Do you have some “iffy” areas on your roof? Are there parts that look like they might cause a problem? Are you unsure what exactly you’re seeing when you look at your roof? You can become a responsible homeowner if you learn how to care for your roof. Not only are you going to be able to take care of your roof better, this article will also teach you how to catch problems before they get bigger.

You should inspect your roof carefully on an annual basis. The most common time of year for a roof to suffer from damage is during the winter and spring months. So, be sure to inspect your roof during or after these troublesome months.

If your roof leaks, wait for it to dry before you find out where exactly it is and try to fix it. Don’t jeopardize your safety by going up on a wet roof. You will need good, dry conditions to find the damage and repair it properly. Therefore, don’t climb on your roof until it quits raining and it is completely dry.

Wet conditions are the enemy of safe and effective roof work. If your roof is slippery and wet, you may fall, causing bad injuries or perhaps death. If you are performing your own roof repair, only work when conditions are sunny and dry.

Wear shoes with rubber soles whenever you need to get on top of your roof. Even on a dry day, you need a proper grip. Being on the roof will put your body in very awkward stances. This makes it easy to slip and fall; therefore, you should ensure you are protected by wearing rubber boots.

When you hire a roofing contractor, you must look at their background references. Ask previous customers whether they are satisfied with the work done and the price paid. Also, go and look at the different addresses. Walk or drive past the homes to check out the roof and, if homeowners are outside, stop to ask some questions.

Liability insurance is a must for any roofing contractor you intend to hire. To begin with, if they’ve got this insurance, you can ensure they’re reliable. Also, their insurance will cover anything that may happen while working on your roof.

Don’t attempt to create a temporary fix for your roof. It’s nice to save money, but the additional damage that putting off quality repairs can cause, usually ends up costing more later. Always fix issues quickly and completely, to avoid major issues later.

Discuss warranty options with any potential contractor. You may find a better warranty with another company. Make sure the warranty is in writing, as well as the estimate. It means there can be no disagreements over what was said and what wan’t down the line.

You need to keep debris off of your roof in order to keep it in good shape. Different debris and materials that build up can keep water sitting in spots on your roof. If water is allowed to pool, it can lead to rotting beneath shingles and cause expensive and damaging leakage.

Do not pay for a full roofing job until it is complete. Sometimes, contractors will take your money without doing any work. Pay a portion upfront and then the rest later.

Only hire professionals to work on your roof. A roofer should give you a quote for the job that is easy to read and comprehensive. You need the whole process to remain professional so that you can be sure their work is too.

Inspect all materials that will be going on your roof. In many cases, shingles develop cracks after being nailed in, which can lead to expensive issues later. Only install quality, defect-free materials for the best, longest lasting results.

Can your contractor come back yearly for maintenance? Problems happen, even with the best contractor. An annual inspection will ensure that your roof remains in tip-top shape.

When you are trying to choose a roofing contractor to inspect or repair your roof, you would be wise to check with the Better Business Bureau. This can help you see whether customers have filed complaints with your prospective contractors. Another good source for information about a company’s reputation is the local Chamber of Commerce.

With all the tips here, you’re now a much more capable homeowner in terms of roofing maintenance. Learn more about roof inspection, how to fix small problems and when you should get a new roof so you can properly maintain your home. By taking care of your roof properly, your roof will continue to provide you protection for a very long time.