Thoughts and ideas from one of the best area home inspectors in the Bloomington Normal area.
Roof
Roof-Mounted Retractable Awnings
Roof-Mounted Retractable Awnings
By Joe Alutech
Retractable awnings are great way to enjoy your deck or patio when the sun is beating down and no other structures or trees provide shade.
Retractable awnings are usually mounted to the wall or the roof overhang (aka. soffit).
Another – not so well know option – is to mount the awning on your roof. This necessary when there isn’t enough clearance above your door or window.
A roof mount is very simple and straight forward. You will need special roof mount brackets. This should be an option when ordering you awning. Other than that it is very similar to a standard wall mount.
Make sure when you attach your roof brackets that lag bolt get a solid embedment into roof rafters, Just like you would normally find you wall studs.
Before mounting brackets to the roof use caulk around the holes, this is also know as back caulking. Don’t use regular bathroom caulk. Use exterior caulk that can withstand the temperature changes.
Another consideration is: When you mount an awning onto your roof, get one with extra deep projection. You will “loose” some projection since it will be up on the roof and thereby recessed relative to you deck.
One more thought. In general a roof mounted awning will have to be motorized, since most likely you will not be able to reach the awning with a manual crank, this will make the awning more costly and you have to plan for the electric.
For pictures and more information go www.awnings.us
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Useful Tips on Roof Insulation
Useful Tips on Roof Insulation
By Natalia Sloan
Of all the insulating materials on the market today, polyurethane foam roof insulation has one of the highest R values. It is also very strong, rigid and convenient to have installed. With energy costs on the rise, now is the time to take a closer look at foam roof insulation. If you are worried that foam roof insulation will leave your home looking like an igloo or different in any way, you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because a building that is insulated with foam roof insulation looks no different from any other building.
For a mobile home in a sunny climate foam roof insulation can be a real money saver and make for mush more comfortable living. With foam roof insulation your unit will cool off quicker and stay cool longer and take far less energy to keep cool during the day. For light commercial or industrial buildings that are economically infeasible to air condition, foam roof insulation is a fantastic choice.
It stops the heat before it has a chance to get beyond the surface of the roof and this makes for a much cooler working environment which translates directly into productivity. For any type of livestock operation foam roof insulation works great to keep your animals cool and stress free on hot days and this translates directly into higher production no matter what you are raising.
Stopping heat at the roof means that your attic will no longer be blazing hot and it will stop functioning as a heat reservoir. Foam roof insulation is easily roofed over with a variety of roofing products including all types of shingles, asphalt layered roofing and sheet metal roofing. If you are thinking about getting a new roof put on soon, then now is the time to take a good look at foam roof insulation.
Written by Natalia Sloan. Find the more information on the latest Roof Insulation as well as Foam Roof Insulation.
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The Lowdown on Roof Decking
The Lowdown on Roof Decking
By Steven Briesemeister 
What is roof decking?
The roof deck is the section of the roof onto which everything else is placed. As such it needs to be strong enough to hold the weight and durable enough to cope with some give. Depending on the type of roof you are having installed you will need to decide on the type of roof decking you use and the roofing contractor you propose to use will be able to help you make the best decision on this. There are, though, essentially two different types of wooden roof decking. There is plywood roof decking or tongue and groove roof decking.
Selecting the correct for decking for the job.
As mentioned the type of roof decking you need will be dependent on the roof you intend to place over it. As a general rule, though, plywood roof decking is much more rigid but does not allow very much in the way of roof ventilation because it consists of solid pieces of wood with very little room for air to move in or out of the attic. If you intend to use plywood roof decking you will have to find a way to ensure that you are getting adequate roof ventilation or you should change the type of roof decking you intend to use because good roof ventilation is absolutely essential to the integrity of the whole of the roof and, therefore, the rest of your house.
The types of roof decking readily available.
Tongue and groove decking is often made of stronger wood than plywood and does allow for good ventilation systems as long as it is fitted by somebody who knows what they are doing. Tongue and groove roof decking should be fitted carefully and properly to ensure that it is strong enough to take the weight required when the job is completed. Again, the only way to ensure this happens is by using a qualified professional.
Seeking help selecting the best roof decking.
