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Home has been referred to as "a roof over your family's head." The roof is crucial to the home, and definitely more than in a metaphorical sense! Since you're a homeowner, you need to properly care for your roof. Check out the advice below for some great tips on keeping the rain out!

While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, be sure you look at your roof's foundation too. If there is dry rot on your roof, water can get into your house. Just checking the roof is not enough. Consider all the other possible places that water can get in so that you end the problem completely.

When working on a roof, safety must be a top priority. Trying to repair a leak while it's raining or during a storm can seriously injure you, or worse! Place a bucket under the leak until the weather clears up, then go have a look at your roof to see if you can repair the problem.

Don't go up on your roof in inclement weather. A wet roof can cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you work on the roof on your own, only do it when the weather is dry and sunny.

Before hiring a roofing company, it's a must to check all credentials. Be sure and ask each reference how they felt about the quality of work done on their roof. Look into these addresses on your own too. Before you choose a contractor, take a good look at their work.

There are a number of questions you should ask your roofer before you sign the contract. For example, see how many nails they're going to be putting into the shingles. Generally, three nails are not enough. Don't be afraid to find out your contractors shingling methods to see if their work meets industry standards. If they don't, go with another contractor.

If you have a leak, fix it temporarily. Consider nailing in a layer of heavy plastic over the leaky area. This is not the most effective way to deal with leaks, but it will tide you over for the time being.

Inquire about warranties to narrow down your contractor list. You want a warranty that is going to last for at least 3-5 years. Defective supplies and shoddy workmanship should be covered along with the warranties from the manufacturer.

Be sure that you're hiring a roofer that has the proper licensing before they do any work. Do not trust the roofer to tell you the honest truth about what is required. Pay a visit to your local City Hall to get the information you need, straight from the source.

If your contractor has workers with them, this could be cheaper than one that works alone. A good team working in unison can achieve good results more quickly. However, if one contractor is your only option, then ensure their price is not too high.

A living roof is a great option for those trying to live a "greener" life. A living roof actually contains layers of soil that can be used to plant a garden or to grow vegetables. You must have a flat roof for this design and there are some climate considerations, but a living roof may also provide insulation.

You shouldn't get frustrated if you can't figure out where your roof is leaking. It's only a matter of time before you find it through the process of elimination and using a water hose may help in combination with a buddy-system. Use cell phones with one person in the attic and the other outside.

Don't forget the little things when hiring a contractor. Someone that arrives on time for an appointment or calls you when they say they will is probably fairly dependable. Also, they are probably professional if they provide you with a typed bid. You want to see both happen with your contractor.

Make sure to ask all of your questions prior to the commencement of work. You're going to regret not asking questions if problems arise later. If you can't get clear answers from a contractor, they're probably not someone you want to work with.

Be sure to get a few quotes before you choose a roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof. There are contractors who will try to milk you out of your money. It's important to compare prices and companies before choosing one to ensure you get good work at a good price.

When you're thinking about hiring someone to work on your roof, you need to be sure that you look to the BBB first. If there are any complaints or negative marks, you can use that information to make a better choice. You should also check with your local Chamber of Commerce.

Part of your responsibility as a homeowner is to keep your roof in good condition. You can ignore some household problems, but none that pertain to your roof. If you make use of the information here, you can avoid trouble in the future with your roof.