It’s No Joke WhenYou Spot Roof Shingle Cracks (NAPSA)—Starting at the top may be an unlikely strategy for job hunters, but it’s a good plan for homeowners who want to reduce maintenance costs. A good rule to follow is to inspect your roof on a regular basis. The trick is to know what to look for. Roof shingles, for example, should be checked for signs of deterioration. Cracked or peeling shingles can be caused by anything from old age to temperature extremes. Here, from experts at GAF Materials Corporation, a leading roofing manufacturer, are sometelltale signs that will help you recognize damage to your roof and what it means. * If your attic leaks after a driving rain, it could be caused by leaky or inadequate shingle underlayment or deteriorated flashing. * Blistering and/or peeling of inside or outside painting. Possible causes here are excessive moisture or high humidity due to poorattic ventilation. * Missing, cracked or curling shingles. Possible cause; shingles have reached the end of their useful life. * Dark, dirty-looking areas on your roof. Possible causes; environmental pollutants; vegetation, fungus or algae growth; loss of granules dueto age of shingles. * High energy costs. Possible cause: insufficient attic ventilation. This causes heating and cooling systems to run excessively. High energy costs. To avoid this you may wantto start at the top, with a properly installed roof. Poorly installed or constructed roofing, say experts at GAF, costs American homeownersbillions of dollars every year. Muchof this could have been avoided with a roof that was professionally installed. Remember, when looking for a roofing installer, it may pay to find one that is certified. GAF has designed a certification program for roofing contractors to help homeowners choose the right contractor. Factory-certified GAF contractors present homeowners with a written plan that covers everything from pre-installation to the finished job. They use GAF materials backed by limited warranties that range from 20 yearsto a lifetime and cover the contractor’s workmanship during the critical early years. To learn more, visit www.gaf.com or call toll free 1-888-LEAK-SOS.
