When to Go Pro

There are many home improvements that we look forward to completing -- like a gorgeous kitchen update or planting a lovely garden. But one task that may be less exciting to invest time and money into (but even more important) is roof repair. This area of our house deserves some extra attention because neglecting it can lead to high energy bills, extensive damage or worse, not to mention the costs to fix it.

To keep your roof in good standing for years to come, here are four things you should know about maintaining them:

1. When to go pro. You should do a visual inspection of your roof several times a year. Call a professional if you see streaking stains on the shingles, curled or buckled shingles, areas on the roof missing granules or rusted flashings. Water stains in the attic or moss or mold on the roof are also signs of potential problems. It may be time for a new roof if you are noticing higher than average energy bills, moisture or mold in the attic, or leaks after extreme weather.

2. It's all about maintenance. Once a year, you should clean the cobwebs and dust from your ventilation system and exhaust vents. Then, caulk with a high grade sealant around pipes and vents and paint any exposed metal to prevent rust. Also, remove leaves and other debris from the gutters so they don't dam up and overflow.

3. One choice can make it last forever (almost). Asphalt shingle roofs tend to last approximately twenty years. Although, if a roof is installed correctly with the right components, it can last a lifetime.

4. People do notice. Your roofing material can actually enhance your home's curb appeal. (On average, 40 percent of what you see from the road is the roof!) And Realtor Magazine includes roof replacement in the top ten valuable home improvement projects and reports that homeowners can expect to recoup 56.7 percent of these costs when selling.