Modern technology allows roofing manufacturers to do amazing things today, but Mother Nature has the last word when it comes to the appearance and performance of your roof.

For example: Ultraviolet sun rays can cause shingle deterioration. Temperature extremes can damage shingles because of expansion and contraction. Shingles can blow off from strong wind gusts. Damage to the attic can occur from wind-driven, horizontal rain. And the accumulated stress of rain is sometimes just too much for your roof. Did you know that 2 inches of rain can “equal” more than 2 tons of water?

Half of the battle with Mother Nature is won using quality materials and competent contractors to install them. According to GAF Materials Corporation, a leading roofing manufacturer, poorly installed or constructed roofing costs American homeowners billions of dollars every year. Fortunately, most risks can be avoided with a professional roofing system that’s correctly installed, but only the best roofers stay in business for even five years, according to GAF. So where does a homeowner find a good roofing contractor to do the job?

As the largest manufacturer of roofing materials in America, GAF designed a certification program for roofing contractors so consumers can hire a competent professional. These professionals pledge to work on the homeowner’s roof as if it were their own.

Factory-certified GAF contractors can present the homeowner with a plan in writing, covering everything from pre-installation to the finished job. They use quality GAF materials backed by limited warranties that range from 20 years to lifetime. They also offer a unique warranty that even covers the contractor’s workmanship during the critical early years after installation.

If you’re not sure whether you need a new roof, the roofing experts at GAF offer the following key danger signals that your roofing system is not protecting your home:

• Leakage in the attic after a driving rain. Possible causes: Leaky or inadequate shingle underlayment or deteriorated flashing.
• Blistering and/or peeling of inside or outside paint. Possible causes: Excessive moisture or high humidity due to poor attic ventilation
• Stains on interior ceilings and walls. Possible cause: Inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment, allowing leakage from ice dams.
• Roof shingle, sheathing or siding decay. Possible cause: Poor attic ventilation.
• Missing, cracked or curling shingles. Possible cause: Shingles have reached the end of their useful life.
• Dark, “dirty-looking” areas on your roof. Possible causes: Environmental pollutants; vegetation, fungus or algae growth; loss of granules due to age of shingles.
• Excessive energy costs. Possible cause: Insufficient attic ventilation causes heating/cooling system to run excessively.

This article was provided by GAF Materials Corporation. To find a factory-certified GAF roofing contractor near you, visit www.gaf.com or call toll-free 1-888-LEAK-SOS (1-888-532-5767).