Up On The Rooftop
If you’ve had an addition put on your home in the last year, you know you need to properly maintain the new roof that came with that home project. Even if you have the same roof the house had when you moved in to it 20 years ago, you still need to treat it with care. Usually, roofs are replaced every 15 to 30 years, so consider having a new roof installed sooner rather than later.
According to an article in “Home Improvement News,” the top roof problems or prevention areas include fastening Christmas lights directly to the shingles, not removing debris and leaves in a timely manner, failing to seal the roof after installation, not cleaning the gutters, and improperly or not removing heavy snow from the roof. All of these can cause damage to the roof, resulting in leaks or loose shingles that may blow away in the first good wind. While as a homeowner you may want to take care of these problems yourself, a professional is often a better bet. In addition, if you are going to get a new roof, it’s not a do-it-yourself job. It’s a job for which you need to be sure the contractor knows what he’s doing. The professional contractor should be just that – professional. That includes knowing how to install a new roof, being familiar with the building codes, and the ability to recommend the right roof for your home based on weather, usage and coverage needs.
The roof is another area where you don’t want to skimp on cost. Make sure the materials are high-quality, that there are ice shields and the roof is flashed properly. These tips hold true for replacement roofs and those included with new additions. If the custom remodeler uses good materials and takes pride in his workmanship, you should have a roof that is safe and lovely before you hear the prancing hooves.
