to get someone to come out to fix your roof but they won’t be there for a while, then you should do what you can to fix the leak temporarily. Get some heavy plastic material and nail it up.

If you choose a contractor that has workers for him/ her, this could end up being a cheaper option than a contractor that works alone. A team can work quicker and the price may be more affordable, too. If you have just one worker on the job, be sure their labor rate is not inflated.

TIP! If you select a roofer who uses employees, you may get a better deal than if the roofer works alone. Several roofers can get things done faster, which may also lower the cost.

Ask your roofer about warranties on his work. This is an area where benefits may really vary, so do your homework. In addition, always get a warranty in writing, along with the estimate, so that you have the information in your possession. This way, no one can dispute on the terms of the agreement.

Living Roof

TIP! If you are unable to find where your roof is leaking, try not to become discouraged. Eventually you will find the leaking spot by applying water with a hose and having a helper look for the leak below.

If you want a brand new roof and consider yourself someone who is conscious about the environment, rememember to think about a living roof. A living roof is comprised of enough soil to grow plants and flowers. While they are only ideal for flat roofs in the right climate, they are also a great source of insulation.

TIP! The small things should not be ignored when you hire a roofing contractor. Someone that’s on time to appointments or calls when they tell you is most likely dependable.

Always consider how long a roofing company has been in business before hiring them for a job. A new company is not necessarily bad, but a company with a long history of happy customers is your best and safest bet. Anyone that is new to this could be trying to scam you.

TIP! Use architectural shingles when you replace your roof. Architectural shingles look much better than regular ones and will last longer.

If you wish to be sure that your home is safe and won’t get damaged, then you have to take care of the roof on it. If you do, you are setting yourself up for disaster. Rather, remember the information that you read in this article and put it to good use in the future. Keeping your roof maintained can potentially save you quite a bit of money and headaches in the future.