TIP! If your roof is leaking in the rain, wait til it dries to fix it. There is no quick fix and it’s dangerous.

While most roofs are made to last about fifteen years, you shouldn’t count on it lasting that long without help. You have to be sure that you’re taking care of your roof all of the time. Keep reading to learn about roofing.

TIP! Don’t procrastinate replacing worn or broken shingles. Although you may believe that it is okay to procrastinate on this for a little while, doing so can cause worse damage in the future.

Check both the roof’s foundation and the shingles when you notice a leak. If there’s dry rot, water may be able to enter a home. You need to be checking all entry points to make sure there is no problem.

TIP! It is crucial that you make repairs right the first time. That means you don’t stop with the first spot you find which has a problem.

When repairing a leaky roof, make sure you fix the problem the first time. This means you’re not going to want to only stop on the first place you locate that has problems. It’s easier to find and take care of all current and potential leaks at once, rather than have to repeat the repairs a few months down the road.

TIP! Wear rubber boots when you work on your roof. Even if it’s dry and sunny out, you need this type of footwear to maintain a good grip.

Always research the contractor that you are considering for your roofing job. Hiring a bargain contractor is often a good way to lose money that could have been used to make quality repairs. Look hard at the records and workmanship of various roofing contractors in your region. You can ask friends and family, use a service or research online.

TIP! When climbing on the roof, it is important that you stay safe. This is important, as it is easy to lose your balance if you are not used to being on a roof, and thousands of people are injured or killed each year from falls off of a roof.

Confirm that your contractor has the necessary skills to perform the job. You may want to ask your friends or family for suggestions if any of them have had their roofs done. Referrals can help you avoid getting an inferior roof installed, along with the cost and frustration of correcting the mistakes.

TIP! Take the time to question your contractor prior to signing any contract. One question you should ask is, how many nails per shingle they use.

It is not a good idea to walk around on your roof trying to find damages. If there are issues, have a professional come take a look. You do not want to run the risk of the roof collapsing when you go on it.

TIP! Ask a roofer about their warranties. Compare this when choosing a contractor.

You don’t want to hire a roofer unless you’re sure that they’re properly licensed for the job. If you are not sure what is required in your area, do not just take the roofer’s word for it. Contact the local building department and inquire about what is necessary.

TIP! Do not get upset if you cannot find sources of leaks in your roof. It’s only a matter of time before you find it through the process of elimination and using a water hose may help in combination with a buddy-system.

Hire only roofing professionals able to show proof of insurance and necessary licenses. If they can’t, don’t hire them. If they do poor work that can cause costly damages to your house, you have no recourse.

Architectural Shingles

TIP! Don’t hire a roofer until you’ve received quotes from several contractors. Some contractors have much higher prices that are unwarranted.

Architectural shingles can be a great addition to your roof. These shingles are more attractive than regular shingles, and have a longer lifespan. They can also improve your home’s resale value; a roof with architectural shingles is a popular feature that’s in high demand in the real estate market.

TIP! Think about roofing structured from coated metal as an environmentally friendly option. The material is 100% recyclable and may drastically reduce energy costs.

You should never pay in full for your roof before the work is completed. Many conniving contractors actually never return to finish work after receiving full payment. Pay them a certain amount upfront, and then pay the rest after the work is completed and you’re happy with it.

TIP! If a unique roof is something that you want to get, such as one with turrets on it or maybe metal plating installed, you have to talk with the roofer to see if they have experience with those things. If they say no, go with someone else.

If you make sure your roof’s in good shape, it’ll be able to keep your home in good shape as well. In a sense, your roof is a very valuable asset. Remember the advice you’ve read here, so you will be prepared when it’s time to fix your roof.