Guide To Successful Reroofing a = A good, well-maintained roof can be your home’s crowning glory and greatly enhance its curb appeal while protecting your home and family from the elements. (NAPSA)—When you get down to it, a sturdy and dependable roof is the first line of defense against harsh and severe weather—yet it’s often overlooked when planning routine home maintenance. Ignoring seemingly small roof problems, however, can hurt curb appeal and even create huge problemsin the long run. For that reason, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspecting your roof twice a year. Here’s how: Start outdoors with a careful roof inspection, using binoculars to look for obvious damage such as warped, streaked or missing shingles. Follow the roof line with your eyes. It should be perfectly horizontal. If it has noticeable sag, you may have a structural problem created by a prolonged roof leak. Because roof damage is not always obvious from the outside, also do a comprehensive inspection that includes a trip to the attic or crawl space. Look for dark water stains in rafters, sheathing, and insulation, for these are tell- tale signs of a leaky roof. Once your inspection is completed and you have established your needs, work with a roofing contractor to select the most suitable shingle. Consider climate, annual precipitation and susceptibility to storms. Most roofing material manufacturers offer shingles designed to resist damage caused by impact and high winds. A long-time leader of roofing products, CertainTeed Corporation, offers a variety of impact-resistant shingles that protect your home with the highest impact-resistance rating set by Underwriters Laboratories. If you’re remodeling and looking for a shingle to beautify your roof and increase your home’s curb appeal, you might like Centennial Slate, by CertainTeed. It replicates the natural beauty and color variations of blended slate at a fraction of the cost. For more information on roofing andshingles, call (800) 782-8777 or visit www.certainteed.com.