The roof decking you choose can have a strong influence on a number of further decisions you will need to make regarding your roof, and you will in particular need to consider the effect it will have on your proposed method of roof ventilation. Effective roof ventilation requires an intake or air into the attic and the expulsion of air from the attic so by picking solid roof decking you are essentially making this job a little harder. Consult with your roofing contractor and ask his or her advice to be sure that you are making an informed decision that will not make things more difficult in the future.
As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Need home service articles? Find Local contractors in your area today.
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Types of Roofs
Types of Roofs
By James C
Has it come time to replace that old roof? If it is, you have a choice to make. You can go with a boring old shingle roof or you could upgrade to a more durable or more attractive roof. Lets discuss your options.
One popular choice for roof upgrades is slate. Slate makes for a very attractive roof that also offers excellent fire protection and a long life. There is just nothing like the look of a natural slate roof. It is a hard to install roof however and this does make it considerably more expensive than a standard asphalt shingle roof.
Another option is concrete tile roofs. With concrete tiles, you can get a variety of different looks. Concrete can be made in just about any style and color that you desire (including a slate look). It has much of the same benefits of slate in that it is very durable and provides excellent fire resistance. The drawbacks of a concrete roof are that it can be damaged by hail and requires an extensive roof structure due to the weight of the tile.
A third option is a metal roof. Metal roofs are extremely durable. They resist hail, wind and come in a great variety of styles and colors. Since most of the steel used to make a metal roof is recycled, they are also quite environmentally friendly. The drawback of a metal roof is that it is hard to install which makes it more expensive but it will last a very long time. It can also be loud in the rain. Some people love the sound of rain bouncing off a metal roof but you may not.
As you can see, you have a lot of choices when it comes to roofs. So before you just put up the standard asphalt shingle roof, take a little time to consider the other possibilities. It might just be the best improvement you ever make to your home.
James C operates a Roofing Directory. Find information on Albany roofers, Raleigh roofers and roofing contractors in a city near you.
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Commentary by Clinton Rushing
Some basic general information of roof types here. Copper is one of the more expensive roofs you can buy and would be my personal choice if money were not a concern simply due to the longevity and the unique appearance. If you stick with asphalt I generally recommend you go with a higher grade architectural shingle unless you are overlaying an older asphalt roof in rough shape. The slightly higher price you pay for architectural shingles is generally recouped in the lifespan of the material, unless of course you are simply flipping a home or don’t plan to be in it long. Slate, tile and concrete I’m not big fans of, they all look very nice but when you start to compare prices I would think metal would be the more economical long term solution.
New Metal Roofs Add Character and Appeal to Old Homes
New Metal Roofs Add Character and Appeal to Old Homes
By Steven Briesemeister?
There are many things a homeowner can do to change their curb appeal. A once boring yard can look wonderful with a few plants and a gorgeous fountain. As well, a once flat and plain roof can easily be replaced with a new roof that can add character and appeal to an old home. There are many choices available for homeowners and business owners alike when it comes to new roofs.
One of the most popular choices for new roofs is metal sheeting. Many people think that you are limited when it comes to metal sheeting; however, there are several types of metal roofs available on the market. For instance, steel and aluminum are available in many colors. As well, they are very durable choices for new roofs. The roof lifetime for both these type of metal roofs are between thirty and fifty years. Metal roofing is usually priced by the running foot and sold in three foot wide pieces. Prices vary from manufacturer and location, but you can expect to pay around $3 to $8 a square foot. Metal roofing comes in varying grades and colors; all of this determines the price you will pay. A new trend in metal roofing has hit the construction arena, stamped metal. Stamped metal is a growing fad that many homeowners’ are choosing for their new roofs. Available in tiles that resemble shingles, slate, tile and even wood shakes; although, these are currently very costly, in the future, most likely the price will drop. Today’s metal roofing compared to the metal roofs found on old farm houses in the south are much more durable and hold their new-like appearance. Special coatings are applied to keep the metal from fading and oxidizing over time due to sun exposure and rain. As well, in the past, metal roofing was known to dent and scratch very easily; today’s new roofs that have metal sheeting can enjoy the benefits of technological advances that prevent this from occurring.
