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f. . SECTION 1 - SUPPLEMENT TO McHENRY PLA1NDEALER - PAGE 7 -FRIDAY, MARCH 23, lf7t Don t wait for leaks and sags,,. Start thinking of roofing before trouble starts The best time to think of buying a new roof is long be­ fore trouble starts. If you , have a leaking roof, you may already have extensive dam­ age in the deck beneath the roof. When and if your roof is in that kind of shape, it's panic all the way. It's not easy at a time like that to start worrying about color and shadow lines and texture, and the many other options that should be consi­ dered when investing in a new roof. Obviously, the time to think of a new roof is when nothing is wrong with the old one except that it is approaching its middle teens. Most homes in the U.S.A. (more than 85%) have asphalt shingle roofs. The remainder are roofed with cedar, slate and other materials. In any case, when the roof is reach­ ing old age, and the critical time for most standard weight roofs is approxi­ mately 15 years, it^s time to call on a professional roofer for an inspection. Some of the things he will look for are split and missing shingles; shingles which have curled at the edges and are obviously dried out; bare shingles, no longer covered with a coating of protective granules; lots of granules in the drains and gutters; and so on. He will also check the areas where roof and chim­ ney, vents or other structures meet. The flashing used for protection at these vulnera­ ble portions of the roof may have deteriorated. Caulking may have dried out and dis­ appeared. Nails may be loosened or missing, so that the shingle is not adhering tightly to the deck. Drains may be clogged and gutters full of leaves and de­ bris, so that snow and moisture have backed up and penetrated beneath the shin­ gles. Even though no damage may be apparent as yet, the day of reckoning could be only a snow or rainstorm away. The wise homeowner will act long before that time ar­ rives. In doing so, he will not only be able to buy his roof at the best price by checking es­ timates of a number of reput­ able roofers in his vicinity, but will also have the option of choosing the type and color of shingle he really wants to live with. Considering that standard weight shingles normally last 15 years, and heavyweight shingles may last up to 25 years, such a choice comes only once or twice in a lifetime and should be given the time and thought re­ served for important pur­ chases. What should ,a home­ owner look for in a new roof"? Protection is obviously the primary consideration. The roof must protect the house from rain, sleet, snow, hail, fire and other potential dan­ gers. Asphalt shingles, which combine protection against all of these hazards with reasonable ost, are by far the favorite choice of home­ owners throughout the coun­ try. Appearan d, which com­ bines color id design, is an­ other reasi n why asphalt shingles are so popular. No other type f shingle offers practically a rainbow of color, and o much texture and pattern o choose from. Cedar, ir comparison, is. a single color, no protection Slate is difficult is extremely ex- fered as standard weight 235 lb. per square types, or as heavier types weighing ap­ proximately 280, 300, 330 or more lbs. per square (a square equals 100 square feet of roof area). Heavier shingles are thicker, with extra layers of waterproofing asphalt. Heavier weights are often warrantied for up to 25 years, in comparison with the 15 year warranty normally ac­ corded to standard weight shingles. For very long service, and the desirable massive ap­ pearance preferred by so many home-owners, GAF recommends a heavyweight shingle such as Timberline.- According to surveys, color is the primary factor in the choice of a shingle by m.ost home-owners. Which HEAVYWEIGHT Timberline asphalt shingles prdviSe the massive appearance, accented shadowline and ir­ regular roof pattern so popular with homeowners. Available in six earth-tone blends designed to har- moniae with all types of sidings. color is best for you? A lot provide a dramatic roof for a depends on your siding and the surrounding environ­ ment. Light-colored roofing makes a house look taller. The darker colors, such as the popular earth-tones, can help to reduce the impression of height. A contrasting roof color, such as charcoal, will house with white or gray sid­ ing. Do not use more than three colors for roof, siding and trim. Finally, do not ever forget that you may be living with the same roof for the next 15 to 25 years. Choose carefully. Look around the neigh­ borhood for good-looking roofs and find out who did the job. Check references and qualifications. Talk to a number of qualified roofers and get estimates based on the same specifications. A good roofing contractor will be happy to talk specifics, show samples and refer you to pleased customers in the neighborhood. Buying a new roof is a major investment. Reputablev manufacturers such as GAF stand behind their products with warranties and with nationwide networks of plants and technical person­ nel which enable them to supply the color and kind of shingles you want anywhere in the country. Look for both a reputable roofer and a repu­ table manufacturer for peace of mind when buying a new roof. V Make The Most Out Of What's iburs If you're lucky enough to own a yard or patio, don't let it go to waste. With a low cost home improvement loan, you can fix it up and be able to really enjoy the warm months outdoors. For^ your convenience, our repayment terms are arranged to fit your budget. See if you qualify for a loan today! f McHENRY S A V I N G S » ma iiuiutiM AND LOAN ASSOCIAT ION 1209 North Green Street, McHenry 815/385-3000 10520 Main Street, Richmond 815/678-2061 10402 North Vine Street (Huntley Center on Route 47). Huntley 312 669-3333 available in and offers against fire to apply an. pensive. Asphalt SAVERS HOURS 9 00 o m to 4 3 0 p ^ Monday J utvdov or>d « 9 0 0 o ' o i l 0 0 p f f rto* 9 0 0 o , r • ' < J 0 C Wmdow open Wednesday 9 00on. to 2 00 p rn Closed Wednesday in Richmond 4 Huntley fattemjdopie, f/dpttw f̂ eiu^ople / •ingles are of-