Raze the roof
By Fiona Wagner • Bankrate.com

Metal roofs, usually made of steel, are low-maintenance, durable and impact- and wind-resistant. However, they're expensive (two to four times the cost of a premium asphalt roof) and have a relatively low insulation value. Plus, metal roofs are heavy, so the underlying deck must be examined to ensure it can withstand the extra load. Metal roofs have a life span of as long as 50 years.

Tile roofs, made of clay, ceramic or slate, are extremely durable (50- to 100-year life span), require little maintenance and are resistant to ultraviolet rays, wind and fire. The downsides include heavy weight and high price. Clay or ceramic costs two to three times more than a premium asphalt roof, slate between $600 and $1,300 per 100 square feet.

So how do you decide? Budget, style of your home and curb appeal are all important factors.

"If you have a roof that is more visually appealing, perhaps it's an upgraded asphalt shingle or a more architecturally striking metal or slate, it certainly can set your house apart from its neighbours," says Graham Clarke, vice-president of engineering with building inspection company Carson Dunlop and director of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors.

"A house that is in better condition or has more positive features is going to be worth more."

However, Iris Irwin, a sales representative with Johnson Associates Halton Ltd., in Georgetown, Ont., warns that although a buyer will usually pay more for a house in move-in condition, you shouldn't expect to get back your roofing investment dollar-for-dollar.

"If there were two houses side by side and one of them had a new roof and the other was original, the seller could expect to ask a bit more," she says.

"But the type of roof isn't the deciding factor when buyers look at a house. It's the location and how the house shows. They expect that the roof is good and it's not leaking, but they're not going to pay a lot more money just because there's a costly roof on it."

Common roofing problems
Whatever roof covering you have, it's important to keep it in tip-top condition. The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors reports that roof damage is the third most common deficiency found during a home inspection, preceded only by improper drainage around the house and problems with the electrical system.

That's not all. According to statistics compiled by Quebec-based manufacturing company Emco Building Products Corp., 22 percent of homeowners wait until the roof leaks before replacing it.

Each kind of roofing cover has it own signs of decay, but there are several common indicators of roof failure. If you have asphalt shingles, look for bare spots or a loss of granules, curling, broken or missing shingles.

Wood roofs are susceptible to fungal attack or excessive moss and severe buckling or warpages can indicate problems with the roof deck. Metal roofs are at risk for corrosion and overall wear in the exterior finish, particularly around the fasteners or transition points.

Finally, don't forget the flashings -- the joints between the roof and another structure such as the chimney or a skylight. Cracked or dried out caulking can be an easy entry point for water.

What you can do
Peter Kalinger, technical director of the Canadian Roofing Contractors' Association, suggests several steps homeowners can take to ensure the continued integrity of their roof.

If you're not afraid of heights and the roof is walkable, take a quick look at it every spring and fall to make sure there are no broken or missing shingles. If there are, replace them. (If you can't get on the roof safely, use a pair of binoculars to inspect it from the ground.)

Bigger jobs may require hiring a contractor. If you see excessive lichen or moss, have it professionally removed. Gutters and eavestroughs should be cleaned periodically to prevent water backup caused by improper drainage.

Sealants and caulkings around chimneys, skylights and other projections only have a life cycle of about three to four years and should be inspected each year.

Finally, never ignore a leak. Water contamination can reduce the thermal efficiency of insulation in the attic and even lead to rotting of the deck and other structures.

"Most of these are house-keeping items that can be undertaken by anybody who is a bit handy," he says. "The various lumber yards and distribution centers are more than happy to provide information on how to effect temporary or permanent repairs."

Fiona Wagner is a freelance writer in Georgetown, Ont.,
whose work has appeared in National Post Business and Chatelaine.