Your roof is as important to your home as the foundation - it keeps everything dry, retains a comfortable temperature and ensures nothing comes flying at you from the sky. Individual homeowners have various levels of roofing knowledge; most don't know much at all. The following article has some great information with regards to roof maintenance.

Each year, take a long, hard look at your roof. Roofs tend to suffer the most damage in the spring and winter. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to your roof at these times.

Always make safety your first priority when it comes to fixing your roof. Don't try and fix your roof during a storm. Put a bucket where it's leaking and wait for clear weather.

Consider the climate in your area when replacing your roof. Roofing materials made of clay work great when the climate is dry and they help cool down homes. However, using clay tiles on a roof in a wetter, rainy climate can lead to quicker deterioration of those tiles. If you are unsure, you can always ask.

Climate should play a key role in your roofing decisions. When you live in a dry climate, go for clay tile. However, if your climate is rainy, clay roofs can quickly deteriorate. Always ask an expert's opinion on the best types of roofs for your home.

When you're trying to hire someone to do roofing work for you, you need to check on their background references. Make sure to call the references if you can too. Get their real opinions on the jobs that were done and the quality of the service. It's a good idea to check out the work for your own peace of mind. Also, you can drive by to check out the work that was done.

Roofing contractors should have full, reliable credentials. Nearly every state insists that roofers be properly licensed, so inspect your contractor's paperwork to ensure that they are fully compliant. They need full liability insurance, along with a current worker's compensation certificate.

Test any potential roof leaks with a garden hos