Replacing the roof on your home is not something you have to do every year but even the best singles will only last so long. While most brands of roofing shingles have a warranty of 20 to 30 years, there are a lot of things that can affect how long they will last. If the shingles are starting to come loose or are damaged, replace them right away so water does not seep in under them and damage the roof substructure.
Asphalt Shingles
Sometimes called three tab shingles, asphalt roofing shingles are the most common type used on roofs in the US. The singles are durable and available in many different grades and colors so they can be coordinated to match your home. Lighter grade shingles are cheaper but also typically carry a shorter warranty so, in the long run, you may have to replace them more often, negating the cost savings.
Cedar Shakes
In some parts of the country, real wooden shakes made from cedar are used on homes but if you are installing the new roof yourself, be sure you understand the way they are installed. They are harder to work with and have to placed properly or they will leak, damaging the plywood and roof structure underneath. From a purely aesthetic perspective, they look really nice once they are installed and weather for a season. If you are not sure how to install them, bring in a roofer so you don't have problems later.
Metal Roofing Shingles
Another option are metal shingles for your roof. They look like standard shingles but are made from metal so they last longer and are more durable than wood or asphalt. Don't confuse these with metal roofing that comes in long sheets, these are colored shingles that are installed much the same way as standard shingles. They do need to be installed with the proper hardware and the correct way but once they are on the roof, it will last for years.
Tile Roofing
In the Southwestern part of the country and in other countries around the world, tile is often used on the roof in place of shingles. It is strong, helps regulate temperature and looks really good. The tiles themselves can be damaged or broken but it is easy for a roofer to come out and replace the broken tiles without having to touch the rest of the roof. Again, there are many colors to choose from and the tiles can work very well with some style homes, to compliment the look and feel of the building.
Talk to a roofer, like http://www.alpenroofing.com, for more.
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