Roof maintenance, and necessary repairs, are important issues for everyone who owns a home. The trouble with this is that people don’t know what to do when it comes to roofing so that the roof stays in good shape. Using the advice below can help your roof last a long time.

Don’t go up on your roof in inclement weather. If the roof is slippery or wet, you may fall, resulting in a potentially major injury or even death. If you are performing your own roof repair, only work when conditions are sunny and dry.

When you’re trying to hire someone to do roofing work for you, you need to check on their background references. Once you’ve got them, check them out and ask about value and quality of the work. Drive by some of the addresses on your own. Drive by them and look at them carefully to figure out who to hire.

If a salesman is pressuring you into a deal, turn him away. People who use high-pressure tactics almost always do not deliver what they promise.

Make sure to do your research when looking for a roofing contractor. Don’t just think that you should hire the first person that you find or one that’s the cheapest. Compare the various contractors in your area to get an idea of the common rate. You can ask family and friends and search online for this valuable information.

Stay away from short-term fixes for your roof. Though you may think you are saving money, more damage can occur, which will cost even more. Fix any issues promptly and properly to ensure that the problem does not worsen down the line.

When hiring a roofing contractor, ensure that they’re skilled at roofing. Ask loved ones for referrals. You would hate to hire the wrong roofing contractor because this could result in wasted time and money.

Be sure a potential roofer is properly licensed. If you are unsure of local regulations or licensure requirements, never just take the word of the roofing company. Look up your local building department and call to ask what paperwork is needed.

Proper insurance is an absolute must-have. In the event that a roofer damages anything on your property and is not insured, it’s up to you to pay for it. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.

Contractors with workers tend to be cheaper than those who work alone. More workers means the job will be completed quicker, which means lower costs. Weigh out the pros and cons of each contractor as a worker doing the job alone may charge you more.

The age of your roof is the most important factor in deciding whether to repair or replace it. Roofs are generally warrantied for 20 years. Some homes have been fitted with a new roof right on top of the old one; if you’re in this situation it may be time to tear both off and start fresh.

All homeowners know how important it is to have a perfect roof. Knowing how to maintain one is the difficult part. Fortunately, the article above has provided a strong base of knowledge from which any homeowner can begin learning as much as possible about this most critical topic.