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Home generally means "a roof over one's head." Obviously you have to take care of your roof if you want to have a home that lasts a long time. When you become a homeowner, you also become a "roof owner" and must take care of this roof. Keep reading to discover some fantastic roofing advice.

If it is raining and your roof is leaking, you shouldn't attempt to climb up onto your roof and fix the problem until it has quit raining. You can't walk safely on a slippery roof. When it's dry you can fix it safely and properly.

If your shingles are looking shabby, do not hesitate to replace them. You may be tempted to delay repairs, but you will only end up with worse damage. When you get the job done now, you avoid future disasters. Taking proper care of your roof will help it remain durable over time.

Some leaks are caused by shingles, but you should check your roof's foundation. 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.

Wet conditions are the enemy of safe and effective roof work. A wet roof can cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. If you decide to repair your roof on your own, do it when it's dry and sunny outside.

Wear rubber boots when you climb onto your roof. This is necessary to ensure that you have good footing, even in dry conditions. Fixing things on your roof indicates you will be in some awkward positions that could cause you to slip, so stay safe.

Prior to the removal of your old roof, make sure your lawn is cut short. This will make it easier to find any nails that fall from the roof. Short grass also makes a magnetic nail finder work much more efficiently.

If your appointment with the roofer is scheduled, but is not to occur for a few more days, you may want to make a temporary leak repair. Get a sheet of heavy duty plastic and cover the leaking area with it. This is not the most effective way to deal with leaks, but it will tide you over for the time being.

The age of the roof can determine if it needs to be replaced. Roofs are generally warrantied for 20 years. If your current roof is installed over an older layer of roofing, you are going to have to redo your roofing in 20 years.

Look over the materials you're using for roofing before you get new shingles put up. Installation is a big cause of leaks, whether it be from the wrong sized nails or cracked shingles. Ensure the shingles have no cracks and make sure that your nails can secure the shingles to the structure.

It is important to inquire about references from any contractor you are thinking of hiring. Reputable companies will never refuse to give them. If a company tries to skate by this request, look elsewhere. A contractor who does not have any good references might not perform a quality service.

If you aren't able to see the roof from a ladder or the ground, think about heading up to your roof to check it out after any strong storm. A few shingles blown off can result in major leaks, so you must fix the damage as soon as possible. Inspect your roof quickly after heavy storms and at the end of winter.

Do not allow anyone to do work on your home that does not act professional every step of the way. For instance, contractors should provide typed and clearly formatted quotes. You will want to make sure the whole process is professional from the very beginning.

Think about roofing structured from coated metal as an environmentally friendly option. Coated metal roofs are recyclable and are more energy efficient than traditional roofing materials. You can even install such a roof over your current shingles.

Many people neglect the roof boots when they are maintaining their roof. They dry out quickly and can cause problems. These areas are a common source of leaks and should be inspected regularly and repaired as necessary.

Whether you are having a new roof installed or having repairs done, make sure you inspect all materials being used. A single cracked shingle can cause a lot of future problems. Monitor the quality of your materials all the way through the process.

As a responsible homeowner, you must always take care of your roof. There are lots of maintenance jobs that can be deferred, but roofing isn't one of them. Using the above suggestions will help to keep the roof in great condition and will help save you money and troubles in the future.