Home Improvement and Repair - Replacing Your Roof
Posted by: Aazdak Alisimo in Real Estate, tags: Real EstateMost homeowners are surprised to learn that major elements of their home are not designed to last as long as the rest of the home. One example is the roof over your head. Some roofs will last 80 years while some will only hold out for 15.
When considering the number of years different roofs might last, it is vital to keep in mind that while materials and other issues certainly play a role, the biggest issue is the impact of the power of nature.
Think about it. The average roof takes a beating. 365 days a year it just sits and bakes in the sun. It expands as it heats up during the day and then contracts as it cools off at night. It gets pummeled by rain, wind and flying objects. Heck, it is pretty amazing it lasts as long as it does.
If you really want the roof on your home to last, there is only one choice. Slate roofing can last 70, 80 or even 100 years. Like rock in nature, it can take a beating and keep performing. The only downside is it is expensive to purchase and put up.
If you have a small budget, the cheapest roof system available is the infamous wood shake shingle roof. Well, it is cheap to buy and install, but will cost you in the long run. Why? It will only last between 10 and 25 years.
Unlike slate roofs, there is another concern with wood shingle systems. Fire is the problem. Embers landing on wood shingle roofs almost always turn them into fire pits. You can buy far retardant treated wood shingles, but they are not much better.
If you like tiles, I have good news for you. One of the best roofing choices you have from both a financial, aesthetic and fire resistant point of view is the tile roof. They will last between 30 and 40 years as well so long as you consistently replace any broken shingles.
The cost of energy for a home is going up, but a new roofing system may bring relief. The solar shingle system produces electricity for your home without the big obnoxious solar panels. How? The entire shingle is the solar cell, but looks like a normal shingle.
The solar shingle is pretty amazing. Initially, it turns your roof into an energy producer. In some states, you can feed that energy into the local utility system and actually make your meter run backwards, which eliminates your utility bill. Nice, eh?
Sooner or later, you are going to have to improve or replace the roof on your home. Instead of just automatically putting up the same type of roof, take some time to explore your options. You have plenty of choices.
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