A typical roof lasts about 15 years, but not without upkeep. Keep the roof properly maintained. This article will show you how.

Leaks come from having damaged shingles, but you should also inspect your roof’s foundation. If your home has dry rot in the outside walls, water can enter there. Check everything over to ensure it is up to snuff.

If you’re looking to hire a contractor to work on your roof, be sure and look at their references. Once you have the references you should speak with the homeowners and see how well the job was done. Talk to these people to get a good idea of the quality, and drive by the house to take a look at the work. Drive by and take a look before making your final hiring decision.

Always research contractors you are considering. You shouldn’t just go with the one who has the best ad or the lowest prices. You should be doing solid research and reading reviews about contractors in your area. You can do this through the Internet, get feedback from others, or utilize services that help people to find trustworthy workers.

When selecting roofers, verify their insurance coverage. If they have this kind of insurance, it is a good bet they are reliable. This will also assure that should something happen during the roofing process, their insurance will cover it.

Don’t pay for the job in full before it’s even started. A 25% deposit is typical, but you shouldn’t pay anything over that until the work is completed. If the job is paid for in full, the roofers may not do their best work.

The age of the roof can determine if it needs to be replaced. Many roofs last around twenty years prior to needing replacement. After 20 years or so, it is in your best interest to replace your old, worn roof.

Speak with the person working on your roof to see if they offer any kind of a warranty. Some roofers may offer better warranty options than others do. Make sure you always get written warranties with your estimates so that you retain a copy of important information. That way, there cannot be any disagreement about the terms later on.

You should consider the length of time that a contractor has worked. Someone with a lot of experience, who has been in business for a while, knows the secret to keeping customers satisfied. Anyone who hasn’t been around for very long could be a scam artist who runs away with your money.

You can check a possible roof leak with a water hose. You will then be able to see any leaks that exist and assess the damaged areas. You will not have to spend money on a contractor just to find out.

A little effort can ensure that your roof is in good shape for many years. Your roof can be seen as probably the most important part of your home’s exterior. Keep the things you’ve …