Up on the roof, you can see if your home is ready for rough
weather.
(NAPSA) - Chants of "Defense! Defense!" may be routine at
basketball games, but it turns out the thrust of the message,
the need to protect against bad stuff that might lie ahead,
applies equally as well to your home's roof.
Roofs are actually the first line of defense against rain,
snow, cold air and harsh weather in general. And so if you're
smart, you'll want to check what kind of shape yours is in
twice a year. That means being on the look-out for missing
shingles or deteriorated flashing (the metal that seals bends
and joints on skylights, chimneys, etc.). More than 90 percent
of roof damage occurs in these two areas, and catching it
early can be key to preventing bigger problems.
Here are more hints that can help:
Knowing When to Inspect
Check your roof every spring after severe weather and every
winter before the worst weather sets in.
What to Look For
- Examine the roof edge for damage from wind, rain or ice
dams. The dams occur when water freezes and backs up under the
roofing system.
- Inspect for signs of mold, algae and mildew, such as dark
spots and discolored shingles. Inadequate or faulty shingle
underlayment can be behind this.
- Look for blistering or peeling paint due to poor attic
ventilation.
Roof Maintenance
Leaves, sticks and other debris can cause water to back up and
flow under a roof, so clean out your gutters and roof drains
regularly. Also, check that all gutters are securely fastened
to the house and that downspouts are pointing away from your
home.
What To Do If You Spot Damage
If your inspection reveals roof damage, work with professional
roof contractors who are bonded, insured and use quality
materials. They can help you prolong the life of your roof and
keep you from having to spend money on costly future repairs.
_____________
A free service that helps homeowners find a qualified roofing
contractor is available from North America's largest roofing
manufacturer, GAF Materials Corporation. Call (888) LEAK-SOS
or visit
www.gaf.com