Q: What type of roof should I put on my house?

A: Whatever you think will look good on your home. Putting a roof on your home is not only an important financial decision, but it has an important aesthetic value for your home too. When you drive up to your home, you want to say to yourself "that's a nice looking roof."

Q: What color should I choose?

A: The color of roofing material should blend with and compliment your home. It should not be the focal point.

Q: When should I replace my roof or does my roof need to be replaced?

A: With cedar shake roofs - Most roofs start telling you they need to be replaced when the shakes start to crumble under your feet or when you start finding them in your yard after a wind storm. With composition shingles (see Aging Shingles) - These usually wear out in a more discreet way. Granules start coming off leaving black patches showing. Shingles also start to curl at the ends.

In general, some people think if a roof leaks they need to replace it. Unless it's an older roof, leaks can usually be repaired. With leaking in older roofs and/or if your roof has leaking in more than a few areas, this can mean trouble.

Q: Should I replace my gutters now?

A: Most gutters installed 20 years ago were steel and should be checked for leaks. Today's gutter material is made of aluminum and is warranted for life and come in over 14 colors. Gutters fail by falling off houses or pulling away from the facia. Gutters should be nailed every two feet and downspouts screwed together.

Q: Why do you install Continuous Ridge Venting?

A: Continuous Ridge Venting is the most effective and cleanest appearing venting system on the market today. The only other method is to cut holes in the roof and install square hooded roof vents. They work, but in cathedral ceilings they need to be installed on both sides of the ridge and to meet venting codes quite a few have to be installed on the roof. I do not like cutting holes in roofs, so our company installs Continuous Ridge Venting on every home. It meets all roof venting codes and is much more efficient.

Q: What kind of roof maintenance should I do to protect my investment?

A: All roofs should be kept clean from debris. Moss is a big problem in this area. If debris is left on the roof for too long, moss and other clumps of debris will build up. This can not only cause damage to the roofing material, but it can also cause leaking. Taking a blower to the roof a few times a year will keep the debris to a minimum. Professional roof cleaning-maintenance should be done approximately once every 18-24 months. I do not recommend water pressure cleaning though. I recommend air cleaning of roofs. This method is less damaging to the roofing material. The better you take care of your roof, the longer it will last.