TIP! You shouldn’t put off replacing shingles. It may seem like a great idea to wait a while to fix a problem, but damage will worsen as time passes.

You, like a lot of homeowners, likely don’t think about your roof too much. But the roof over your head is a important piece of protection for your family and your home. This article will teach you it all. Read on and learn.

Inspect your roof yearly. Spring and winter months tend to damage the roof the most. Keep an eye out during these times.

TIP! Make sure that you’re secured in the right way anytime you’re doing work on your roof. Losing your balance is a serious danger, regardless of the steepness of your roof.

When fixing roof leaks, make sure the whole problem is fixed. You need to ensure that the entire structure of your roof is sound. It is important that you determine the entire extent of the problem before beginning repairs.

TIP! It is your responsibility to know what’s involved in hiring a suitable roofing contractor. Never choose the cheapest option or the flashiest ad! Instead, you should research all the roofers that are in the area.

Make sure that your roofer has liability insurance. This will confirm the legitimacy of the company. Secondly, the insurance will cover any damage to your roof that is caused by the roofer.

TIP! Once your list of potential contractors is narrowed down you should see if any of them provide warranties. Most roofers offer a warranty on their work for up to five years.

If your contractor cannot make time to do the repairs to your roof right away, temporarily repair the leaks yourself. Nailing heavy plastic to the area can help. It is not a lasting fix for the leaks, but it’ll provide your home with some protection until the proper repairs can be made.

TIP! The age of your roof will determine whether it needs to be replaced. Most roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years.

Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire is licensed. If you don’t know what kind of licensing your area requires, you shouldn’t just ask the roofer what’s needed. Call your area’s building department to find out what is needed.

TIP! Before you install new shingles, be aware of the materials used on your roof. Cracked or warped shingles, the wrong type or length of nails along with any other inappropriate materials can doom the installation from the beginning.

Your roof’s age can indicate if it needs replacing. Most roofs need to be replaced about every 20 years. Some homes have been fitted with a new roof right on top of the old one; if you’re in this situation it may be time to tear both off and start fresh.

Living Roof

TIP! To keep your roof in good quality over the years, it is important to keep it clear of excess debris such as leaves and sticks. If there is a build of debris, water can start to build up.

Are you environmentally conscious and seeking a new roof? If so, consider a living roof. A living roof is comprised of enough soil to grow plants and flowers. Though not all climates will support year-round vegetation, the roof is still very efficient due to its insulating qualities.

TIP! Look into architectural shingles if you want to replace your roof. Not only do they look better than normal shingles, they also last longer.

Using cheap materials on your roof may seem like a good idea, but usually leads to problems later. Buying cheap or shoddy materials will just cost you more money in the future when you have to replace them.

TIP! Shop around before signing on with a contractor to do any work on your roof. Some contractors are looking for suckers and will try to get every dime out of you that they can.

When you are getting your roof replaced, think about using architectural shingles. These types of shingles are much more aesthetically pleasing, and they also last longer too. These shingles are desired by those looking to purchase a home, so when you sell your home, it will be worth more.

TIP! Only hire professionals to work on your roof. For instance, contractors should provide typed and clearly formatted quotes.

As you learned at the start of the article. many homeowners never consider what might be going on with their roof. But it is a really important thing to learn, as it can help you deal with minor issues before they become major, cash-sucking problems. This is key to maintaining the health and security of your family.