A lot of people do not think about their roof very much, but when it has a problem, it is usually a big problem. A lot of people do not know much about roofing, so addressing a roofing problem can be intimidating. Read on and learn what you steps you can take to keep your roof in pristine shape.

If you discover a leak in your roof while it’s raining, wait until it’s dry to examine and repair the leak. Not only is there no way to quickly patch a leak, but your safety could be compromised on a slippery, wet roof. Fix the roof a day after the storm hits for the best results.

Leaks often come from shingles, but don’t discount a foundation problem as well. If there is dry rot on your home’s sides, you may get water in your home. You need to be checking all entry points to make sure there is no problem.

When roofing is concerned, safety should be your number one priority. Do not attempt to repair a leaky roof when the weather is stormy or you could be seriously hurt! Damaged roofs are unstable during rainy weather, so do not take such a risk. Just do what you can with the leak, like collecting the water in a bucket, and look at the roof later when the weather is better.

Consider your climate when roofing. If you are in a dry climate and want to keep your house cool, then a clay roof would be ideal. But, if you use clay in a rainy area, you can have roof deterioration very quickly. If you are unsure, you can always ask.

If you feel pressured by a roofing contractor, it’s time to turn them down and ask them to leave. These unscrupulous people will stop at nothing to get you to sign a contract with them, and you always end up on the losing end, so stop them in their tracks.

Always make sure that you don’t pay the full amount up front if you don’t have to. Normally, you pay 25% or so to start the job. You don’t want to get stuck with a job that isn’t finished properly, or one that didn’t take as long as expected.

Make sure that the roofer you hire has experience. Talk to your family, friends, coworkers, etc. for suggestions on roofing contractors. You do not want to end up with a roof which decays quickly.

When shopping for a contractor, be sure to ask about warranties. The warranty should last at least three years. Keep in mind that a longer warranty is always better. It must cover workmanship and defective supplies, and they should also give you photocopies of manufacturer warranties too.

The age of your roof often dictates whether or not you replace it. Roofs have, generally, about 20 years of life in them. Therefore, once your roof reaches this age, you need to replace it in order to prevent damage to your home.

It is important to consider many things if you are hiring a roofer. Consider the punctuality they have demonstrated concerning appointments and follow-up calls. A contractor who provides you with a typed bid demonstrates professionalism on his part. It is important that the roofer you hire has these two qualities.

You should now have a bit more information about the roof of your home. Proper roof care leads to less concerns about your roof. Take note of this information so that you may deal with any further issues easily.