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When it comes to roof maintenance, many homeowners have no idea what to do. Too often, people neglect their roofs altogether until a serious problem has developed. Keep this from happening by using the information provided in the article below. Taking care of your roof ensures that you and your family will always remain safe and protected.

When working on your roof, be sure to wear rubber sole shoes. Even if it is a sunny day outside, there could still be water or ice leftover from previous storms. If you are not wearing rubber sole shoes, you could end up slipping and falling, which of course, leads to disastrous consequences.

Just like most projects, roofing requires you to have a clean surface to work on. The sheathing also has to be perfectly flat, so if you see any warping, replace it. Lastly, http://www.blackplanet.com/your_page/blog/view_posting.html?pid=5071567&profile_id=65883728&profile_name=zapatabias&user_id=65883728&username=zapatabias has to be removed to ensure it doesn't affect the new roof once installed, causing problems.

Avoid putting off a roof repair for any length of time, even if it seems like a minor issue. Once a shingle or two have blown off, it's much easier for the wind to get underneath the rest and blow them off too, one-by-one. Fixing your roof right away will minimize damage, saving you money.

Just before your roof is removed for repair, mow your lawns. Having cut grass will help both you and the contractor find any nails that have fallen on the ground. Even better, a magnetized nail finder will work at its optimum in short grass.

Never work on your roof by yourself. You should always have someone else present, even if it is solely for the purpose of having someone that can call emergency services if you fall. Falling from the roof can be a disaster, but not having someone to help you is even worse.

When looking for damage on your roof, don't start by taking a walk around the roof. Get an inspector out to do the job right. Walking on a damaged roof could lead to it caving in.

Never work on your roof by yourself. You should always have someone else present, even if it is solely for the purpose of having someone that can call emergency services if you fall. Falling from the roof can be a disaster, but not having someone to help you is even worse.

Always ask a contractor to provide references. Honest companies will gladly provide these to you. It would be a wise decision to move on to the next contractor of the company you are considering refuses to show references. This is a red flag.

One great way to check up on your roof is from the underneath. Climb up into your attic during the day and check whether any daylight is peeking through. If you can see the sun, that means there is definitely a problem, so call in an inspector right away to determine the issue.

Can your contractor provide proof of insurance and a license? Do not hire them if they do not have this information. Without this protection, you have no way to recoup your costs in the event of damages or faulty installation.

Take the roofer's credentials into consideration during the hiring process. Although credentials do not give you a guarantee that you will get quality work, they do show you how involved the person is with your local community. It also says a little something about their character as well, which is valuable information.

When you are trying to choose a roofing contractor to inspect or repair your roof, you would be wise to check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is a reliable source to find out about other customers' past experiences with contractors in your area. You ought to speak with the Chamber of Commerce as well.

Consider the type of roofing materials used on other homes in your neighborhood. It is best to blend in and avoid standing out as too different. You home will seem more attractive to a prospective buyer when it looks as if it fits into the neighborhood in which it is located.

One of the main reasons for roof leaks are due to clogged gutters. When you don't clean your gutters regularly, you allow water to buildup whenever it rains. This in turn, can cause leaks to occur. Be sure and clean your gutters of all debris regularly so as to prevent this from happening.

Always be sure that you inspect your roof after there has been a lot of wind in your area. 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. Make sure to do this after every storm to stay safe and save money.

Many roofing companies will try to target homeowners following a storm. If you are contacted, first research to see if you can find out how big the hail was. Normally, it has to be more than an inch in diameter to really harm your roof. If the hail was smaller than that, you probably do not need repairs.

If you've paid attention, you've learned something about putting that new roof on your home. Everything you can find out before making those important decisions is so important when it comes to getting the right roof for your family's home. Remember everything you've learned so that you can do it right.