How to use the weather to check your loft insulation If snow and frost look patchy on your roof, it is a clear indication that heat is escaping and your insulation is not working as it should.

Get expert advice on improvements to your home, including design tips, how much you'd expect to pay for a pro and what to ask when hiring experts.

ArrowLine metal roofing is available in a rich range of contemporary colors, all coated with a deluxe KYNAR 500® finish for flawless, fade-proof color retention.

Frank McKinney, president of SolarShield Metal Roofing, said metal roof manufacturers have addressed this concern by manufacturing metal that looks like a variety of other surfaces.

Consumer Reports has details on how to get the best deal on new roofing, roofing contractors, shopping for roofing types, and understanding roofing warranties.

— What does the roof look like? Check for irregularities in shingle lines. A sag indicates rotting sheathing. Pay close attention to valleys, where rain and snow flow to gutters.