If you are like most people, you run in and out of your home numerous times in a day and hardly ever look at your roof. Yet a well maintained roof is necessary to the life of your home, as well as being an added plus if you decide to put your home on the market. Taking the time to inspect your roof, inside and out, will save you a lot of grief later.

Do a visual inspection inside for water stains, sagging and cracks on the ceiling. Outside, visually inspect the roof for loose or torn shingles, damaged flashing, mildew and rot, and excessive shingle granules in the gutters. This is a sure sign of a roof being too old.

Sometimes the unforeseen happens, and because of a storm or other natural event, a roof will get damaged. Homeowners in the southeastern part of the country have to deal with tornadoes, hurricanes and severe thunderstorms every year. If a roof is damaged, this will necessitate filing an insurance claim, as well as finding a reliable roofing contractor.

Finding a company that does Roofing in Alpharetta, or Roofers in Cumming is advisable because you will be dealing with a local business. The same holds true with finding Roofers in Dunwoody and Roofers in Suwanee. Local businesses are familiar with local building codes, as well as the type of roof coverings best suited to the area.

Roofers in Roswell and Roofers in Buckhead are also attuned to local ordinances and roofing needs in their area. With any roofing contractor, be sure to get a written estimate, and the provision that they provide a 5-year written warranty on their job. It doesn’t hurt to get more than one estimate either.

Just don’t assume the least expensive job will be the best or you. There are other considerations to think about. Ask questions about the preparation that will be done before the roof is repaired or replaced. How will your landscaping be protected? And don’t forget clean-up afterwords.

Businesses that do Roofing in Alpharetta, as well as Roofers in Cumming and Roofers in Suwanee will be happy to talk to you about roof removal or repairing damaged roof boards. Roofers in Dunwoody, Roofers in Buckhead and Roofers in Roswell will also do this. Roofing contractors will also discuss the installation of flashing, or moisture barriers, especially around chimneys, vent pipes and the dormers and valleys of a roof. These areas can be easily damages by strong winds.

Don’t forget to ask about upper ridge vents. These are necessary for proper air flow and help to keep moisture at a minimum. With these many considerations asked and answered, it is time to make a decision on the type of roof best suited for your house. It won’t be a problem if you’re looking at a small roof repair, but if a new roof is needed, that’s another story.

Contractors that specialize in Roofing in Alpharetta and Roofers in Cumming and other areas of the state are knowledgeable when it comes to knowing what type roof works best. They will take into account weather and climate conditions as well as the structure itself when recommending what’s best for your roof. One of the most popular and recommended roof coverings is 30-year architectural asphalt shingles.

This shingle offers great protection from high winds and damaging hail, common weather conditions in the Southeast. Remember too, that this shingle has a 30-year life, and will stand up to sun damage and bad weather. Installed using five roofing nails per shingle and a felt paper underlay, protection is assured.