What’s Overhead
Tips for maintaining and upgrading your roof
By Kathy Kantorski
By Kathy Kantorski
Your home is your most valuable investment, and yet you likely overlook your roof in your home improvement plans. “The old saying of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ relates because what we don’t see, we don’t know or think about,” says Ed Ramadan, owner of S&A Construction. “Your home’s roof requires the attention it deserves—after all, it protects us and our belongings from outside elements.”
To protect your home, be proactive about maintaining your roof. “Most owners are not aware that continual maintenance can actually extend the life of the roof and minimize the entire life-cycle cost,” Ramadan says. Continual maintenance consists of biannual inspections: in the spring to address any winter damage, and in the fall to prepare for winter snow and rain.
Photo courtesy of S&A Construction
The Options
| Material | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Asphalt Shingle | A fiberglass material that’s been mixed with asphalt, then given a surface of sand-like granules | Low cost, easy to install, a variety of color options, suitable for most residential applications, easy to repair, fire resistant | Short life expectancy (15-30 years), high maintenance, not friendly to the environment |
| Metal | Aluminum, steel, copper or lead | Durable, fire retardant, low maintenance, energy efficient, low weight, a variety of style and color options, recyclable, can be installed over existing roofs | High initial cost, may need periodic painting, difficult to install |
| Terra Cotta | Clay-like material | Attractive, long lasting, low maintenance, a variety of color options, non combustible | Heavy, some colors may fade, expensive, complex installation, walking on roof may break tiles |
—Ed Ramadan, owner, S&A Construction
Don Your Inspector Cap
A to-do list for evaluating your roof’s condition
- Check the flashing. Check around vents, exhaust pipes and chimneys to ensure the flashing is covering properly (it isn’t bent or punctured, and the sealant isn’t dried or loose).
- Remove overhanging tree limbs. Trees that are growing too close to the house can be a hazard to your roof. There’s not only the risk of branches breaking and damaging the roof in their fall but also if the tree limbs hang over or rest on shingles, they can abrade the protective coating over time.
- Inspect the attic. The underside of the roof is where you’re most likely to spot leaks before they become too serious. Look in unfinished areas of the attic for streaks or staining, and look around the chimney or vents to see if there are signs that water may have trickled in. Also, look for soft spots in the wood and indications of animals or insects.
—Ed Ramadan, owner, S&A Construction
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