Another more expensive type of metal roofing is copper sheeting. Although, copper is very expensive, it is very durable and therefore a new roof of copper will last a homeowner up to 100 years, over a lifetime. Copper is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and most homeowners that use copper pay a high price for this look on their new roof. In fact, with the rising costs of metals in the United States, a new roof of copper sheeting can run you around $10 per square foot.
New roofs that are sheeted with metal are a great form of energy savings, as well. Many manufacturers even offer special radiant coatings to improve them even more. A new roof that has been replaced with cool metal roofing products can save a homeowner up to 40% in summer cooling utility costs. Because of the reflective qualities, coupled with the pigments and coatings used in metal roofing; the homeowner will enjoy reduced costs in energy bills throughout the year and for the lifetime of the new roof.
For those of you that prefer a green stand; environmentalists’ suggest going with a metal roof made of recycled materials. Standing seam metal sheeting is basically recycled metal. It’s easy to install because it can be placed directly over asphalt shingles. As well, it’s maintenance free and is very durable.
At Roofer911.com we offer a free roofing directory for roofing contractors who specialize in roof repair, roof replacement, and much more. Join today!
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You Wanna Get High With Me?
You Wanna Get High With Me?
By Wallace Conway
Being a home inspector is great. It’s fun, it’s interesting, and I get to meet wonderful people. I know exactly what to do during a home inspection. But what should the homebuyer be doing during the home inspection?
In my mind, the primary responsibility of the homebuyer during the home inspection is to observe and to listen. By watching the routine of the inspector, the homebuyer will gain a comfort with the home as well as the inspection process. The inspector has the opportunity to present to and discuss with the homebuyer all the many aspects of each component and system in the home. The goal is to have no issues looming after the inspection.
That being said, active participation in the home inspection is always a good thing. I love participation! How much participation and by whom is an often debated question. Depending on an individual’s role in the transaction – buyer, seller, agent, or other interested party – the intentions, interest, and involvement vary widely.
A sure fire test to tell how committed someone is to the participation process is by asking who would like to go onto the roof. Many of my home inspector buddies cringe when I speak of home buyers or agents climbing roofs with me. However, with some good judgment and a few precautions, it turns out just fine.
The fun begins when I ask, “Okay, who would like to get high with me?” If anyone looks too enthused, I get a little nervous thinking that they must have misinterpreted my question. But, after a moment, most all recognize that it is time for the roof inspection. No better way to inspect a roof than to climb up and walk around! Every now and then, a home has a walk out balcony that lets us hop the rail and stride smartly to the peak. But more often than not, it is up the ladder we go.
The truth of it all is that less than 20% of homebuyers will venture up the ladder to stroll their roof. And of that group, about half are wearing inappropriate shoes or clothing for the ladder climb. Relatively small portions of those who choose to climb just do not appear physically able to make the ascent. If it does not look safe to me, they are staying on the ground.
A few times people have objected to being told to remain on the ground. Some have even insisted that this is their inspection, they are paying me, and they will climb if they choose to. They are then are told that it is my ladder and I decide who climbs it. I have also not yet been paid for my services. I simply and calmly explain that if they would like to play the “I’m not paying” card, I can play my trump card, called “I’m not inspecting”. This is rare, but does get us all back to our proper places!
Walking on roofs is all well and good, but nothing separates the bold from the meek in the arena of home inspection participation quite like the subject of crawling in crawl spaces!
Florida is a wonderful place to live. Sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a lifestyle that most of the rest of North America can only dream of. It is the quest for that good life that attracts millions of tourists every year as well as tens of thousands of new residents. But some residents of Florida, the ones found in crawl spaces, can bring fear to the heart of the bravest!
Traveling about the country to numerous home inspector events has provided me much in the way of education and perspective on the business of home inspecting. But whenever my peers discover I live and inspect in Florida, the subject always turns to critters and creatures in crawl spaces. With their eyes the size of grapefruits, I can keep them mesmerized with my many tales. Those would be opossum tales, snake tales, and gator tales!
