it from the top Roof replacement tips

snow and wind-driven rain.

o Buckling and curling. Caused by improperly applied f-elt, movement in deck or undersaturation of asphalt shingle.

o Blistering. Caused by application over wet deck or moisture in the shinsle.

o Algae growth. Caused by growth of airborne algae deposited on roof. More of an appearance problem that occurs in warm, humid climates.

o Missing Granules. On aging shingles indicates need for replacement.

o Rotting. Caused by the absorption of moisture by the mat at the core of the shingle.

Catching big problems

before they grow into big headaches can save a great deal of time, money and aggravation.

Know the difference between three-tab and laminated shingles. Three-tabs consist of two layers of asphalt around a fiberglass core covered with ceramic mineral granules. Laminated shingles are created by bonding two asphalt shingles together, giving them a distinct three-dimensional appearance.

When selecting shingles, look for a UL Class A Fire Rating and Wind Resistance Rating-two certifications that can help ensure the products will protect the roof and home from the elements.

Because a roof can make up as much as SOVo of a home's exterior, it's important also to consider color options available in roofing. Most shingles are made up of a blend of colors. "Pulling out" one of the individual granules of color and matching it to the home's siding can achieve a high-style, coordinated look.

First. the entire roof should be inspected, including flashing, chimney, soil stacks, other roof penetration, deck and attic. Existing ventilation should be checked for proper circulation.

Once the installer begins, he or she should apply: o A basic felt underlayment to the wood deck, plus an additional waterproofing underlayment if ice damming, wind-driven rain or collected or flowing water might be a problem.

Know what makes a high-performance roof. First, a roof is more than just shingles. A roof needs to breathe, so ridge vents and soffit vents are important to circulate air throughout the roof deck and help prevent distortion or deterioration of shingles.

Roofs also must be protected from the elements. A weatherproofing underlayment will help keep rain from working its way between the shingles and deck, and protect shingles and decks from damage by heavy o Ridge vents, rafter vents and vented soffit panels that all help promote proper ventilation in the attic. program for vinyl siding is more than a marketing gimmick-it's an industry-wide effort to maintain vinyl's growth and reputation in the face of new, competing products such as fiber cement.

I Shingles, according to manufacturer's specifications and using proper fastening techniques-four fasteners for each shingle, six in high wind areas.

Last but not least. remember that information is the key to helping make replacing a roof a manageable project.

The Vinyl Siding Institute has opened the program to all vinyl siding manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada, not justits members (although VSI contends the vast majority of producers are members).

Participating producers, who pay all costs of the program, can advertise their products as certified after independent third-party verification that they comply with ASTM D3679, the standard specification for rigid siding made from vinyl.

"ASTM D3619 has been the standard for a long time," says Jery Y. Huntley, VSI's executive director. "Most producers said they met it, but there was no way to know for sure. Now there is."

Used by architects, builders, remodelers, code bodies and other construction-related businesses, ASTM D3679 includes standards for weatherability, thickness, surface distortion, impact resistance, heat shrinkage, length and width, as well as other vinyl siding attributes.