Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the hurdles that you will face as a new homeowner. This is a lot like choosing your spouse because the two of you will hopefully be together for life! Choose incorrectly and your roof will tell the story. Read the tips below to make your selection the best selection!

Leaks are often caused by weak shingles, but you should also inspect the foundations of your roof. If the sides of your home have dry rot, water can enter your home there. You should examine all potential entry points so that you can find the problem.

It is very common for the gutters on your house to become clogged, so make sure you have them cleaned on a fairly regular basis. If you allow them to stay dirty, it will give rain a chance to build up and pool on top of your roof, which increases the chances of the roof becoming damaged.

Ask your friends for advice regarding your roof. Many people maintain their homes by themselves, and are happy to help a friend to learn how to do the same. Even if you do not find someone that is handy, you may at least get a good recommendation on a contractor that can help you out.

Different states often have different requirements when it comes to roofing. You may need to have a permit or a bond if you want work to begin on your house. Get in touch with the building department in your area to ask them whether this applies to you or not.

Before you sign anything, make sure you have a proposal from your contractor in writing. It should include scheduling, including the anticipated completion date, a detailed cost analysis, information about what procedures they have for installation, information on your warranty and all the contact information you’ll require for the company.

If you are working on your own roof, you must always remember that safety comes first. Never try and climb your roof if it is raining or the weather is bad. For that matter, you should avoid getting on the roof if it is still wet after it has rained.

If you would like a new, environmentally friendly roof over your head: you are not alone and it is possible! A living roof has layers of soil in which a plant or flowers can be grown. You must have a flat roof for this design and there are some climate considerations, but a living roof may also provide insulation.

It’s great to have a home surrounded by trees, but they can be a real burden on your roof. Trim any branches that are coming in contact with your roof. Otherwise, you may wind up replacing scratched or punctured shingles. A little extra effort goes a long way when it comes to your roof!

A poorly-built roof is always a sign of a poorly-chosen contractor. There are plenty of options available in most local areas and the internet is an excellent tool for finding them. However, with so many choice, it’s difficult to know who is the right one. Thankfully, the tips provided in the article above should make that decisions much-less difficult and much-more efficient.