Beautiful and Cost Effective Roofing Options
There is a reason that Asphalt Shingles have been the norm for residential roofing projects; not only are they cost-effective, but they are guaranteed to last for 20-30 years, making them a great value. In the past, an upgrade from standard Asphalt Shingles meant shelling out 2 to 3 times more money for an expensive (and beautiful) slate or ceramic tile roof. With new technologies available today, there are many new roofing materials on the market, giving homeowners on a budget the chance to give their home a different look.
The first option homeowners have is to upgrade from basic three tab asphalt shingles to what is called Architectural Shingles. Architectural shingles are made of the same material as regular shingles but are much thicker, and are usually staggered in their placement, making the roof look more substantial without the substantial price of a stone roof. Architectural shingles comes in a large variety of colors and textures, so homeowners have the ability to create the specific look they want for their home.
Wood shingles and shakes have long been a popular roofing material because of their outstanding appearance. Wood shingle roofs give homes a natural, organic quality that is only advances as the roof weathers over time to a beautiful grey color. The downsides of wood shingle roofs are their costly installation and maintenance. Today, there are a few products out there for those who want the look of a wood shingle roof without the disadvantages of this natural material. The first is a product that is actually made of a cement-like material and then stamped with a wood grain pattern. These manufactured shakes have become very popular because they come in a variety of colors, satisfy the strict fire codes and are guaranteed to last for a very long time. Secondly, some Architectural Shingles are colored to look like wood shakes and are quicker to install because of the three tab layout.
For those who love the look of historic slate tile roofs, good news! There is now an engineered product on that market, made out of recycled plastic and rubber that has the look of real slate tiles. In fact, it is said that from the sidewalk, only a discerning eye could tell the difference between this engineered slate product and a true slate roof. Where as traditional slate roofs require a beefier framework to support the added weight and require special tools to install, this engineered roofing material is easy to install using standard materials, is guaranteed to last up to 50 years. And at one third of the price, it is a great value!
For someone who knows all there is to know about every type of shingles, get in touch with D. R. Hartman Construction and learn all about the future of your roof!
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