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Finding a contractor is practically as stressful as buying a house. Without a proper roof, your home is pretty much worthless. Keep reading to find out how to select a contractor and even make some roof repairs on your own. When you have the top materials, a so-so roof can become a great roof.

Leaks come from having damaged shingles, but you should also inspect your roof's foundation. Water could be seeping in from somewhere else, such as dry-rotted siding or gaps along windows or doors. Look for ever potential entry area, rotten wood included, to be sure you get the problem permanently fixed.

When considering the materials for your roof, consider the climate in which you live. Clay roofing is a great material if the area that you live in has a dry climate; it can help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the house. However, these do not survive well in wet climates and will have a short lifespan. If not sure what to do, don't be afraid to ask.

Have A Look At These Great Roofing Tips When you are choosing roofing contractors, it's important to look at background references. Once you have the references you should speak with the homeowners and see how well the job was done. Drive by some of the addresses on your own. Take a quick drive and look at the work before making any decisions.

A great, dependable, trustworthy resource when looking to find a roofer is your friends and family. Ask around to see if anyone you know recently hired a roofing contractor who did a good job. You might also inquire about the clean-up involved after completion or whether certain materials and work was covered by warranty.

When you are choosing roofing contractors, it's important to look at background references. Once you have the references you should speak with the homeowners and see how well the job was done. You should take a look at some of the properties yourself. Take a quick drive and look at the work before making any decisions.

Friends, family and co-workers should be your first resource when choosing a roofing contractor. Ask them about their experience with roofers, whether or not they were satisfied with the quality of service and the price of the job. As about how clean they were, too.

Fix Your Roof By Checking Out These Tips If the contractor does not require you to pay up front in full, do not do it. Although paying approximately 25% of the cost upfront may be necessary, avoid paying more than this amount. You would hate to spend a lot of money in case their work is sub-par.

Before you actually start installing new shingles, be sure to carefully examine your materials. Cracked or warped shingles, the wrong type or length of nails along with any other inappropriate materials can doom the installation from the beginning. Be sure those shingles are crack-free and strong, and make sure nails secure and penetrate the shingles to keep them in place.

If you think you may have a leak, spray your roof with a garden hose. This can help you find where the leak is. It is a much cheaper alternative to hiring a professional.

Only hire roofers that give you proof of valid and current licensing and insurance. If they can't, don't hire them. If they do poor work that can cause costly damages to your house, you have no recourse.

Do you feel that you know more about roofing? You should have lots of confidence now. Get the most qualified contractor to install the best roof for you. When you are ready to plan, remember what you have read here.