Article written by-Finch Howell

One of the responsibilities that comes with being a homeowner, is taking care of your roof. When you experience a roofing problem, it is something you want to take care of right away. Unfortunately, many people don't know how to properly maintain their roofs to prevent any potential problems. Luckily, the following article will teach you how.

Since you're going up on your roof anyway to do work, clean the gutters while you're there. Sometimes a leak can actually be the result of backed-up gutters. Try cleaning them out and then hose down the roof - if the leak doesn't reappear, you may have actually solved the problem.

When you're planning on installing a new roof, choosing a material mainly comes down to how long you plan on staying in the home. If you plan on selling the house soon, material that lasts 20 years may be appropriate. If you plan keeping the house and living in it long term, you'll save money in the long run by choosing materials that last 40 years or longer.

To avoid a common scam roofing companies engage in, don't pay anything to your contractor until the supplies have been delivered. Some firms will ask for a down payment up front to cover their supplies, but you should pay them only once you have the supplies in hand so you get what you pay for.

When replacing your roof, always use a reputable contractor. Make sure to find someone with experience and a good reputation in your area. While you might find that a less experienced roofer is also less expensive, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Go for a professional, and your new roof will last!




Do you love the look of wood shingles but not the fire hazard? You can now purchase roofing material that presents the look of wood shingles, but is made of steel or composite materials instead. The steel roofing is pre-formed with the appearance of shingles, but is actually large panels.

Don't set step on your roof without properly securing your footing. This is very important because many people are hurt or killed every year as a result of a fall from a roof.

If you are concerned about a leak on the roof, you would be wise to take a garden hose and spray it. You will then be able to see any leaks that exist and assess the damaged areas. This will cost you much less than hiring an expert.

Before you buy a new home, you should have the roof inspected by a professional. A normal home inspection might miss issues with the roof, and could cause big problems for you down the line. As visit the following site added bonus, if you decide to sell your home, you'll be able to show the results of the inspection to prospective buyers.

Prepare your home for roof contractors before they get there by marking your sprinkler systems and letting the contractors know where they can park. Remove lawn furniture and consider taking your cars out of the driveway. Prepare yourself for falling debris during the work on your roof so you can stay safe, as well.

It is very common for a roofer to require you to pay a deposit before they start the job, but never pay them in full until completion. It may end up being very difficult to get a refund if you are not satisfied with their work, so seek out a contractor that requires no more than 25% up front.

It is difficult to hire the best roofing contractor; therefore, it is vital that you do not rush into a selection. Ask people you trust for referrals. If they recommend someone, get as much information as you can. You want to be sure their recommendation is worthwhile and will result in a good job.

Those that live in colder climates should be concerned with excess ice buildup on their roof. Ice can collect under your roof shingles and gutters and cause serious damage so it is very important to address this issue. Make sure that your roof is properly ventilated and there are ice shields installed so as to prevent this problem.

If you're looking for a contractor, have them go over each step of the project with you. He should speak about materials, clean-up, costs and other issues. This will give you a better understanding of what is going on. If you aren't comfortable with the information your contractor is providing you with, it may be time to look in a different direction.

When hiring a contractor, always obtain an estimate. Ensure this estimate provides a complete cost breakdown of all the costs you will likely incur. This estimate should show contact information for the site manager, material costs, number of workers, start date, end date, and additional services. You should check out several different contractors instead of just one. Find out the average estimate, and if a contractor's price varies from the average by a large amount, regardless of whether it is far above or far below the average, you should question them. If they provide a solid reason, you can hire them; otherwise, look elsewhere.

Don't let appearance be the sole factor in deciding whether or not to install rain gutters. Gutters are a vital roofing component because they channel rainwater away from your home, preventing damage. If the standard aluminum gutters don't strike your fancy, invest a little more for a decorative copper gutter. At the very least, opt for a rain chain.

When you are looking for a good roofer to handle any roofing issues you may have, you should ask your friends, family and neighbors for referrals. If you know someone who has had work done on their roof, they are likely to let you know how good their roofers were, which could end up saving you a lot of time and money.

Avoid hiring go to website that can't prove they have an active license and carry adequate insurance. Should a problem arise, it will be much harder to receive compensation from an unlicensed contractor. In addition, paying unlicensed contractors over one thousand dollars is even more problematic. In some states, this is actually illegal.

If you can't find any local contractors who really interest you, then take a drive through your neighborhood or nearby neighborhoods and look for signs of repairs. When you find a roof that looks like it has been recently replaced, ask the homeowners who handled the job and what they though of their experience.

If you've paid attention, you've learned something about putting that new roof on your home. Everything you can find out before making those important decisions is so important when it comes to getting the right roof for your family's home. Remember everything you've learned so that you can do it right.