Content author-Sparks Kahn

Most roofs will stay in good shape for at least fifteen years, however, that does not mean you should neglect it. Do your part by doing regular maintenance on your roof. Keep reading to learn the essentials of roofing.

Never, under any circumstances paint your roof as a way to give it a new look. Doing so may void any warranty you have which could end up costing you quite a bit of money if something unfortunate were to happen. If your roof is showing signs of age, a good cleaning may be all you need.

If you have a leak and are going on your roof to search for it, bring a hose with you. You can spray the hose in order to find out where the leak is coming from. However, do not do this in the winter, as the water from the hose could cause ice.

Do what you can to keep your gutters clear from debris. If your gutters are clogged it can lead to water sitting on your roof for an extended period of time. That can then lead to water damage to the roof, which then could lead to some very heavy leaking. Prevent disaster by keeping up on your gutters through the year.

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.

Make Roofing Contractors 75001 that you take the proper safety precautions before attempting to go up on your roof. Even if you think you are perfectly safe going up there without a harness, wear one anyway. It is also a great idea to wear shoes that have rubber soles since they will prevent you from slipping.

If you are looking for a dimensional look to your roof, architectural shingles can provide this. Instead of a flat appearance, architectural shingles provide "pop" to your roof. Each shingle is layered, giving the final product a very dimensional and intriguing look. Be sure to pick a quality architectural shingle for a longer sustained roof.

When inspecting your roof for leaks, it is important that you inspect the whole roof, not just one section. If you find a troublesome area of your roof, you should still check all areas, as there could be more problems elsewhere. It will be cheaper for you to have all fixes done at the same time, rather than waiting.

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.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Calling around for different quotes for your roofing job is important to ensure you get the best price. However, if a contractor is offering their services way below the average, ask yourself why. It could very well be a good deal, but it could be a scam as well.

Try not to walk on your roof too much, as this can cause damage and leaks in and of itself. When it's really cold out, the shingles are brittle and when it's warm, they are soft! Both conditions create circumstances that make it easy to destroy your roofing tiles, so only go up there if you have to when the temperature is extreme outside.

If you are in the process of building a new home, pick a roofing material that has a long life. You do not want to worry about replacing your roof 15 or 20 years after you move into your new home. Check out several types of roofing materials before making your choice.

If you live in a cold climate, take extra precautions when having your new roof installed. When the temperature dips below freezing, rain left in your gutters can freeze and cause cracks. try this can prevent this by installing an ice and water barrier. This rubber membrane may cost a few hundred dollars more, but it can also save you thousands.

Ask for references for any roofing contractor that you are considering. If they are reputable, they should have plenty of references available. If they tell you they have done work for others in your area, drive by and take a look at what they have done. Try talking to a few owners if that is an available option.

Though it may be tempting to try and include roofing projects in your portfolio of DIY achievements, you may be well advised to proceed with caution. Before undertaking work on such a critical element of your home's structure, you need to honestly assess your level of skill and ability. By doing this, you will be able to determine whether the work really is within your capabilities, or is something better left to professionals.

You may want to consider avoiding chain roofing companies. While they may do a fine job, they usually cost a good deal more and pay their employees far less than their competition. This can mean that their employees are less satisfied and experienced due to a high turn-around. Be sure to consider this before choosing a contractor.





When inspecting your roof, take extra care to any areas where there are valleys. Valleys are where two of your roof intersections join together (they are also called ridges). These are common places for leaks to form and debris to collect so make sure that you take note of these areas during your inspections.

You want to make sure you don't pay the contractor a dime until he or she has provided you with the materials and labor lein releases. This ensures that in case the contractor defaults on his or her bills, you're not out the labor and the materials. You're entitled to get what you have paid for with these signed releases.

Use the World Wide Web to find a forum or message board where potential roofing companies in your area are discussed. These are much better than company testimonials found on the website because they will come from real customers without any external influence. Many websites exist purely for posting and discussing experiences with contractors.

As was stated in the beginning of this article, many homeowners neglect taking proper care of their roofs until a serious problem arises. Make sure you use the tips and tricks illustrated above to ensure that your roof is always in good health so that you won't ever have to deal with costly problems in the future. You'll be glad you did.