Your Home Exterior

What to Know Before You Choose a Roof

By Janine Pumilia

Anew roof is a big investment and there’s much to consider when choosing an installer and materials.

First, “A roofing warranty is only as good as the company that installs the materials,” says Kevin Hunter, coowner of Windows, Doors & More in Fort Wayne. “If a problem develops, you have to go back to the company that installed the roof to start a claims process.”

If that company no longer exists, you may be out of luck.

“It’s a sad fact that a lot of companies don’t have the working capital to withstand a rainy day,” says Hunter. “The average lifespan of roofing and siding companies is about two years.” Be sure your new shingles are of a sufficient weight to withstand Midwest weather.

It’s also important to choose materials wisely. Avoid inferior shingles like those sold at big-box Every shingle is nailed six times to the underlayment. Alhome centers. though some building codes allow up to three roof layers, Hunt-

“You need a certain weight of shingle to withstand our Mid- er recommends no more than two. west weather,” says Hunter. “The weight of three layers can be hard on the sheeting and

Along with sufficient asphalt per shingle, you’ll want shin- cause it to cup or dip between the rafters,” he says. “This is esgles that are treated to resist streaking and mossing. Hunter uses pecially true now that manufacturers are making better, heavier Certainteed brand premium or premier asphalt shingles treated shingles than they did 20 years ago.” with a 3M Scotchguard product. If your project requires a roofing tear-off, ask what precautions will be taken to prevent damage to landscaping. Windows, Doors & More uses a “roofer’s buggy” to catch debris. Finally, choose your shingle color carefully. “You’ll have to live with that shingle for a lot of years,” notes Hunter. He offers a photo computer program that previews how your home would look with various options. Windows, Doors & More has been in business 37 years and serves homeowners within a 60-mile radius of Fort Wayne. Along with selling and installing home exterior products, Windows, Doors & More is a full-service flooring and lighting center. It also builds room additions/decks and is a one-stop kitchen and bath center with six licensed designers and an architect on staff. Learn more by calling 260-399-6038 or visit Windows, Doors & More at 1121 W. WashingBefore hiring an installer, ask what precautions will be taken to protect landscaping from damage. ton Center Road. ❚

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