Q.We are getting our house ready to sell and are trying to decide between repairing or replacing our eleven year old wood shingle roof. We would like to do the minimum repairs to bring the roof back to satisfactory condition, but our Realtor is suggesting we remove the wood shingles and replace it with a composition roof. Do you have a strategy you could recommend for our situation?

- D.S. Dallas, TX

A. I understand your desire to spend as little money as possible to repair your roof. However, the problem you are faced with is that a prospective buyer will likely have trouble finding an insurance company who will write a policy on a home with a wood shingle roof. It is not uncommon for buyers to tell their agents not to show them homes with wood roofs. A new class A fire retardant composition roof is a definite advantage for a quicker sale.

Q. According to my insurance company, my roof sustained enough damage in our last hail storm to need total replacement. I have been given a check by my insurance company, but I don't fully understand about the "depreciation" amount that was subtracted. Has my roof been prorated with regard to its condition?

B.D. Denver

A. It actually depends on the insurance coverage you have on your home. If you have a full replacement cost policy, which most homeowners seem to choose, you will receive the total amount for replacing your roof plus any other damages, less your deductible. You will probably receive the settlement figure in two checks, the first being given immediately. The second check, called the depreciation amount or "hold back money" (usually 50%), is withheld until the work has been completed and an invoice submitted for final payment. The term "depreciation" is often confusing to the homeowner with replacement cost coverage since nothing is in fact being subtracted. Also, be aware that before the second check will be released to you, your mortgage and/or insurance company will probably require some type of proof of completion.

Q. I have noticed a stain on the ceiling in our family room. It is not the typical round spot you would see from a roof leak. It looks more like a long water line that runs parallel to outside wall, about 2 ft. back from the windows, and is about 8 ft. to 10 ft. in length. Does this sound like a roofing problem or could it be something else.

R.S. Richmond, VA

A. The long stain on the ceiling, close to the outside wall, sounds like there is a chance your gutter could be full of leaves or debris, and is not draining properly. This is a typical problem for this time of year, when the leaves have fallen from the trees. If your gutter is not draining, the water coming off the roof during a rain will back up into the soffit and seeks its lowest level. It is important to keep your gutters free of leaves and debris, which can cause your gutter to back up. A good leaf guard installed in the gutter should help alleviate the problem. Also, when you are up there cleaning leaves, it is a good idea to trim back any low hanging tree branches, which could rub against your roof, causing damage.