Your house starts with the foundation and ends with the roof. Obviously, it’s much more than that; it’s really a key to your comfort and safety. Since you’re a homeowner, you need to properly care for your roof. Look at the tips below for some effective advice about making sure your rain stays out.

While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, be sure you look at your roof’s foundation too. Dry rot on the side of your home can allow water to enter your home. Check all entry points to make sure this doesn’t happen.

When you’re trying to hire someone to do roofing work for you, you need to check on their background references. Once you have the references you should speak with the homeowners and see how well the job was done. Take a drive to the homes, if possible. Drive by and take a look before making your final hiring decision.

The first thing you should do is ask people you know to recommend a roofer. They will be able to tell you honestly about their experience with the contractor. As about how clean they were, too.

Check that a prospective roofing contractor carries liability insurance. This is a good sign of the reliability of the contractor. This will also help you if something were to go wrong with the project, because it will be paid for by the insurance.

Don’t use remedies that only work for short periods of time when dealing with roof repairs. You may think you are saving money, but in the long run you could end up spending a lot more due to major damage. It’s best to fix problems immediately, instead of letting them get worse.

If you’re going to hire someone to work on your roof for you they need to have credentials that are up to date. Roofers should be licensed. Also check out their insurance and Workers’ Compensation.

Ask your roofing contractor if they offer a warranty on their work. Some contractors might offer better deals than others. Also, require the estimates for the cost of the project in writing and get a paper copy of any warranties that apply. This way, no one can dispute on the terms of the agreement.

Always ask for several references before hiring a roofing contractor. If the company is honest, they will not hesitate to provide them. It would be a wise decision to move on to the next contractor of the company you are considering refuses to show references. It can mean real problems down the line.

Don’t take any shortcuts when you buy roofing materials. Buying sub-par materials will lead to higher costs down the road because cheaper materials do not last as long and the work will have to be redone sooner, rather than later.

Always ask any questions that you have before you allow work to begin on your roof. Neglecting to ask certain questions can lead to future trouble. If the contractor refuses to answer your questions, don’t work with them.

Make sure to get several quotes prior to choosing a roofing contractor. Certain contractors seek easy targets from whom they can extract extra profits. You must check out the competition in order to make good decisions.

Coated Metal

A roof made of coated metal is a more environmentally friendly choice, if that is an issue of importance to you. Coated metal is recyclable, and you will notice a big reduction in your energy bills. You can even install such a roof over your current shingles.

Ask your contractor if they can do annual maintenance on your roof. You might run into problems again later even if your contractor does a good job, for instance if a brand falls on your roof. Try getting your contractor to inspect your roof once a year to make sure there are no damages.

Licensed contractors carry insurance to cover any problems that arise from accidents or damage. If they’re uninsured, you’ll be the one who’s liable for damages. Because of this, you shouldn’t ever hire someone who doesn’t have the proper insurance. Do not agree to anything until you are able to verify the roofing contractor’s information with his insurance company.

Be sure that whatever contractor you’re thinking of hiring has all the adequate paperwork prior to the project beginning. They may need permits or bonds before starting. Contact your local government building department to determine what is necessary for contractors to start on your roof.

Make sure you wear shoes that have rubber soles. Due to the height and the angle of the roof, roof work can be very dangerous. Rubber-soled shoes are ideal to provide the traction you need to prevent slippage or falls. Roofs are known to be slippery. Keeping your footing can be hard if you are not careful.

Always stop for a few minutes and consider the climate in your local area before selecting which materials you will use on the roof. For instance, wood shingles will not do well in extremely dry climates. There are many synthetic alternatives that you can use on your roof. In an area with cold, blustery winters, a metal roof is unlikely to perform well. Speak with a professional contractor if you need to be sure about what kind of roof to get.

A good roof is a safe roof. Lots of home maintenance jobs can be delayed, but roof issues are not among them. Using the above suggestions will help to keep the roof in great condition and will help save you money and troubles in the future.