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One of the most crucial issues that homeowners encounter is regular maintenance and repairs to their roof. Problems occur when people do not know how to keep a roof in good shape. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about the proper care and repair of your roof.

Never hire a roofing contractor who cannot provide references. Whenever you check out these references, follow up on them by contacting them so you can ask them their opinions on the contractor's work. Talk to these people to get a good idea of the quality, and drive by the house to take a look at the work. Before you choose a contractor, take a good look at their work.

If you feel pressured by a roofing contractor, it's time to turn them down and ask them to leave. These people will not stop annoying you until you sign their contract and you will always lose, so stop it before it starts.

Make a list of questions to ask before hiring a roofer. Do they intend to secure each shingle using more than one nails? Usually, three nails are inadequate to the job. Don't be afraid to find out your contractors shingling methods to see if their work meets industry standards. Otherwise, keep on searching.

Be secured as you traverse the roof. Many people suffer serious injuries attempting to perform roof repairs. The height and steepness of many roofs make falls a serious possibility.

Don't fix your roof with short-term solutions. These shortcuts may seem like affordable solutions, however they can often result in further damage that will cost even more to fix. It is in your best interest to address any problem as soon as you can. Cutting corners or delaying the work will almost always end badly.

When you have come up with a short list of possible contractors, check with each with regard to their warranties. You're looking for a warranty which lasts between three to five years. The longer it is, the better. The contractor's warranty should cover faults due to both workmanship and part failure. A proper roofer should provide you with the manufacturer's warranties for all of the supplies he uses, too.

Always check a potential roofing company's references. A company that is honest is going to always be glad to give you a few references. Go with another company if you find one that will not provide you with references. That can mean trouble in the future.

The age of your roof often dictates whether or not you replace it. Most roofs only last about 20 years. When your current roof is a second layer on top of your old roof, it has to be replaced after 20 years.

Ask roofing companies for references. Honest companies have no problems giving references. Be skeptical about any company that won't do so. This might be a sign that the contractor isn't a true professional.

Never hire a contractor unless they have the correct licensing and current insurance. If they do not provide you with these things, don't hire them. If they do poor work that can cause costly damages to your house, you have no recourse.

Since it protects families, pets and valuables, there is no doubt that the roof is one of the most important parts of a home. A lot of homeowners make the mistake of neglecting their roof for too long. With any luck, this article has provided you with good knowledge about maintaining the well-being of your roof.