How’s your roof doing? If you’re like most people, you don’t know. Roofs aren’t particularly exciting, so why spend a lot of time with them? Well, the answer is obvious–your roof keeps your home stable, dry, and comfortable. So, taking care of your roof is one home improvement project you shouldn’t ignore.

Home Improvement 101: Inspecting Your Roofing

Start by walking around on the ground or looking at the roof from second story windows. Depending on the size of your house and roof slope, you may see a few shingles that have fallen off or spots where roof leaks are starting. For older roofs, check out these signs from Owens Corning that you need a new roof.

Next, get on a ladder (safely!) or call a roofing contractor for an evaluation. Most roofing contractors will come out and do an inspection for a small fee. Ask for details regarding:

• Gutters and downspouts: They collect rainwater and should move it away from the house. Are they attached properly and free of debris? Are the downspouts extended away from the foundation?
• Flashing: This is the metal that covers the edges of eaves, roof plans, vents and chimneys. Many roof leaks are due to improperly placed or worn flashing.
• Shingles: Are they worn? Is algae a problem?

Addressing Roof Leaks

If you find you have leaks, take steps to patch them. This roofing article get you started. Just remember, following the water trail is key. If you see water from the inside–spots on the ceiling or around windows–follow the discoloration, and check for caulking, weatherstripping, etc.

If you have a roofing issue, find the cause, and fix it promptly. Then, you can move onto designing a kitchen or buying fancy floor tile.

Roofing and siding may not sound exciting, but they sure can transform your house. The way to get a unique look is to think beyond the basic rectangular siding boards and gray asphalt shingles.

How to Blend Exterior Siding and Roofing Colors

Try coordinating your roof shingles and exterior siding with other aspects of the house. A red roof looks great on a white house while gray exterior siding can coordinate well with colors in your driveway, sidewalk and landscaping. Scalloped edges on your siding can mirror the lines in your fascia boards or front porch detailing.

Here are some fun roofing and siging options:

Fiber cement siding–This low maintenance material is all about providing the look of wood siding without all the maintenance. You can buy fiber cement siding in varying widths and textures. Some even replicate stucco. Check out the shake-look, half rounds and octagonal designs from CertainTeed.

Premium Vinyl Siding–When you pay a little more for high end vinyl siding, you get different textures, widths and edge treatments. Some have textures and wood grain finishes that can blend well with stone or brick exterior elements. Try these from the Vinyl Siding Institute.

Roof Shingles with Pizzazz–Forget black and gray roof shingles, as there are many customized colors that highlight shutters or paving materials. There also are styles that resemble slate, a high end roofing material that is out of reach for many people. Consider these green roof shingles on OldHouseWeb.com that are half the weight of slate.

As you review all the options, think about focal points. Should the roof or the siding be the focal point–or both? Is there a garden focal point you want to coordinate with, such as a stone patio? With a little creativity, your roofing and siding can drastically change your home’s visual appeal.

Your roof may not be the most exciting part of your home, but it obviously plays a critical role in your comfort. As spring rolls in, it’s time to look at your roofing to make sure it weathered well during the winter and is ready for the rain or wind ahead. This way, you’ll know if a few home improvement projects lay ahead.

The Roofing Inspection

Start your roofing inspection by walking around on the ground. (We’ll get to ladders shortly!) Look for areas where the roofing material has come off or is otherwise out of kilter. Worn or damaged shingles should be replaced.

If you’re getting leaks in certain rooms, focus on those areas first. Also examine the following for leaks, cracks and chips:

• Windows–you may need re-caulking or to repair the trim or glass.
• Gutters–make sure they are securely fastened, free of debris, and extend out from the house.
• Downspouts–they should help funnel water away from the house. If water is pooling around your foundation, try extenders to direct water further away from the sides of your home.
• Flashing–this metal secures the roof around windows and other openings. Here’s a diagram on this critical roofing component.

When to Call a Roofing Contractor

If your home has a high pitched roof or is particularly tall–or you just don’t like heights–consider calling a roofing contractor or handyman to examine the roofing. Many companies charge a flat fee to take a look and recommend any repairs or bigger home improvement fixes. Just make sure any contractor you use carries liability insurance.

Also, keep this checklist from Grace Construction Products handy. It’ll make a good reference as you do your inspections.

Checking the roof for damage may not sound as exciting as remodeling the bathroom, but it’s a must do this time of year.

This is one home improvement project people tend to put off until there is a problem. By that time, it might be too late to salvage the roof or avoid interior damage. That’s why it’s a good idea to examine your roof a few times a year and after any major storms.

Checking the Roof

Of course, roof inspection is ideal if one has a tall, sturdy ladder and can handle the height. Otherwise, call a roofing contractor to get their assessment. Also glance out the windows to see if you see any spots where shingles are missing or worn.

There are several ways to tell if your roof has problems beyond the obvious holes and major wear and tear. Here’s a look at what a roofing contractor would check. One good tip is to check the downspouts for shingle granular that have washed off. This means the shingles are wearing out.

The Roof, The Chimney, What Else?

When checking the roof, one also should take a look at the chimney, as it could need home improvement help. Oftentimes, the roof might be leaking down the chimney or the chimney might be leaking into the fireplace. One never knows, so it pays to check the condition of the mortar and any point where the roof meets the chimney. It should have tight seals so no water gets through.

During an inspection one should understand the layout of the roof. This diagram helps show common problems, such as algae growth and curling, which can be indicators that a new roof is needed.

The roof should be a key part of any home improvement check up. Hopefully, an inspection finds nothing to fix or simply minor repair items.

