Replacing a roof is a necessary improvement that many homeowners eventually face. When that time comes, remember there are three major factors that can significantly affect the life of your roof: weather conditions, installation methods and time spent on routine maintenance. Ultimately, though, your choice of shingle has the greatest impact on maintaining a strong, sturdy and visually appealing roof for years to come.
The roofing material you choose will depend on the style of your home, your budget, your location and climate. Also, take a look at other homes in your neighborhood with a similar roof pitch to get ideas for your home. To see how various shingles appear in different lighting conditions, check at different times of the day.
Asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular choices in roofing materials, and for good reason. Asphalt shingles have been around for over 100 years and have proven to perform well over time. Plus, asphalt roofing is available in many styles, shapes and colors and is suitable for most residential applications. In fact, industry trends show approximately 80 percent of residential homes have roofs with asphalt shingles. Properly installed asphalt shingles can effectively shed water off the roof, stand up to bad weather and enhance the beauty, character and value of your home.
Three-tab shingles are histor-ically the most common type of asphalt shingle due to their affordability. However, more homeowners are now topping their homes with thicker, more durable architectural-style shingles that mimic the appearance of slate, wood, shake or rustic tiles. CertainTeed Corporation, a leader in roofing, offers beautifully designed laminated asphalt shingles. Some, such as Centennial Slate™ luxury shingles produce the look of true slate, but at a lower price, and others like Landmark™ premium shingles provide the classic look of cedar shake-style roofs. In addition to their durability and aesthetic appeal, CertainTeed shingles are backed with excellent warranties.
Be forewarned that upgrading your roof is one of the more expensive home improvement projects you will encounter, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. With this in mind, consider contacting a local roofing professional to assist you in your selection process. Often times, roofing contractors can provide samples of assorted shingle styles to aid in the selection process. For that amount of money, it's important to make the right choice.
So, whether you're starting from scratch with a new home or making improvements to an existing one, carefully choose your roofing materials and periodically check them for damage after installation. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends checking your roof twice a year to help uncover potential problems that would otherwise go unnoticed.
To learn more about reroofing or what types of shingles are right for you, call (800) 782-8777 or visit certainteed.com.
The roofing material you choose will depend on the style of your home, your budget, your location and climate.
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