Content by-Dixon Ingram

Be honest, how much time do you spend thinking about your roof? If you are like most people, the answer is probably little or no time at all. However, roofing should be a major concern for each and every homeowner as it plays a vital role in protecting you and your family. Read on and learn all there is to know about roofing.

Always be safe when you're up on your roof. If you don't know what you're doing, don't go up there! Wear the right safety gear and don't do anything that puts your body at risk. Remember to bring along the right tools for the job as well to ensure you do the work right.

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.

Find out about roofing warranties from your roofer. Roof replacement and repair can be expensive, so you should always choose a contractor that offers warranties for the work. Professional contractors usually offer full warranties on new roofs or roof replacements, but they may not on repairs. Always get a copy of your warranty when the work is done.

Never use bleach to clean your roof. While bleach is something that is very effective at cleaning many areas of your home, it should never be used to clean your roof. This is because the chemicals found in bleach are corrosive, and they may cause a lot of damage to the roofing materials.




Be sure to inspect the valleys on your roof if you are experiencing a leak anywhere in your home. A valley is where two corners meet, forming a ridge. It is here where water or snow can pool, creating erosion of the roofing materials faster than anywhere else. Check https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-cb-snow-on-roof-caution-20210217-xwilqt7t3rdzrdjciiungapnk4-story.html to make sure they are not damaged or for any debris that may be blocking drainage.

In the winter months, be sure your roof is equipped with ice and rain shields. Also, make sure it has proper ventilation. Your home is heated by the wall line and this is where ice tends to build up. It is the build up of this ice that can cause interior leaks.

When looking for a roofing contractor to hire, the Better Business Bureau can be an invaluable resource. What you want to look for are contractors that maintain an "A+" rating. The Better Business Bureau can be searched online, or you can contact a local office. You'll also be able to see any complaints filed, and how the contractor resolved those complaints.

The age of your roof is going to help you figure out whether you need to replace it. Most roofs only last about 20 years. Therefore, once your roof reaches this age, you need to replace it in order to prevent damage to your home.

When looking to replace your roof, be sure to look around at your various options for roofing contractors. Have multiple people come out and give you different quotes. However, remember that the cheapest option is not always the best option. If you go the cheap route, but are unsure of the quality of their work, you could pay for it in the long run.

If you are interested in becoming more green, you can use environmentally safe materials for roofing. Recycled material consisting of used plastic, rubber and wood waste can be a great option, as well as solar panels. https://www.klfy.com/eye-on-scams/beware-of-free-roofing-inspection-scams/ can also save you money on initial costs or energy rates in the home.

Be sure to clean out your gutters on a regular basis. If they get backed up, water may leak into your attic, which can cause permanent damage to your roof. Check your gutters often, and give your roof a deep cleaning one or twice a year. This is key to keeping it in great shape.

To maintain your roof properly, keep debris away from it. Accumulation of such material helps water pool, which is harmful. Sitting water on your roof can lead to rotting, leaks and a huge repair bill.

When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with the warranties and guarantees said company offers. This goes both for the materials they use and the work they provide. It is important that you have certain assurances with any work that will be done on your roof so that you are protected.

You don't always need to hire a contractor to keep your roof in decent condition. Small maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the gutters or removing the debris from valleys makes a big difference. These small jobs can save a big bundle of money because future contractors will use them to drive the fee even higher.

Finding a leak doesn't mean it's time to fix it: think "safety first" and plan ahead for those big repairs. Cold ice or strong winds can turn a simple repair into a serious accident. The roof is a dangerous place if you aren't prepared for what's to come. Plan ahead for a cool, calm evening.

Some roofers have subcontractors that they use. That means that a different roofer may come out to your house than you were expecting. Talk to the roofer ahead of time to find out if they subcontract work out. If they do, you may want to think about going with someone else, because you cannot be sure who will show up.

The most commonly used material for roofs is asphalt, but one must consider the fact that these shingles don't last very long. If you'd rather be able to not worry about re-installing shingles, consider installing metal or tile roof material. These options have a long life span, but are a bit more costly.

All homeowners acknowledge the vital nature of a sturdy, impenetrable roof. That is not to say, though, that they all realize how they can ensure that their roofs remain in ideal condition. With any luck, the piece above has served as a wonderful reference guide for anyone interested in learning more about roof maintenance and repair.