Sometimes you can patch your roof. If you are going to fix it yourself, make sure you figure out what materials will be best for the ones that you have on the roof. Some things you can't always fix yourself. For example, if you have a tar roof, the tar is way too hot to do yourself. Let a professional do it.

All roofs are different and are made out of different materials, but here are some general tips for any type of roof.

Clean everything off of the roof. Get rid of all leaves, things near the HVAC units, gutters, or other pipes. Just take a broom up there and sweep it. If you have a tile roof, remember to be careful. Tile roofs are very slippery and the tiles move a lot. You might just want to hire a professional instead of taking a huge risk.

If you have moss on your roof, buy some lead control or zinc strips to get rid of it and prevent it from coming back. If you live in a damp area and have a moss or algae problem, buy some strips to just put along the roof. They will prevent it in the first place and will keep your roof clean and in good repair.

Check around for cracks. Make sure that none are really big and if they are, get off the roof and call a professional. If you have a chimney, spend extra time checking it out. They are usually the first to start having cracks and they can destroy your roof if it breaks. If you aren't sure if it is dangerous or needs fixing, there are chimney specialists that can repair it and tell you. Caulk all cracks or have them checked out by a professional if they were caulked but are emerging again.

If you have trees near your house, make sure none of the branches are too close. They can be dangerous especially if the branches break and fall on the roof.

If you have rust on the roof, clean it off. Get rid of anything that is dirty or looks like it could be deteriorating.

Keeping your roof up is essential to your house. Check it once a year or whenever you notice a problem. It will help keep your home clean and in the best of shape.