They way these guys are captivated by the idea of an inspector crawling on his belly under a home in Florida makes me feel like Marlin Perkins from the old television show “Wild Kingdom”. I can recall being about eight years old listening to Marlin narrate, “Jim will now wrestle the deadly 25 foot anaconda”. Then Jim, dressed in khaki shorts, shirt and a pair of lace up boots, would proceed into the jungle marsh to risk life and limb while Marlin kept on filming and narrating.
That Jim would have made one heck of a home inspector! If he wasn’t afraid of anacondas, you can bet he would be unafraid of real estate agents!
Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and has recently written a book entitled “Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector”, available at GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. Wally’s expertise and experience has been sought after by HGTV’s “House Detective”, the Florida Times Union, and many real estate boards and associations. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 3 PM on WOKV 690 (http://www.wokv.com), Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.com for more information!
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Keeping Roofs Leak Free – The Importance of Eaves
Keeping Roofs Leak Free – The Importance of Eaves
By Richard J. Roll
A roof is comprised of four elements: the main roof, the eaves, the fascia board and the gutter. A house without eaves can cause as much water damage as a house without a roof. Here is Dan’s story:
Dan had three leaks in his house that caused water damage every time it rained. Finally, late last spring, Dan put a new roof on his house. He felt good about his several thousand dollar investment until the next rain storm.
The rooms flooded again. Frustrated, he called back his roofer and had him inspect Dan’s roof. The roofer told him that there was nothing wrong. So, where were the mystery leaks coming from? Dan’s roof had no eaves. Thus, water ran down past the gutter and oozed into his ceilings.
Eaves are protrusions of the main roof that extend beyond a house’s exterior walls. They keep water from running down the exterior. A horizontal piece of fascia board is usually attached to the edge of the eave to prevent water from traveling back up the inside of the eave.
The gutters are then attached to the edge of the fascia board and eave to collect runoff from the roof and channel it through pipes to the ground. So, if Dan’s roof had a proper eave system, he wouldn’t have leaks.
But, eaves can leak if they are not properly maintained.
AHA Has 2 Ways to Maintain Your Eave System and Keep Your Home Leak Free
1. Keep an Eye on Clogged Gutters
Debris should be cleaned out of gutters twice a year. This includes the removal of leaves, twigs and mud that accumulates over the months. Clogged gutters render eaves useless as water rolls over a clogged gutter, under the fascia board and down the side of the house.
Ice dams can also clog your gutters. If they form, they should be removed. Be careful. Even gutters with screens on them need to be cleaned out twice a year as debris and ice dams can still accumulate through the screen.
2. Professional Roof Inspection
Roofing issues are best left to professionals. They know which problems to look for when inspecting your roofs. An annual inspection will ensure that everything is sealed and tight. This includes a professional gutter cleaning which will remove any debris that you may have missed.
Keeping your roof leak free can be easier than you think. Just remember that water should never run down your exterior walls and if it does, then it might be time to think about eaves.
Most houses have them and proper maintenance will keep them working properly. So inspect your eaves and protect your biggest investment, your home.
Richard Roll, Founder and President of the American Homeowners Association (AHA) has helped over 1 million homeowners in all 50 states save money on buying and maintaining their homes. For more tools, information and resources to help you maintain your home and instantaneously save money go to http://www.ahahomenews.org for a special offer from AHA. Want to do the right things to maintain your home quickly and easily? The National Home Maintenance Manual (NHMM) helps you protect your largest investment.
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How To Find A Flat Roof Leak – Infrared Survey
How To Find A Flat Roof Leak – Infrared Survey
By Steven Briesemeister?
A roof leak is caused by one thing – moisture. This can sometimes be difficult to detect, but technology has provided roofing professionals with a new method of how to find a flat roof leak using infrared survey. Because of their simplicity, flat roofs are very common. Unfortunately, also because of their design, a flat roof is more susceptible to water build up and damage.
The Concept Of Finding A Flat Roof Leak With Infrared Survey
It is thought that infrared surveys may help to promote a longer life for your roof. Inspections, of this type, allows the infrared camera to scan the entire roof area for moisture. The concept of finding a flat roof leak using infrared survey is quite fascinating. During the afternoon, the sun heats the roof structure with it’s warm rays. As the sun sets in the evening, the roof begins to cool. If there is a leak in the roof, the insulation or roof structure will become wet. A higher thermal mass is found in wet insulation than that of the rest of the structure. The infrared survey will be able to detect this moisture from a clear picture of the damaged area. Because of the technical work involved, a professional should be used to detect a flat roof leak using infrared survey.
