10 Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Roof

Think about it -- the roof is the part of your home with the biggest responsibility - it protects you, your family and everything you own from the elements.  Chances are, most homeowners will have to buy three or more roofs in their lifetime.  Best to give the process some thought before you're faced with a leaking roof damaging the things you value most.

The nonprofit Metal Roofing Alliance (www.metalroofing.com) recommends you ask these questions before signing a contract for a new roof:

1. Is the company licensed, and are the employees bonded and insured?

2. What types of roofing materials does the company offer?  The industry has evolved - there are many choices beyond the old asphalt shingle.

3. Will the contractor provide a written, final estimate?

4. Can the new roof be installed over the existing roof?
   
   
5. What are the environmental considerations of the new materials and disposal of the old roof?
   
   
6. Who manufactures the roofing material the contractor will use?
   
   
7. How long with will the new roof last?  What does the warranty cover?
   
   
8. Will the company use subcontractors?  If so, how will they be managed/supervised?
   
   
9. Is there pending legal action against the company?
   
   
10. Can you speak with former customers? 

 For more information, or to find a local metal roofing contractor, visit the Metal Roofing Alliance at www.metalroofing.com.

Is Your Roof Reindeer-Ready?

While Santa and his elves are finishing up toy making and preparing to pack the sled, there's an important job homeowners have to do to prepare for the upcoming Christmas holiday -- make sure your roof is Reindeer-Ready.

Turns out reindeer aren't as "tiny" as the classic story suggests.  The average adult reindeer weighs at least 250 pounds.  Multiply that by eight (or nine, if you include the shiny-nosed variety), and your roof could have a ton of extra weight to support this Christmas, not including Santa and presents.

To be sure the roof is ready for everything winter has in store, including reindeer, the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance (www.metalroofing.com) suggests the following roof review, which can be done without a ladder:

1. For homes with asphalt shingles, look for black areas indicating cracking shingles.

2. For homes with shake or shingles, look for pieces that are curled upward, split, broken off or missing.

3. For homes with slate roofs, look for black areas that indicate slate is missing.

4. Look for heavy wear around the valleys, the areas where water runs off the roof into the gutters.

5. Look at the materials around the chimney and vent pipes and check for cracks, gaps and missing or fractured caulking.

6. Check eave overhangs for water damage.

7. Use binoculars to check around the chimney, trim and other flashings for signs of cracks, shingles that are coming up off the roof and general wear.

8. Conduct an interior inspection for stained or discolored ceilings, which most likely indicates roof problems.

9. Check your gutters for asphalt shingle granules.  Lots of granules means less coverage on your roof. 

   10.    Remove branches, twigs and leaves from gutters and clear out down spouts to allow for snow
    and ice  run off.

"If your roof's not quite ready for the threat of harsh weather and holiday landings, you may want to consider installing a durable metal roof," said Bill Hippard, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance (www.metalroofing.com).  "Most metal roofing is installed directly over the existing roof, reducing installation time, and clean-up. Additionally, metal roofs have long-term warranties and provide an eco-friendly, sustainable solution."

Residential metal roofing now comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, ranging from traditional standing seam to shake, slate and tile.  For more information, or to find a local metal roofing contractor, homeowners can visit www.metalroofing.com.

  

Holmes on Homes

Mike Holmes, contractor and host of HGTV's Holmes on Homes, is a big fan of metal roofing.  In a recent article on roofing options, he said: "I list metal first because, in my books, it comes out on top when you look at durability, fire resistance, environmental friendliness and a host of other factors."


For the complete article, click here.

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