A solid roof can prevent leakage of water and debris. If your roof is faulty, mother nature can ruin your whole home. Learning how to handle roof repairs on your own will save huge amounts of money and trouble throughout your life. The information below will set you up for success.

Consider the climate in your area when replacing your roof. A clay roof is a good choice for dry regions and can also keep the home cooler. Clay tiles that are on a home that is in a place where it rains all the time can deteriorate fast. If you don’t know what material is best in your area, ask a professional.

When fixing roof leaks, make sure the whole problem is fixed. This means that it’s not a good idea to patch up the first leak you come to and stop there. It’s easier to find and take care of all current and potential leaks at once, rather than have to repeat the repairs a few months down the road.

Be sure that you are properly secured anytime that you go on top of your roof. It is not hard to lose your footing and sustain serious injury – even death – when you are on your roof.

Do some careful research before deciding which roofer to hire. Never hire the first one listed in the yellow pages or the one with the lowest rates. Instead you need to look around at different roofing companies where you live. You can ask friends and family, use a service or research online.

Make sure any contractor you are considering has insurance. If you hire a contractor who is not properly insured, you will be responsible for any damage they cause. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.

Check your roofing materials thoroughly before installation. Leaks often occur quickly due to improper installation. Being sure that the shingles are in perfect condition and that you are using the correct nails to hold them securely will help the roof to last much longer.

Discuss warranty options with any potential contractor. Some companies will provide better coverage than their competitors. Make sure the warranty is in writing, as well as the estimate. That allows you recourse if anything happens.

Get references for any roofing company you may hire. A company that performs well and is honest should have no problem coming up with multiple references. Find another contractor if the roofer you were interested in cannot provide you with references. This can be a tell-tale sign of trouble ahead.

Ask the roofing contractor how long they’ve been roofing. This will prove that they are legitimate and can do quality work. Anyone that is new to this could be trying to scam you.

Any roofing contractor you hire needs to have proper licensing and insurance. If he does not, do not hire him. You won’t have any recourse available when they do a bad job which ends up costing you a lot of money to fix.

You don’t want to forget the small things when you’re hiring a roofer. People that are always on time or who call when they promise to are good things to look for in a contractor. This will show that he means business and will probably do a good job. Your roofer should have these qualities if they’re any good.

If you want a custom look for your roof, consult with roofing contractors to assess their experience level and abilities. If they have little experience, look for another roofer. You should take risks with your roof.

Don’t neglect the roof boots. These rubber boots are located where the roof fence comes up and they can dry out. If this happens, you may get a leak, so inspect them and replace them if need be.

It can be dangerous to climb on top of your roof. A roof is designed to repel the elements, not for being conducive to human beings. Put on rubber-soled shoes to help prevent slipping. Also, it would be a good idea to use a harness. Finally, you always should have someone around that can give you some assistance.

Safety Plan

OSHA requires all roofing contractors to establish a safety plan for projects. The safety plan ensures that projects are completed the right way. So, prior to hiring a roofer, be sure there is a safety plan established. When they don’t have one, don’t hire them.

Have your contractor outline the whole process. Talk to him about what products he will be using, how he intends to clean up after the job, and the cost you will incur. Be sure that you fully understand the plan they lay out for you. If you aren’t comfortable with the information your contractor is providing you with, it may be time to look in a different direction.

Not taking care of your roof can lead to disaster. This article will ensure you don’t have problems down the road. Make use of your new knowledge when and where it’s appropriate and you’ll have real confidence in the integrity of your roof.