Protect your home against winters rush:

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Protect Your Home Against Winters Rush:Protect your home against winters rush

You’ve probably never thought of it this way, but your roof is to your home what a 300 pound football guard is to his team’s quarterback: the first line of protection against the elements – in this case, the harsh winter weather- that would pummel it mercilessly if otherwise left untouched.

Just like the football players look for holes in their competitor’s defense, homeowners should be on alert for missing shingles or deteriorated flashing (those metal seals around bends and joints on skylights and chimney’s).

More than 90 percent of roof damage occurs in these two areas, and spotting it early helps prevent bigger and more expensive headaches down the road.

“It really does make sense, financially, to perform inspections at least twice a year,” say’s Bob Tafaro, President and CEO of GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer.  “The best times are in the spring, after severe weather hits, and than again in the fall before the temperature and the wind become too brutal.”

Continuing the football metaphor, here are some more tips from experts:

 Know your opponent: Especially given the crazy weather we’ve been having, you’ll want to examine the roof edge for wind damage, weaknesses, or rusted nails, and handle repairs before the winter weather hints.

Next, be on the look-out for any spots indicating mold, algae and mildew growth – especially if there’s debris on your roof.  (Hint: telltale signs include dark spots and discolored shingles.)

Call the right play. By “debris,” we particularly mean piles of wet leaves, sticks, and small branches.  None of these are your roof’s friend.  In fact, not only can they cause water to back up and flow under a roof causing rain or ice dams, but they’re also a shelter for pests eager to eat through your home’s top.

So, routinely clean all your gutters and drains, make sure all gutters are securely fastened, and check that downspouts point away from your house.

What to do should you discover damage?  If you’re all interested in prolonging your roof’s life, it really prolongs your roof’s life, it really does pay to consult a professional roof contractor who is insured and uses quality materials.

A free service that makes finding one in your area easy can be found at www.gaf.com.

– News USA