TIP! Although your shingles can sometimes cause a leak to occur, you should check out your roof’s foundation. If there’s dry rot, water may be able to enter a home.

If you own your home, you know how important it is to keep your roof in good condition. Not everyone knows the best practices and basics of maintaining a good roof. You should keep reading to learn more about roofing and make sure you are properly taking care of your roof.

TIP! In terms of repairing leaks, you need to have the job done right on the first crack. Keep checking until you are sure you have located all the problems.

Never hesitate to replace your roof’s shingles. While you may believe it is okay to put off a roof repair, you will only further the damage by prolonging it. Repairing or replacing shingles right away will save you money and a headache in the long run. Know that if you maintain that roof over your head, it’ll be there for you over the long haul.

TIP! If your roofer is a few days away from attending at your home, there are temporary repairs you can undertake. A large roll of heavy plastic and nails is all it will take.

Don’t attempt to do roof repairs in bad weather conditions, such as snow, ice or rain. Rain, sleet, and snow can cause you to fall, which can seriously injure or even kill you. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, make sure to do the work when the weather is dry.

TIP! Try not to use any short-term fixes on your roof. It’s nice to save money, but the additional damage that putting off quality repairs can cause, usually ends up costing more later.

Make sure that you’re secured in the right way anytime you’re doing work on your roof. If you aren’t secure, you are in danger of losing your balance and falling, which injures and kills thousands each year.

TIP! Investigate the credentials and reputation of a roofing contractor before signing a contract. Your coworkers and friends are excellent sources for referrals, reviews, and recommendations.

Never hire a roofing contractor who cannot provide references. When they give references, ask homeowners that they’ve worked for about how they felt, in terms of their quality and work value. Take a drive to the homes, if possible. Also, you can drive by to check out the work that was done.

TIP! Be sure that you’re hiring a roofer that has the proper licensing before they do any work. If you don’t know what’s required, find out for yourself.

You need to ask many questions prior to engaging a professional roofing contractor. For instance, how many nails will they use on each shingle? Typically, three nails aren’t enough. Ask them about the methods they use and analyze their answer. Otherwise, keep on searching.

TIP! Insurance is crucial in this line of work. If you hire a contractor without insurance and something goes wrong, you have to pay for it.

Never go up onto your roof to inspect for damage. If there are issues, have a professional come take a look. If you’re unsure of the severity, there could be loose shingles and foundational problems that could lead to injury if you don’t know what you are doing.

TIP! If you’re going to hire someone to work on your roof for you they need to have credentials that are up to date. Make sure your contractor has a roofing license.

When you have a short list of contractors you want to contact, find out what kind of warranties are available. Look for a warranty that lasts 3-5 years, however longer is better. This will cover you in the event of poor work.

TIP! If you want to know if you should replace your roof, you have to take its age into consideration. Most roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years.

When it comes to hiring a roofer, they must have insurance. If the roofer lacks sufficient insurance and you suffer damages, the cost will be on you. You should ask your contractor to give you a copy of their policy and proof of insurance.

TIP! Check roofing materials before putting new shingles up. Using damaged materials, such as cracked shingles, can be a primary cause of a leak right from the start.

Get references for any roofing company you may hire. If the company is honest, they will not hesitate to provide them. If they’re reluctant to do this, you should look into another company. This can be a tell-tale sign of trouble ahead.

TIP! When replacing the roof, consider shingles that are architectural. Besides being more durable than bargain shingles, architecturaal shingles have more aesthetic appeal.

All homeowners understand how important a solid roof is. Having said that, knowledge on how to achieve a great roof can be difficult. This article has talked about the techniques and strategies to safely maintain a roof.