Being a homeowner means you are responsible for your home. Besides getting problems fixed on your own, figuring out what it will cost you and how long it will take can stress you out as well. Continue reading to learn more about one of the things being a homeowner entails, maintaining your roof.

Sometimes shingles leak, but the foundation can leak too. If there’s dry rot, water may be able to enter a home. You need to look for every possible place that water can enter so that the problem gets taken care of completely.

When considering the materials for your roof, consider the climate in which you live. Dry climates can greatly benefit from clay roofs. They also keep homes cool. Clay roof tiles in rainy climates will cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. Be sure to ask an expert if you aren’t sure.

Wear shoes with rubber soles whenever you need to get on top of your roof. Regardless of the weather, rubber-soled shoes are a necessity for keeping your footing on the roof. Do not put yourself in dangerous positions when on the roof.

Make sure your grass is cut before the roof on your home is removed. It’s not uncommon for nails and other debris to land in the grass during construction. Shorter grass allows you to locate any errant nails. Your roofer may use a metal detector to locate lost nails, and this job will also go faster if your grass is freshly trimmed.

Make sure you do your homework before you decide on what contractor you will hire to do roof work. Don’t hire the cheapest or first company you locate. Take the time to find out more about all the roofing contractors in the area. You can look online, ask your friends, or use a service that helps find trusted workers for you.

How old your roof is will often determine whether or not it is time to replace it. Most roofs have a lifespan of twenty years before replacement is needed. If you have a roof that was put on top of another roof, if 20 years have gone by, you likely must replace it.

Speak to the roofing contract about the sorts of warranties they offer. You may find one company to have a better warranty than others. Make sure you always get written warranties with your estimates so that you retain a copy of important information. This will prevent ant disagreements in the future.

The small things should not be ignored when you hire a roofing contractor. Those who show up on schedule and call you as promised are probably fairly reliable. Your contractor should also provide you with typed estimate for the repairs needed. You want these qualities present in your roofing contractor.

If you want to fix your roof yourself or find a contractor to help, the first thing to do is conduct some research. This article will cover the basics and enable you to continue your roofing education if you choose. Keep this information in mind as you move forward.