Harsh winter weather and inevitable spring storms wreak havoc on roofs, a home's first line of defense against Mother Nature. Snow, driving rain, hail and even exposure to direct sunlight are hard on roofs. The National Roofing Contractors' Association (NRCA) recommends that homeowners conduct seasonal roof inspections and be aware of their material options in case their roofs ever require repair or replacement. The following tips from CertainTeed, a leader in the roofing industry, will help our readers keep a discerning eye on their biggest asset overhead.

Checking your roof for repairs each fall is good ay to prevent expensive damages that come from improper roof maintenance. Cleaning your gutters should be part of this process, and can be dangerous, both should only be done by a licensed professional.

*The NRCA says that each spring and fall, homeowners should clean debris from their gutters, check roof shingles for damage, inspect the areas around chimneys and pipes, and check walls and ceilings inside the home for water damage.

*Shingles that are buckled, curled, blistered or missing an excessive amount of granules are likely at the end of their lives. CertainTeed recommends homeowners avoid potential falls from the rooftop and use a pair of binoculars to inspect from the ground for missing, torn or worn shingles, or better yet, consult a professional roofing contractor.

*Heightened frequency of severe weather patterns has popularized weather-resistant roofing shingles. Several designer shingles and products by CertainTeed are available with wind warranty coverage up to 110 miles per hour(mph).

*Many shingles are now engineered for impact resistance and can withstand the impact of a 2 inch steel ball dropped from a height of 20 feet without cracking. Because of this durability, homeowners who have impact-resistant shingles installed may be eligible for insurance premium reductions depending on the location of their properties and their insurer. CertainTeed offers the most extensive selection of impact-resistant roofing products in the industry.

-Information provided by a local experienced roofer: Dan Wait of Wait Roofing and Seamless Gutters at 530-221-3223.