The roof of your home protects you from rain, wind, snow and ice. That makes it very important to maintain your roof as well as possible. Many homeowners neglect roofs until the issues are major. Make sure that you have a roof that’s in good shape by reading through the tips presented below.

Never delay in repairing or replacing shingles. While you may believe it is okay to put off a roof repair, you will only further the damage by prolonging it. If you tackle the issue immediately, you could wind up saving yourself a lot of money. If you maintain your roof, it’ll last you a long time.

When hiring a roofing contractor, checking their background references is an absolute must. When you speak with the referring individual, inquire about the quality of work and overall satisfaction. Also, go and look at the different addresses. Drive on by and see for yourself before hiring anyone.

If your roofing company can’t fix a problem for several days, take some time to look for a quick band-aid fix. Consider nailing in a layer of heavy plastic over the leaky area. This isn’t the best way to handle leaks, but it makes for a good short term solution.

Try not to use any short-term fixes on your roof. While it may seem like a cheaper choice, it can actually result in more damage in the future, costing you a whole lot more money. Fix any issues promptly and properly to ensure that the problem does not worsen down the line.

When you have a short list of contractors you want to contact, find out what kind of warranties are available. Most roofers offer a warranty on their work for up to five years. The longer the warranty you can get, the better. The contractor’s warranty should cover faults due to both workmanship and part failure. A proper roofer should provide you with the manufacturer’s warranties for all of the supplies he uses, too.

Before you actually start installing new shingles, be sure to carefully examine your materials. Quite a few leaks happen due to improper installation, whether that be shingles that have cracked, nails that are too long, or something else. Ensure the shingles have no cracks and make sure that your nails can secure the shingles to the structure.

If you think you may have a leak, spray your roof with a garden hose. This will show if you have a leak and the area where the leak emanates from. You can do this for free, and on your own, without bringing in costly roofing professionals.

When undergoing a roof replacement, you may want to consider architectural shingles. Besides being more durable than bargain shingles, architecturaal shingles have more aesthetic appeal. Using this type of shingle gives your home added curb appeal. It’s definitely something to consider if you plan to list your home for sale.

As this article said in the beginning, you have to be sure to take care of your roof so it can take care of your home and family. Keep the tips from this article in mind and keep your family protected all year long. The work you put in will really pay off in the long-term.