(NAPSA)—Investinga little time and effort in monitoring the condition of your roof can pay big dividends when it comes to your home and your family’s well-being. Industry professionals believe it’s a good idea to inspect your roof regularly, particularly if you live in areas of the country that experience extreme weather. You can inspect your roof your- self, either by climbing on yourroof or by using binoculars from the ground. Another sound option is to have a professional do it for you. If you do go up on the roof yourself, remember to always use proper safety equipment to pre- ventfalls or injury. Learn to Read the Signs Look carefully for the following signs your roof may be in need of repair or replacement: *Leaks in the attic after a wind-driven rain or ice buildup; Blistering and peeling of interior and/or exterior paint; Stains, mold or mildew on interior ceilings and walls; Exterior decay of sheathing and/or siding. When it comes to examining the roofitself, start by looking at the shingles for any that are missing, cracked, curled, torn or warped. Also, look for any open seams or joints that could lead to leaking. Popped or rusted nails, or stains aroundnails, are also signs that your roof is in need of repair or replacement. A Roof Is More Than Shingles Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a roof is more than just the shingles. A roof is actually a system that, in addition to the shingles, includes other = ee Leaksin the attic after a wind-driven rain or ice buildup may be signs that your home needs a new roof. components, such as leak barriers and ventilation components. While each element has a particular job to do, they are also designed to work together to cover a house. Designed to Offer Peace of Mind There is good news for homeowners who wantto cover their financial investment as well as their house. One manufacturer of roofing products has a program that offers what it calls “limited lifetime coverage” when a homeownerinstalls any of its Lifetime Shingles, as well as three or more qualifying accessories made by the same company. The Lifetime Roofing System from GAF is designed to provide homeowners with peace of mind and support contractors who are selling and installing complete roofing systems. The company’s roofing products have been specifically designed to work together for superior, longterm protection and have been proven to be effective on millions of homes nationwide. To learn more, visit www. gaf.com.