Two Options Of Finding A Flat Roof Leak Using Infrared Survey
There are two ways to search for a flat roof leak using infrared survey. One is from a distance and the other is by performing a walk-on roof inspection. Anytime you, or anyone else, is walking on a roof, it is extremely dangerous. This is especially true if it is raining or if the roof is wet from a previous rain. Obviously, if you are searching for a leak or moisture, there is a suspicion that the roof is wet, so use extreme caution if you opt for the walk-on inspection. Let your contractor know that the roof may be slippery. Being professionals, they are already likely to be aware of this fact, but it’s a good idea to remind them to be careful.
Detecting Problems Before It’s Too Late
Each day, roofs are ruined because of improper maintenance or simply because the damaged area cannot be located. In order for a roof to last, it requires regular maintenance by the homeowners, but also by professional roofing contractors. Regular checks should be done to search for leaks, cracks, rotting or other damage. If left untreated, these problems can lead to the entire roof needing replaced. This is not necessary if proper maintenance is done, including the use of infrared survey to find a flat roof leak. Flat roofs are especially vulnerable to water damage because there is no roof slope for the water to flow to. Often, water will pool in one area of a flat roof and begin to weigh down the structure, which will cause leaks and other structural problems. The areas of moisture can quickly be identified using an infrared survey.
As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Need home service articles? Find Local contractors in your area today.
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Brooklyn Home Inspection – The Leaky Roof – Who Pays?
Brooklyn Home Inspection – The Leaky Roof – Who Pays?
By Dennis Kanakis
The majority of the home buyers in the Brooklyn area have learned, if you are going to buy a home costing several hundred thousands of dollars. Having a home inspection done for a few hundred dollars is a good idea. What they haven’t learned is how to react to the pages of information the home inspector is going to give them. Chances are good the home inspector is going to find some little faults in every house they inspect. They may only be minor things, such as an electrical outlet, which isn’t grounded, a furnace needed additional insulation, a door with dry rot, a less-than-perfect roof.
When should the buyer demand the seller make repairs and when should the seller refuse? Real estate brokers in Brooklyn will tell you if it is a buyer’s market, the buyer will have more room for negotiation. If it is the seller’s market, the buyer is limited in the clout they have over negotiations.
If all things were equal, buyers in Brooklyn, should ask sellers to make repairs and the buyer should pay for any upgrades.
It is advisable for seller to have home inspection done prior to putting the house up on the market. This enables the seller to make minor repairs before the negotiating table. They can also give the buyer a complete disclosure list, which is often a requirement of the contract.
As a seller, you want to work at providing a complete and thorough disclosure as possible so buyers will know what to expect. When a buyer finds something on their own, they begin to wonder what else he hasn’t been told. You don’t want the buyer to be suspicious you might not be telling him or her the whole truth.
As a buyer, it is still a good idea to schedule a home inspection of your own even thought, the seller has already had one. In some cases, the seller had a home inspection done, and then the buyer had a home inspection done. The only difference between the two was the roof. The first inspection reported the roof to be in better condition than the second inspection. So the buyer and the seller split the cost of the roof.
It is a good practice for buyers to always make their offer contingent on the results of a home inspection. As soon as the offer is accepted the buyer should schedule the home inspection. Should a problem arise, the buyer will have the opportunity to have the seller do the repairs, or back out of the contract all together.
Buyers and seller can search for their own home inspectors or they can go with the advice of a realtor who will recommend one for them. The cost of the home inspection will vary with the size of the house and the location. Usually a home inspection will run from $485 and up.
Once you have found your home inspector, it is a good idea to be present for the home inspection so that you can follow him around as he does his inspection of your possible new home. You will get to see first hand any problems he may uncover and you will get a detailed look at some of the mechanisms of your home, such as the water cut-off valve and the location of the septic tank.
After the inspection, it is pretty much up to the buyer to decide about the repairs they will ask the seller to have done. Trivial flaws are not even worth mentioning. Major problems, such as the roof, heating system, electric or plumbing you will want to give a second thought.
