If your roof is working as it should, your house is being protected from the elements. When the roof...

1. Do You Need A Roof? Read These Ideas.
If your roof is working as it should, your house is being protected from the elements. When the roof
begins to fail, all sorts of chaos can commence. Knowing how to care for your roof can really save
you money and time in the future. Read the below article for excellent tips on keeping your roof in
good shape.
Inspect your roof at least once yearly. Typically, roofs suffer the most damage during winter and
spring. Due to this, it is best to keep a close eye on your roof during this time especially.
If you notice a leak during a rain storm, hold off on your inspection until things dry out. You can't
walk safely on a slippery roof. This will allow you the time to do the job right and do it under safe
conditions.
With regards to roofing, it is important to consider the weather. Dry climates can greatly benefit
from clay roofs. They also keep homes cool. They deteriorate in rainy climates, though. If you're not
sure, ask.
Check that a prospective roofing contractor carries liability insurance. First of all, there are plenty of
shady roofers out there, but the ability to carry valid liability insurance is beyond most of them. If
something happens to the roof when they are working up there, the insurance will pay for the issues.
Proper insurance is an absolute must-have. If you have a roofer that isn't insured and causes
property damage, you may end up paying that bill. Ask if the roofer has insurance in place, and make
sure you see written documentation that it is current and sufficient in amount.
What are your roofers credentials? The need for licensing is nearly universal. Ensure that all
documentation is present and in date. Liability insurance is another must-have. Ideally, the
contractor should also carry workers' compensation.
Make sure your materials are in good condition. Lots of leaks occur from improper materials, such
as nails that are the wrong length or cracked shingles. You need to be sure that your shingles are
nice and strong and without cracks, and make sure you are using the right nails.
Make sure a contractor gives you proof of insurance and a license. If they don't have this available,
then it's best not even to consider hiring their services. If you hire them, you could cost yourself a lot
of money.
Keep your roof and gutters clean. Whenever debris builds up, water can accumulate on your roof.
This can cause your roof to begin to rot, leading to leaks.
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 a deposit if required, but then
you pay the balance after the work is done to your liking.
If you want an environmentally-friendly roof, try getting a coated metal roof. Metal is completely
recyclable, and it and cut down on your energy costs. This type of roof will not clog up the
environment.

2. It can be dangerous to climb on top of your roof. Many roof designs aren't made for a human body,
so make certain you're safe when you're up there. Use shoes with rubber soles so you don't slip.
Moreover, it is recommended that you use a harness. Safety is paramount, so never work on your
roof without assistance from another person.
Learn how old your roof actually is in order to decide if you need replacement or just repairs. Your
roof's age is an extremely important factor for deciding when you need a contractor and when you
do not. Most roofs will last between 15 and 20 years and if your roof is within this range it's time for
an upgrade.
When working on a roof, wear rubber-soled shoes. Roof work is dangerous. Rubber-soled shoes
provide you with the extra grip you'll need to move around safely. Roofs can be quite slick. If you
lose your footing, the results can be fatal.
When deciding on materials for your roofing project, take into consideration the climate of your
area. There are many options, such as wooden shingles which perform poorly if installed in fairly
arid locations. A lot of roofing materials that are synthetic aren't durable for hot climates. Metal
roofs perform poorly when the weather is very cold. Talk to a roofing contractor to discuss your
options.
Know what differs between the various roofing materials. Each have advantages and disadvantages.
Metal roofing can last for a very long time and is both lightweight and durable. The disadvantages of
a metal roof are that it's more difficult to install, and it's not right for every structure. Getting some
asphalt shingles is a more affordable option, but these shingles will not last very long. Tile and wood
can also be used for roofing, so consider that as well.
Homeowners who have needed roof repairs or replacements understand just how frustrating this
process can be. When you have the information here, you can avoid that trouble. Use this new
information to prepare, plan, and execute professional roof maintenance or hire a quality contractor.