If you’ve watched any of the home improvement television shows, you know they are quick to rush in, fix a problem, and leave. Unfortunately, that’s not always the way it works in real life. There are some remodeling projects you shouldn’t jump into lightly. Here are a few examples:

Pause for these Remodeling Projects

• Kitchen Remodeling. Kitchen remodels tend to be pretty complicated. The kitchen is one of the central rooms of the house, so think about what you really want. If you’re doing some quick fixes, how will they work in the long run? It might be tempting to replace the countertop, but will it still work when you buy new kitchen cabinets?
• Roofing Repairs. Climbing a ladder is not hard until it starts to tip over. If you’ve got minor repairs and can reach them with a short ladder, fine. Save the major fixes for a roofing contractor.
• Driveway Repair. Patching a driveway is fine, but don’t think you can dig up gravel and lay down bricks in a weekend or that you should do it at all. Driveways are big projects and they typically should be done by a contractor who works in that specialty.
• Room Demolition. While it’s common to see someone to take a crowbar and rip out a wall on a home improvement television show, there are numerous steps to consider before laying waste to a wall in your house. You should check for electrical and gas lines in the wall and make sure it’s not load bearing. Then, get ready for physical labor because the work is intense. You also should have the right tools, clothing, protective equipment, and debris hauling service.

Home Improvement Television Is Entertainment

While home improvement television shows can be great entertainment and provide lots of good remodeling tips, they should be taken with a little light hearted laughter at times. If you see eight people tearing apart a kitchen on television, don’t think you can do it yourself in a weekend. It’s just not realistic.

A rustling sound led me to a frightful realization. A mouse had sneaked into our basement. Not a life changing event, but a creepy one nonetheless. It was a good reminder that it’s that time of year. As the weather turns cool in many parts of the country, it’s time to think about those critters and how they might be trying to get in.

Check on Home Repairs

Look for ways to keep them out before their scurrying leads to home repairs! It’s also good to check for exterior home repairs before the weather turns. This is the type of home improvement project you can do yourself, unless you get into major home repairs. Keep those contractors’ names handy, just in case, but start this one yourself.

How About Roofing Repairs?

Walk around your house and look for holes that critters can use to sneak into your warm house. Also look around for other repairs you should do before winter, such as roofing repairs or gutter work. If you can’t reach your roof safely, most roofing contractors will do an inspection to let you know if there is damage. (Get a few estimates just to make sure you’re getting a good price and the real deal on what needs to be done).

Depending on what you find, call a local contractor or handyman, or make your own “to do” list. There are many home repairs you can do yourself–attaching loose screens, touch up painting, etc. Others you should call a contractor about major roofing repairs, replacement windows, and other projects that require tall ladders and specific contractor type expertise.

Now, here’s hoping Mr. Mouse (and any of his friends) will find another home-soon before we need too many home repairs!

As the summer winds down, it’s a good time to think about your roof and gutters. Think back to the last time it rained. Did any water run down the side of your house or spill over the gutters? If so, you could need roofing or gutter repairs.

Roofs and gutters work hand in hand to keep water out of your house. You may not notice a small leak until it’s too late, so it’s always good to have a roofing contractor inspect those areas every few years.

A Roofing Inspection

What should the roofing contractor look for? Well, for sure, he or she should get out a ladder and go up on the roof. This may sound obvious, but I’ve talked to a few home owners who had roofers try to give them an estimate from the ground. Isn’t that sort of like getting an estimate to fix your car over the phone?

read more »

If you’re living in an area where winter happens—and has been happening rather dramatically this year – you appreciate the importance of a good roof.

During the cold climate, it’s important to look for any signs of leaks, damage, or ice damming so that you can act quickly. Otherwise you may end up with a major remodeling project in the spring. (This advice is also relevant for those in warmer climates, but you’ll have an easier time examining your roof!) read more »

If you’re in the market for a roofing contractor, don’t make the mistake some home owners make. They’ll see a roofing truck in the neighborhood, call the company and hire them on the spot.

While that company may be reputable, you really don’t know until you use them. By then, it might be too late to avoid shoddy workmanship or unreasonable prices. That’s why it pays to shop around. As with any remodeling work, it’s always good to call several roofing contractors and get estimates. read more »

A home’s roof is an extremely important part of it’s defense system.  It helps to protect all the inner workings of a home from all of Mother Nature’s harmful effects.  A home’s structural supports, electrical system and interior drywall and floors all owe their longevity to a strong roof.

When a roofing problem occurs it is extremely important that it is remedied as quickly as possible.  Because a leak can lead to much more costly, expensive and stressful project, the second you notice a problem with your roof you need to take action.  Roofing repair can be quite simple and quick when an experienced expert does the job right.

Your first step is to know how to spot roofing problems.  Most roofs are comprised of some sort of shingles.  Whether they are asphalt, wood, slate or composite, shingles are the out layer of your homes roof.  If you notice that any are missing, breaking, cracking or discolored you can be sure a leak is sure to follow.  You will also want to keep an eye on your roofs flashings.  These are the metal areas at the peak and edges of your roof.  If they become bent or are missing completely water is finding its way into the inner workings of your home.  The last is the most obvious, water stains and leaks.  If you find any areas of your ceiling that are dripping water you obviously have a leak.  Usually this will happen during strong storms so keep a careful eye during these times.

Once you’ve identified that your roof does have a problem, your next step is to find a skilled roofing repair professional to go over your options with you.  A good contractor will carefully inspect your roof to find out exactly what the problem is and what the best means of repair are.  Review an estimate of the repair costs and discuss the entire process with your roofing professional.  If caught soon enough and repaired correctly you can ensure your homes roof will continue to provide your home with the absolute best protection possible.

Don’t delay when you see a potential roofing problem.  It’s not worth the headache and stress of added projects and repair when left alone.  Identify troublesome spots and find the perfect contractor to fix them for you as soon as possible.