Sellers have a choice to make about the repairs. They may feel the market is hot and refuse to pay for anything. They may split the cost with you or they may agree to take care of everything.
When looking at the home inspectors report, you should note the difference in a repair and an upgrade. With an older home like many you will find in Brooklyn, a number of the items pointed out are upgrades, such as double-pane glass windows for an older home is an upgrade.
Necessary repairs not mentioned in the contract in the disclosure are generally the responsibility of the seller.
Written By Inspector Dennis Kanakis
Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections
(866) 476-2056
http://www.olympiancares.com
Copyright ? 2008 Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspectors, 2008 All Rights Reserved
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Preventing Roof Leaks
Preventing Roof Leaks
By Stuart Silverman?
The most obvious sign of a leaky roof is water falling into your house. But you can detect a leak before it becomes that obvious. If you have brown, discolored spots on the drywall ceiling, there is water leaking in. And even if there are no visible signs of a leak, water leakage can rot the roof framing system, compromising its structural integrity, requiring extensive and costly repairs.
Prevention with inspection
For this reason, it is best to try and prevent leaks with regular roof inspections – twice a year, as recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). It is best to do inspections once in the fall and once in the late spring, as the winter is the toughest season for a roof. Many roofing contractors will provide a free roof inspection, including a written estimate outlining the required repairs, as a means to solicit work.
In the event of a leak, take immediate action, as a leaky roof can cause significant damage to insulation, walls, ceilings, flooring and personal property. Larger leaks will undoubtedly cause greater damage, but even a tiny leak can cause enough damage to require replacing the entire ceiling.
Check the flashing first
The most common cause of roof leakage is not faulty asphalt shingles, but the flashing around the chimney, vents, fans and skylights, and lining roof valleys and eaves. Often, the asphalt compound or caulking material used with flashing – or the rubber used for sealing pipes and other protrusions – dries out from exposure to the elements and the sun?s UV rays. The dried out materials crack or loosen the seal, allowing water to penetrate.
The good news is that these types of problems can usually be fixed quite cheaply with asphalt cement – a repair that will last around three years. Alternatively, you can replace the flashing, which should last more than ten years. Rusted and corroded flashing can also be the source of leaks. They can be cleaned up and painted with a rust-resistant paint to squeeze more years of service, but severely deteriorated flashing and vents should be replaced.
Replace old, worn out shingles
Another reason for a leaky roof is old age. When asphalt shingles begin to curl, crack or tear, or when the mineral granules wear off revealing the black asphalt, they need to be replaced. If only a few shingles are affected, a repair job will do. But if the wear is noticeable in one out of every five to ten shingles, you may need to replace the roof.
Blowing tree limbs and debris can cause small cuts and tears in asphalt shingles, leading to roof leaks. It is fairly easy to repair or replace single shingles and a handyman or roofing contractor can do the job. Trim tree branches at least 8 inches from the house to prevent damage to the roof.
Clear away leaves and debris
A buildup of leaves and debris in the roof valley can cause water backups to leak through the roof. Keep an eye out for debris on the roof and clear it away as soon as possible. Debris that has been sitting on the roof for awhile may have caused some rotting of the wood frame and sheathing, and may require a roof inspection. Also, gutters filled with leaves and debris, and clogged downspouts, allow water to back up, which can cause leaks in the roof. Gutters should be cleaned out periodically, and downspouts checked for clogging.
A buildup of ice at the eave, often called an ice dam, can also lead to roof leakage. It can even cause structural damage to the roof?s framing system. One of the best ways to prevent an ice dam is by using an eave-heating system – heated wires that are strung on the roof above the overhang which prevent the water from freezing, and promoting proper watershed. A worthwhile investment if your roof is prone to ice dams.
Call a professional for a roof inspection
With all the sources that can cause a leak in your roof, it is a good idea to hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof. For smaller repairs like shingle replacement or re-applying caulking, you may be able to save some money by hiring an experienced handyman. But for bigger repair jobs to your asphalt shingle roof, it is best to call a professional roofing contractor.
Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer for http://www.ContractorGuide.com . You can find this and many other articles in the Roofing category of http://www.ContractorGuide.com
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What Others Have Been Saying…