roof tile - Tips on Choosing Suitable Roof Tiles for Your Home

The roof is the most important part of a house. Without it, the elements are allowed in and the house becomes less of a house. But when it comes time to replace the roof, the selection is dizzying. Hopefully, this guide will simplify things a bit.

Important Questions to Ask

It is vitally important to make sure each of the following questions is answered before purchasing roof tiles.

1. Which roof tiles work well for which climate? 2. How long will the roofing material last? 3. Does the roofing material fit local building codes? 4. How much does the roofing material cost? 5. