26 - Friday, March 13, 1992 —- North Shoi ve News NEW HOMES, RENOVATIONS and ADDITIONS, CIVIC and COMMEARCIAL DESIGN and FIELD SERVICES .. . eighteen years on tha North Shore OMAR TEST 6412 bay street west vancouver british columbia v7w 2h1 ph. 921-8313 tember of the architectural institute of b.c. IT DOESN'T JUST TAKE A GOOD EYE TO BE “AN ARCHITECT. Make roof checks HAVE YOU taken a good look ai your roof lately? It may be trying to tell you something. Blisters, cracks and curls are just some of the symptoms and warning signs of a roof in need of repair. “By uncovering potential prob- lems in tne early stages — at the first’ signs ‘of damage ~— home- owners can help prevent more serious and expensive repairs later,” says Thomas Seymour, marketing manager of a manufac- turer of residential roofing mate- rials. Seymour offers the following advice to help you evaluate the condition of your roof. And the only tools you need are a ladder, a flashlight and binoculars. FROM THE OUTSIDE @ Stand back from the house and take a close look through your binoculars for lifted, torn or miss- ing shingles. @ Keep an eye out for shingles that are curled, blisiered or shiny. @ Take note of balding shingles — those that are losing their pro- tective coat of mineral granules. @ Look out for damaged flashing — the asphalt or metal sealant around chimneys and vent pipes and in roof valleys. Keep an eye out for cracks or gaps. FROM THE INSIDE @ With a flashlight, check carefully for water stains near corners and under the rafters. @ Check for interior ieaks during or after a storm. Watch for water marks, drips or other signs of water infiltration. WHAT TO DO “If your inspection uncovers a -ITTAKESA GOOD People know that architects design and draw plans and create exciting and functional buildings. But what they often don't realize is that architects really listen. We listen to what is important to You. Your needs, your desires, and Jour budget. A project may involve your Samih, staff members, clients or your communiity...and by listening and understanding your requirements wecan effectively design and respond with the right solution. So the nent time you need to talk it out, ask an architect... we're all ears. To contact an architect who will best under- stand your requirements, call or write: Architectural Institute of British Columbia 103 ~ 131 Water St. Vancouver, BC. V6B4M3 Phone 683-8588 on regular basis leak, excessive curling or other signs of potential trouble, it’s time to contact a roofing contractor to get a professional opinion,’’ Seymour advises. He offers these tips for selecting a qualified roofing contractor. 1. If most of the homes in your neighborhood are the same age, chances are your neighbors have had roofing work done recently. Ask them for references. 2. Ask the roofing contractor you call for names of satisfied customers you can contact. ~ 3. Get all price quotes in writ- ing. Quotes should include exactly what work needs to be done {gut- ters, flashings, cleanup, etc.). Get in writing the maximum price and method of payment, too. 4. Before having any work done, make sure the contractor is fully insured. 5. If work is needed, make sure the contractor will issue a certifi- cate identifying the shingle manu- facturer and warranty stating the type of material installed. Also, a reputable contractor will supply his own workmanship guarantee. 6. You should get more than one quote on a job, so be sure to describe the job’s requirements exactly the same way to each con- tractor. Make sure each estimate specifies simiiar shingles. CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL “If you and the contractor agree that your roof. needs repair or replacement, you should - research your shingle selection thoroughly,”’ Seymour says. ~ Specific information to consider includes: @ The new shingles’ warranty.. The length of coverage. : and reimbursement costs vary — with each manufacturer. The longest warranty may not be the strongest, so read- it® carefully. @ Durability. . Organic-mat shingles typically — carry a 15-year warranty, while glass-fibre mav ‘shingles typically have a 20- or 25-year warranty.’ The new, laminated fibreglass shingles even carry. 30-year. war- ranties. Glass-fibre mat shingles gener- ally are more durable because’ the mat will not absorb water, so the shingles resist curling and blister- ing. @ Fire-resistance ratings. a Most Fibreglas shingles carry : the highest fire rating in the ‘in-- dustry. . oe Most organic-base shingles - carry @ lower rating. Seymour also suggests consider- ing esthetics when shopping for new shingles. . “Homeowners planning to res! roof today;’’ he comments, “are. more concerned with curb appeal : .- and the increase in a home’s resale - value achieved with architectural shingles.”” Architectural shingles, he ex- plains, give a roof texture and added depth, much like more ex- pensive wood shakes. “And if a new roof is not needed, take care of repairs as soon as possible to avoid any sericus damage, especially to your home’s interior,” says Seymour. MAILBOXES Mailboxes unique Gesiuns or custom | painted to match your home JACKEE’S Momecraft Gallery | 1761 Marine Dr., West Vancouver 926-5711