A good roof is necessary to keep your home and family dry. Therefore, you must take the time to care for it. Many homeowners make the mistake of letting minor roof problems evolve into really major ones. Use the following tips to take good care of your roof.

Inspect your roof once a year at the bare minimum. Spring rains and winter storms are especially hard on your roof. Most damages occur during these months. Therefore, stay alert during this time for damage.

Don’t procrastinate on replacing shingles. Waiting to fix small problems is not a good option since you might end up spending a lot more if the problems get worse. Replacing or repairing shingles immediately saves you both time and energy in the future. If you maintain your roof, it’ll last you a long time.

While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, be sure you look at your roof’s foundation too. Water can leak into your home through dry-rotted siding. Check all entry points to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Consider your climate when roofing. Roofing materials made of clay work great when the climate is dry and they help cool down homes. Clay tiles that are on a home that is in a place where it rains all the time can deteriorate fast. As always, if you aren’t sure, then you should ask.

Cut the grass a little while before the roofing contractor arrives to remove the roof. This can help them easily find any nails they drop, making things easier on both of you. If your contractor brings a magnetic nail finder, short grass will also help this tool work more efficiently.

Always research contractors you are considering. It is not a good idea to go with someone simply because they are inexpensive or readily available. Spend some time looking up local roofers. Ask friends for referrals, look online, or enlist the help of a service to help you find a good contractor.

If the contractor does not require you to pay up front in full, do not do it. You can pay about 25% to start the job, but avoid paying more than that. The last thing you want is to have paid the full amount upfront in return for a shoddy job.

Any roofer you are considering using must have the proper license to do business. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what is required. Contact the building department where you live and see what kinds of things you’re going to need.

Before you install a new roof, check out your supplies. Many leaks stem from improper installation, including cracked shingles, and nails that are the wrong length. You need to be sure that your shingles are nice and strong and without cracks, and make sure you are using the right nails.

You should always consider a roofer’s experience while going through the hiring process. A company with a long and established reputation for high quality customer service is often your best bet. Anyone who hasn’t been around for very long could be a scam artist who runs away with your money.

If you’re wondering if your roof is leaking, try spraying it with a garden hose. Doing so will help you figure out if you have a leak and if you do, where it is coming from. That’s cheaper than hiring help.

Don’t pay in full before roof work has started. Some dubious contractors have been known to take the money and run. Instead, just offer a small percentage until the final job is completed.

When a windy day blows through, check your roof once it’s over. If shingles have been damaged, it’s important to spot the problem immediately. Allowing damaged shingles to sit can cause serious leaks in the future. Do a quick, safe check every time.

As stated earlier, the roof is essential to protecting you from the outdoors. This article will cover a few essential roofing tips to help you maintain your roof and protect your home and family. The time and money you spend will definitely be worth it.