Look up for sales

llOW IS the time to remind llyour customers that an annual roof inspection can help extend the life of the roof and maintain its weather resistance.

As part of your promotion, hand out flyers listing the danger signals of a failing roof. Organize a display with examples of what-tolook-for in the annual inspection.

Brief your sales staff. Instruct them to spread the word that an annual roof inspection can help prevent problems like rotted window frames, weakened ceilings, and peeling paint that can cost thousands of dollars to repair once the damage is done.

Suggest that homeowners make the following six step inspection suggested by the Celotex Corp., Celotex Roofing Products Division, manufacturers of residential roofing products.

(l) DAMACED OR MISSING SHINGLES

If patches of shingles have broken off, blown away or are curled or split, the roof may be in a state of advanced deterioration. Missing and damaged shingles always should be replaced, and if the problem is widespread, a total re-roofing may be the proper alternative.

(2) LEAKY FLASHINGS

Any object that projects through the roof or through an area not covered by shingles is a potential leak. Flashing materials normally protect the cuts in the roof around these projections. If the flashing material appears to be deteriorating or if rust has penetrated on or around the flashing, the affected section should be replaced.

Story at a Glance

Promote annual roof inspection . display failing systems . outllne six danger signals .. step by step inspection.

(3) TORN HIP AND RIDGE SHINGLES

If leakage occurs on the top edges of gables, hips and ridges (where the roof changes direction) because of deteriorated roofing material, water leaks can appear at any point down to the eaves. These types of shingles should be replaced if they are torn, loose or otherwise damaged.

Strong winds or vibrations may loosen the roofing nails so that the nail heads are no longer in contact with the shingle. tf this problem is seen all over your roof, a reroofing job is in order.

(s) BARE SPOTS

Look for patches of dark or black where shingle granules have worn awaY and where only the bottom "mat" remains. This is generallY more noticeable on a light colored roof than on a dark roof and requires close insPection. A heavy build-up of washed-off granules could be a sign of major trouble. Since the granules may serve safetY Purposes in addition to Providing color and texture, rePlace shingles that have worn-away granules.

(6) GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Gutter hangers should be checked for rust or corrosion and always should be fastened securely beneath the shingles. If re-roofing is in order, be sure to guide customers to select material that offers weather resistance and protection with the required rating for your local building codes. There are shingles designed for specific climate needs and for geograPhic style preferences, as well as products designed for the do-it-yourselfer. Offer instruction in roofing and repair techniques to make the job a possibility for the d-i-y homeowner. Since labor costs are estimated at 5090 for re-roofing by contractors' the homeowner can save a great deal by doing his own work.