The roof that covers your home may not be something you think about a lot, but if there is an issue it’s a big deal all of a sudden. A lot of people just don’t know what to do when they have roofing problems because they find it intimidating. Keep reading so you will have information when it comes to roof.

Leaks often come from shingles, but don’t discount a foundation problem as well. 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.

Always wear rubber-soled shoes when on a rooftop. Even if it’s sunny and dry, these boots can grip well. Roof repairs will typically place you in harms way several times during the duration of their repairs, so be careful and think twice.

If you’re getting pitched to by a high pressure roofing salesman then you need to tell them you’re not interested. These people are generally shady and try to make you sign a contract that has you losing out on things so it’s a good idea to not allow yourself to work with them.

Check for liability insurance with the roofing company you choose. The mere existence of such a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability. This will also help you if something were to go wrong with the project, because it will be paid for by the insurance.

You never want to just get on your roof in search of damaged spots. If you think there are problems, hire a professional to do an inspection. Walking on a damaged roof could lead to it caving in.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask them what kind of warranties are available. You want a warranty that lasts between 3 and 5 years. Longer is better. The warranty needs to cover defective supplies and sup-par workmanship, and they should also supply you with copies of the manufacturer warranties too.

The best roofing contractors are those who are always on top of their licenses, credentials, and documentation. They need to have a license, so check that it is valid. They need to also have insurance that is full liability, as well as a certificate that’s current and covers workers’ compensation.

If you select a roofer who uses employees, you may get a better deal than if the roofer works alone. Several roofers can get things done faster, which may also lower the cost. Make sure that solo roofers are not overcharging you for labor.

Speak with the person working on your roof to see if they offer any kind of a warranty. Some companies may give you a better deal than others. Also, it is important that you get your warranty in writing, as well as the estimate, so as to keep it in your possession. In that way, you can have all terms in writing, and can prevent disagreements going forward.

Living Roof

If you want to go green when installing your new roof, think about acquiring a living roof. Living roofs are composed of layers of soil and provide space for gardening. Although only appropriate on flat roofs in certain climates, a living roof also provides excellent insulation.

Only consider hiring roofers who are able to show proof of current insurance and licenses. Anyone who is unable to provide this information should be shown the door. You won’t have any recourse available when they do a bad job which ends up costing you a lot of money to fix.

Never cut corners when purchasing roofing materials. Although it is possible to obtain cheap materials, they are often lower quality. As a result, they will likely wear out sooner, which means you will have to replace them more often. This can cost you even more money than simply purchasing more expensive, but higher quality, materials.

Make sure your roof stays intact as the years go on by making sure it is clear of sticks, leaves and debris. Buildup of these materials can cause water to remain. If water sits on your roof for a while it can make the roof start to rot in places and that could cause some expensive leaks.

Don’t pay for a roof fully before there has been some work done. Many conniving contractors actually never return to finish work after receiving full payment. You should tell them that you’re only going to pay some of the money first and that you’ll pay the rest when the work is done.

Check out the supplies being used on your roof when it is being installed or repaired. A single cracked shingle can cause a lot of future problems. Only install quality, defect-free materials for the best, longest lasting results.

Safety Plan

OSHA dictates that roofing contractors have safety plans. This plan is needed because it helps you to be sure that the project will be completed correctly. Talk to your contractor before he starts about the safety plan. If you are not provided with this safety plan, it’s time to look for another contractor.

Take plenty of time when hiring a contractor for your roofing needs. If you do not know how to begin looking, talk to your family and friends if they have any advice. Ask the contractor lots of questions to really suss out their expertise.

If your are gets low temperatures, avoid letting ice build up. It leads to a variety of forms of damage. Drip shields, ice shields and more can help protect your roof. Proper ventilation will make your roof last a lot longer.

Before planning any work on your roof, take a careful look at the weather report. You will obviously want to avoid rain but wind can be a dangerous condition, as well. A strong gust has the ability to cause you to lose your balance, which can make you fall.

After learning these tips, you should feel a bit more confident about roofing issues. When you care for your roof properly, you will be rewarded with fewer troubles with it over the long run. Keep in mind what you’ve just learned, and you’ll do fine.