How To Stay On Top Of Taking Care Of Your Roof

Most homeowners don’t know much about roof until it is in need of repair. Read on to find helpful information and you can find out more.

Inspect your own roof at least once yearly. Spring and winter are times when damage the roof the most.

TIP! Don’t try to fix your roof during wet weather. Slippery roofs can mean major falls.

Don’t procrastinate on replacing worn or broken shingles. Replacing or repairing shingles now will prevent trouble and energy in the future. Taking proper care of your roof will make it last.

TIP! If you need to fix a leak in your roof, make sure you get it right with the first try. Keep checking until you are sure you have located all the problems.

Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect your roof’s foundation. Water can get into many areas that dry rot has occurred. Check all areas to make sure this doesn’t happen.

TIP! Do not give in to pitches by salesmen that do not sound reasonable. They’ll do anything to convince you to hire them to replace your roof, but you get the short end of the stick.

Safety should be your number one priority when working on a roofing project. You can be seriously injured by attempting to fix a leak during a storm. Put a bucket under that leak until weather conditions improve and wait for clear weather.

TIP! You may have to do temporary repairs yourself. If a roofing contractor cannot get to your home quickly, a quick fix will do.

Don’t go up on your roof during wet weather.A wet roof could cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you want to handle roofing projects on your own, work on it when it is sunny and dry outside.

TIP! Always be sure that you’re not paying for the whole project before it’s all done. You might need to pay a quarter of the full price in order for the job to begin, but avoid paying anything more.

Consider the local climate in your area when replacing your roof. Clay roofs are great in dry climates and can help to keep the house cool. Clay roof tiles should not be used in rainy climates will cause your roof to deteriorate fast. If you don’t know what material is best in your area, ask a pro.

TIP! Though it seems counter-intuitive, a crew of workers can often finish a job cheaper than a single contractor. The finished job is typically much cheaper because of the group effort put forth by the roofers.

There are some questions you’ll need to ask a prospective contractor before you hire him. One important question is the quantity of nails they will put in each shingle. Three nails usually insufficient. Ask about their personal techniques and you just might get a good answers. If not, find another roofer.

TIP! If you want to go green when installing your new roof, think about acquiring a living roof. A living roof provides you with space to plant.

Make sure any roofer you hire has adequate liability insurance. The mere existence of such a roofer is the fact that they are a reliable person. Secondly, in the event that something should happen to your house, the roofer’s insurance will cover medical costs.

TIP! Locating the exact spot where a roof is leaking can take a little time. You are going to find the problem, and the use of a water hose and a buddy system can help.

You never go crawling around your roof seeking out damaged spots. If you know there is a problem, hire someone to come out and take a look at it. You do not want to avoid walking up there and causing a cave in under your feet.

TIP! Always keep the little things in mind when hiring a contractor. You can measure a firm’s reliability by whether or not they are prompt for appointments and easily accessible by phone.

After you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, make inquiries about warranties.You want a warranty that is going to last for at least 3-5 years of coverage. The warranty needs to cover defective supplies and sup-par workmanship, and you should have manufacturer warranty copies too.

TIP! Always do a roof inspection after a large storm or strong winds. It doesn’t take many dislodged shingles to cause serious water intrusion problems, and the sooner you detect and repair roof damage, the better.

The age of your roof often dictates whether to repair or not. Many roofs only last around twenty years prior to needing replacement. If your new roof is installed over the old one, after twenty years you don’t have any other option besides replacing it.

TIP! Prior to someone working on your roof, ask them any questions on your mind. This will allow you to get the full scope of the job.

Always ask for several references before hiring a potential roofing company’s references. A company will have no problem giving you their references. If a contractor is hesitant to give them to you, walk away. This usually indicates a sign that the contractor isn’t a true professional.

TIP! Don’t hire a roofer until you’ve received quotes from several contractors. There are roofers out there who will scam people, and will squeeze you for every penny they can.

Don’t get too discouraged if you’re not able to find out where a leak on your roof. You will find the source eventually if you use a water hose, and the use of a water hose and a buddy system can help. If you have a large home, communicate with cell phones to prevent unnecessary large amounts of water from getting into your home.

TIP! While repairing your roof, take time to inspect all roofing materials. Shingles may crack after being nailed down; this can lead to costly damages.

Don’t take any shortcuts when you are purchasing roofing materials. The initial cost savings of low priced materials cannot outweigh the best option as they can end up costing you more money down the road.

TIP! It can be very dangerous to climb up on a roof. The angles of a roof are not designed for walking, so you should take appropriate safety steps.

A reputable roofing company can provide you with proof of insurance to cover any accidents.If they do not have this insurance, you may have to cover damages they incur, so it is important to hire a contractor with adequate insurance. Ask for this and verify it by calling their insurer.

Don’t ever work on the roof without help.

TIP! When looking for a roofer, have them explain their project plans to you. Find out what kind of materials he uses and how he plans on cleaning up after the work is done.

Learn more about your options for roofing materials. Each one has its pros and disadvantages. Metal is harder to install, however, and may not be the most visually attractive option. Asphalt is fairly inexpensive and easy to install, but they don’t last as long. You may also wish to consider using tile and wood roofing material.

TIP! Figure out how old your roof is to see if you need to replace it or if you should just repair it. Roofs have a limited lifespan, and this should guide your decisions.

Always be wary of the weather is about to happen before you do any roofing work. Rain is the obvious weather pattern you want to avoid, but strong winds should also be avoided.

TIP! Don’t work on a roof alone. There’s no way to know when accidents might happen, so you should be sure someone is there to help you out if the worst occurs.

A little paint might be all that is necessary to void the warranty on your roof. Call your insurance company prior to painting it.A nice looking roof won’t mean much if it isn’t covered by your insurance.

TIP! Take a look around the attic right after your first rain if you’ve recently replaced or repaired your roof. This will tell you whether or not the roof is leaking.

Pick roofing materials that enhances the unique features of your home’s architecture. Dark shingles are better for very steep roof. This will make your house look a lot less severe. If your house has a shallow pitch, then consider using light tones in your materials. This gives the appearance of a taller look.

TIP! Make sure to get everything in writing, such as an itemized list of the expenses, proof of insurance, etc. Documentation makes things go smoother and facilitates resolution of disagreements.

When you’re doing your own roofing work, it is important that you do not so alone.You wouldn’t want an accident with nobody around to help. Have your buddy check on you every 10 minutes to be sure you’re fine.

TIP! Do what you can in order to maintain your roof. In most cases, the roof is a big part of the over-all look of any home’s exterior.

Your roof is like the rest of your home, and it needs some TLC. Use this information to be able to deal with any roofing issues you may encounter. A little prevention now means that you will not have to face major roof problems in the future.