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Winter storms can Iead to Ieaks Roofs take a beating afrer harsh winters The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, June 3, 1997 - H&G7 BELVEMDEPRE Floor & Wall Coverinu The aftermath of the winter of '97 has many home- owners dreading a repeat performance. After suffering through one of the harshest winters in recent years, the damage donc to their roofs was a painful and often costly reminder of nature's fury. In some cases, leaks caused by the harmful effects of high winds, ice dams and snow resuÀ lted in hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars' worth of repair bis. If your roof lis leaking, first Iearn how and why. Leaks can be caused by any or a combination of the following: " ineffective attic insulation, " defective shingles, " improper shingle installation, " poor ventilation. " skylights, " water underneath the shingles as a result of ice dams, " simply the type of roof design. Leaks otten start amaîl and sublly. Damp walls, peeling wallpaper and condensation on skylights usu- ally are symptoms of a leak. Before you panic, take a deep breatb, and tollow these steps: - Learn how to choose a reputable roofer. Talk to lniends and neighbors who have had roof work donc. - Get at least three cost estimates (in writing) before selecting your roofing contractor. - If you need a new roof, know approximately how long your rerooting job should take. - Negotiate the deposit, and request an itemized list of raw materials. Understand if the contractor will be responsible for disposing of old rooling materi- al. - Know which rooting product is best for your home in light of the weather conditions in your geo- graphic ares. - Make sure the roofing product you paid for is the one installed. - Read the manufacturer's warranty carefully, and note the contractor's guarantee of performance. 'Me manufacturer's warranty covers the produet - the contractor's guarantee vouches for the quai- ity of the work. Ask your contractor about waterproofing-underlay- ment products. Some local building codes, homeown- er's insurance and UL standards require that water- prooting shingle underîsyment (WSU) be installed under new shingles. Applying WSU is generally con- sidered the accepted means by which to help proteet against any leakage that results from water backup. To help avoid future leaks, make sure your contractor uses WSU around vuinerable areas like skylights, flashing, comices and valcys. Don't assume that the rooting contractor will handle every detail of your job - especially local or munici- pal issues. Prior to starting the job, check with your local building-codes oflicer to determnine if a permit is required. Also, if the contractor tears off the old shin- gles, but you agree to handle disposaI, you could be fined if the old shingles are not hauled away within a specific lime frame. Again, check with your local building-codes officer. Similarly, if you and your contractor prefer not to deal witb disposaI of the old shingles, you should know your options and potential liability before allow- ing the rooting contractor to lay new shingles on top of old ones. Regardless of which option you select, always deter- mine how and if your ventilation and insulation meet the requirements of the shingle warranty. Shingle war- ranties often require proper attic ventilation and insu- lation in order to be enforceable by the homeowner. For more information, caîl 1-800-782-8777 for a free copy of CertainTeed Corp. 's brochure, "What You Should Know About Ice Dams and Your Home." As part of its "How-to Series," tbe company also bas other consumer brochures. 11h .OO F F the t ie i lmprSSIOns 0 GoId a Naturals a 30%' O19F Wcllp<tpwer Great savinga on carpet & cermic floor & wall til F', . .. . .. . 9- .o siý1 il l~ ml .1 * Box Plants $ .79 100' TUCHOSE FROM! Roses ______$8.99 'IIE IM FE! __________$1 .49 HURRY, WNILESUPPIESUAST! Hrs: Mon. - Thurs. .9-6 gai) Njm.- Ci, 327.e- 1 r -