A typical roof lasts about 15 years, but not without upkeep. You have to maintain it properly. Keep reading to learn the essentials of roofing.

When you’re thinking of roofing, you should always be aware of what the climate is like. Clay roofs work great in dry climates and may keep the home cool. These tiles in a rainy area can make your roof deteriorate quickly. If you don’t know, ask.

If your roof is leaking in the rain, wait til it dries to fix it. Fixing a leak isn’t easy, but it is even more difficult in the rain as you might slip. When your roof has dried, you can safely fix any leak you find.

The first thing you should do is ask people you know to recommend a roofer. Find out whether he used good quality materials, did the work at a good price, and whether they were pleased overall with the job he did. Ask about the clean-up job that was done after work was completed and if warranties are offered.

Does your roofer have a license? If you are unsure as to what type is required, don’t just take your contractor’s word for it. Call your area’s building department to find out what is needed.

You shouldn’t put off replacing shingles. Waiting to fix small problems is not a good option since you might end up spending a lot more if the problems get worse. Getting shingles replaced or repaired as soon as they are damaged will allow you to save money and time. Your roof will last longer if it is maintained well.

Insurance is something that you will want to confirm your roofer has. If damage occurs to your property and your roofer doesn’t have the required insurance, you’re left to pay the bill. Have the roofer provide you with proof of current comprehensive insurance.

Make sure a roofing contractor has current, valid certifications. Just about every locale requires roofers to be licensed, so check to make sure their license is current and valid. A reliable roofer will also be signed up for workers’ compensation and liability insurance.

Cut your grass just before a contractor arrives to take off your roof. This will make the process of finding nails that fall to the ground much easier for your contractor and for you. Some contractors use a magnetic device to find stray nails. These devices are most effective when used on shorter grass.

If you want to know if you should replace your roof, you have to take its age into consideration. Most roofs need to be replaced about every 20 years. If you have a roof that was put on top of another roof, if 20 years have gone by, you likely must replace it.

Make sure your materials are in good condition. Quite a few leaks happen due to improper installation, whether that be shingles that have cracked, nails that are too long, or something else. Make sure the shingles are strong and free from cracks and that the nails you use will penetrate the shingles and secure them onto the structure.

Prior to putting your name on a contract, ask your roofer a few questions. For example, see how many nails they’re going to be putting into the shingles. Three nails usually will not get the job done. Don’t be afraid to find out your contractors shingling methods to see if their work meets industry standards. Go with another contractor if you’re not happy with their answer.

Living Roof

If you are looking to install a new roof and are environmentally conscious, don’t overlook the possibility of a living roof. You can use a living roof for growing flowers and many other types of plants. This can also give you a reasonable amount of insulation.

If it will be a little while before a contractor will come to fix your roof, you should probably think of a temporary solution. Buy heavy plastic, then nail it to that spot. This is a temporary repair that allows you to hire a contractor to fix the problem permanently.

If you’re having a hard time locating a leak, take your garden hose and aim it at your roof. That helps you find the leak and stop it. This will cost you much less than hiring an expert.

To maintain your roof properly, keep debris away from it. Accumulation of such material helps water pool, which is harmful. When water sits on your roof, the shingle’s bottom layers with probably rot and those are expensive repairs.

When looking to hire a roofing contractor, make sure he or she is skilled in the trade. You might need to speak with people you know to see if they have any recommendations for you. Hiring a contractor who is not properly licensed and experienced could cost you a lot.

Think about using architectural shingles on your new roof. These are better than regular shingles and last a lot longer. In addition, these shingles are highly sought by many buyers, and that means they can add value to your home when it comes time to consider resale.

Ask prospective contractors about their memberships in industry associations. The good contractors are going to be involved in these groups so that they keep up with all the latest trends and current information. It is reasonable to wonder about the company’s dedication to the field if they do not participate with any of the relevant associations.

Only consider hiring roofers who are able to show proof of current insurance and licenses. If they can’t, don’t hire them. This is because you won’t have any recourse if their workmanship isn’t up to par and it ends up causing your home to have thousands of dollars in damages.

When maintaining a roof, many people neglect to check the roof boots. These are rubber components that sit near the roof fence, and they have the potential to get too dry. If that happens, you are more likely to notice leaks. Make sure you check them out regularly.

It is important to inspect the materials used to repair your roof. Shingles sometimes crack and need to be replaced immediately. Your materials should be good before and after the job is complete.

Utilize architectural shingles whenever you have to replace the roof. These types of shingles are much more aesthetically pleasing, and they also last longer too. They can also improve your home’s resale value; a roof with architectural shingles is a popular feature that’s in high demand in the real estate market.

Ask your contractor to provide yearly maintenance on your roof. No matter how good your roofer is, there are going to be problems down the line, especially if the area you live in has an extreme climate. An annual check-up for your roof will keep it in tip-top condition.

A good roof leads to a safe home. In a sense, your roof is a very valuable asset. Remember the advice you’ve read here, so you will be prepared when it’s time to fix your roof.

Do not pay in full for roofing work prior to the completion of the job. A common trick that sheisty contractors use is to get the payment in full and then never return to do any of the work. Instead, pay a certain percentage up-front, and then wait to pay the remainder until the work has been completed to your satisfaction.