Keep your eyes open for roof warning signs MOST HOMEOWNERS take every roof for granted, paying scant attention to the one feature of the home which usually provides long- term, dependable protection for our single largest investment. This neglect often results in damage to the home and its contents and comes as an unpleasant awakening. To avoid surprises and unanticipated major repairs, homeowners can easily ‘*read’’ their roofs, which usually give signals about their condition long before they fail altogether. According to the Cer- tainTeed Home Institute these telltale ‘‘I’m-about-to- fail’’ or ‘‘l-need-help’’ symp- toms can usually be readily detected. ADVICE FROM EXPERTS 1.Check downspouts penodically for accumulation of ceramic roofing granules. These are applied to asphalt roofing shingles during manufacture to protect the asphalt in the shingles from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. U-V_ causes the asphalt to deteriorate as the shingle ages on the roof. As the ceramic granules wash from the roof, a vicious cycle accelerates — with more loss of granules. Even- tually, the shingles detenorate, change color and may buckle, curl or break off 2 When cleaning down. spouts, look closely at the shingles If them color has changed (due to the loss of granules) or if they re beginn ing to curl or cup, they're showing signs of age The roof as clearly a re rooting candidate at this point 1 kor those who don’t like heights of ladders, a pai of binoculars provide a bird's cye view from the ground lL ook for missing shingles, or those discolored of distorted in any way If missing shingles are the only problem, a= reputable roofing contractor can quick ly replace them for you to protect surrounding roof arcas 4 tf most homes in neighborhood your were con structed at about the same time and one of more cools are beginning to fail, check vours carefully Chances are wll be next S To see th water is already getting into the home. visit your deta Inspect the plywood decking overhead Woater stains wall show up as dark arcas batensive wate damage will cause the roots structural support to weaken and may mean costhy repairs seri s best to nip these beaks va the bad OA Mans tomo Ve ahs cee uae where thre cet deck atts whafiig around ohsmnesys Shov lights or dormers oan an thee castle ys where two sod cots fee ae orweerted whe 4 wobls Vetere Pore dune ray nny (OO oe KRPEVENT PR AN AC?! P dee ven ee Ot Ne dysatove Naeeriagee ariel tre asgebvals Se a se they need routine reapplica- uons of asphalt-based roof- ing mastic or sealant to keep them watertight. Unfortunately, when the shingles age and become brit- tle, you’ do more - damage by walking on the roof. Aliso, avoid walking in the valley areas as this will aggravate, rather than cure leaks. When reroofing is the in- evitable solution, contact several reputable roofing contractors for estimates. In selecting materials don’t forget to evaluate the entire range of interesting new dimensional shingles available today. They offer the added benefits of great looks as well as a 20-25 year warranty. The new midweight shingles available in some parts of the country are also eminently affordable. In any case, don’t just reroof with plain, ordinary shingles until you've seen the others. You'll be glad you took the time to check them out. OPEN SUNDAYS Edgemont rpet & Lino aa (2 blks. behind the Avalon Hotel) 985-0114 1083 Roosevelt Cres. N.V. 985-0011 See itt now at your Crestwood Kitchen Planning Centre! Crestwood presents Colonial Oak, designed for those with a When did you last see _ superb oak cabinetry like this offered at a special sale price? taste for the ultimate in brass. 41 perevebaar tno. IZ23551 Drbhige port Na 2785174 Telephone ree ah Be. te Deer merely eebe pre ten traditional styling and contemporary convenience. Classic hand-rubbed warm oak cabinets feature raised panel doors, solid wood roller-glide drawers and accents of lustrous © Aovedtt yA ot REST WOO Sees baum western ( amacdtann fos cee ME “a Khe Presvereeal For a limited time, Crestwood offers a specially reduced retail price on all Colonial Oak cabinets and counter tops. *SAVE $3,000 on the fully accessorized kitchen pictured here. Colonial Oak kitchens start as low as $2,500. WHILE SPECIAL SALE LASTSI a etuad teastsel dca faces sas cethosto de