Being a homeowner comes with a ton of responsibility. You are in charge of maintaining systems such as the roof and the heating system, whether you do it yourself or choose a professional. Keep reading to learn more about roofing so that you can make smart choices.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to replacing shingles. It may seem okay to hold back on fixing small problems, but those small problems can balloon into giant issues. You should fix or replace weak shingles as soon as possible to prevent leaks from appearing. By taking care of your roof properly, it will take care of you.

Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect the foundations of your roof. If there’s dry rot, water may be able to enter a home. Look for ever potential entry area, rotten wood included, to be sure you get the problem permanently fixed.

Stay Safe

Rubber boots are an important part of any roof repair. This will help you to keep your balance to stay safe. Stay safe to ensure you don’t slip and fall.

Make sure any roofer that you hire has the licensing necessary to do the work. If you are unsure as to what type is required, don’t just take your contractor’s word for it. Pay a visit to your local City Hall to get the information you need, straight from the source.

Get references from any roofer you are thinking about hiring. A legit company will have no problem giving you their references. If a company tries to skate by this request, look elsewhere. This is an indication that there may be trouble ahead.

Do not get upset if you cannot find sources of leaks in your roof. A systematic approach works well, so enlist the help of a friend and a water hose. Use cell phones with one person in the attic and the other outside.

A simple way to find out if a suspicious spot on your roof is leaking would be to spray the area well with your garden hose. This might help you determine if you do indeed have a leak and also where the leak is located. You can do this for free, and on your own, without bringing in costly roofing professionals.

In order to properly maintain your roof, you need to clear away any and all debris. If these things build up on your roof that could trap water onto it. This can damage shingles, lead to rot and cause leaks.

Always go up onto your roof to inspect it after a strong wind storm if you can’t see it from the ground or a ladder. It’s critical to find damage to shingles early, and a few flying shingles can result in major leaks. Give it a quick look-over every time, but remember to do so safely.

Only hire professionals to work on your roof. A roofer should give you a quote for the job that is easy to read and comprehensive. You need the whole process to remain professional so that you can be sure their work is too.

Never make verbal agreements. A lot of times when a person has a verbal contract with a roofer they will find that issues occur when the work isn’t done right. Having a written contract is essential if you want to be able to prove that you didn’t get what was agreed upon.

A reputable roofer will always carry insurance to cover any accidents. Without insurance, you can be held responsible if something goes wrong. Avoid this by never hiring an uninsured contractor. Ask the roofer for this advice and don’t be afraid to speak with the insurance company yourself to confirm this information.

Safety Plan

Every roofing contractor is obligated to implement a safety plan. Failure to do so violates OSHA requirements. Having this plan is a crucial part in jobs being done properly. Make sure that the roofer has their own safety plan prior to you hiring them. Hire another contractor if they cannot product a safety plan.

It is never easy to hire a roofer, so be sure to take your time with it. If you are not sure of where to look, talk to family, friends and neighbors that may have hired someone in the past. Ask a ton of questions about the contractors these people have used to ascertain whether they are worth speaking to.

When you are shopping for a company to work on your roof, ask if their workers are listed as sub-contractors. If the workers aren’t employed by them, liability issues could arise in the future. Make sure you understand the sub-contracting situation before you make a commitment.

All roof contractors are not equal, so be sure you choose a good one. Don’t simply pick the flashiest ad you come across. Recommendations from people you trust are reliable. Check reviews online and talk with your friends. You should also contact your local business bureau to learn more about the contractor you are interested in. Hiring a bad contractor could cost you plenty of money.

It is important to know your roof’s age in order to determine what type of repair is necessary. Knowing when you should hire a pro to replace it is dependent on how old it is. Usually a roof will last about 20 years, so if you’re getting close to that you need to think about upgrading.

When deciding on materials for your roofing project, take into consideration the climate of your area. One example would be that wood shingles aren’t going to do good in an environment that’s arid. Synthetic roofing materials usually don’t last in warm climates. Metal roofs aren’t great for climates with cold, long winters. Consult a professional (like a contractor) to make sure you make a smart choice.

When trying to decide if you can handle the roofing work yourself or if you need a professional, you must first understand the basics of roofing. You’ve already learned quite a bit right here. Use this knowledge to its fullest advantage.