Cordell Zachery

Everyone recognizes the importance of a quality roof on a home. Many people don't really know a lot about roofing. The article below contains roofing information designed to bring homeowners up to speed.

Your roof needs to be inspected by you on a yearly basis at the least. Springtime and winter are the harshest times of the year for rooftops. For this reason, these are the times to pay close attention to your own roof.

If a leak pops up during a storm, don't do anything until the rain stops and you have a chance to look at the problem. You can't walk safely on a slippery roof. Wait until it stops raining and the roof is completely dry before attempting to repair it.

Don't go up on your roof in inclement weather. You are far more likely to sustain an injury--or worse. Wait for sunny weather before you work on your roof.

Rubber soled shoes are a must when you get up on your roof. Wear your boots even if the weather is clear. Being on the roof will put your body in very awkward stances. This makes it easy to slip and fall; therefore, you should ensure you are protected by wearing rubber boots.

There are a number of questions you should ask your roofer before you sign the contract. One question is the amount of nails that need to be inserted into every shingle. Three nails are usually insufficient. Ask them about the methods they use to find out whether or not they give good answers. Otherwise, keep on searching.

If a local roofing salesman gives a high-pressure pitch, tell them no thank you, then show them the door. 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.

If you have a leak, fix it temporarily. A large roll of heavy plastic and nails is all it will take. It's an inelegant solution, but it may buy you some time.

Avoid paying the full amount for your repairs upfront. You may have to pay around 25% of the amount to get the job started, but try not to pay more than that. But paying the whole amount up front can cause the roofer to do less than they agreed to, or poor work.

When you're trying to find someone to work on your roof, you have to be sure that they have the proper skills. Your coworkers and friends are excellent sources for referrals, reviews, and recommendations.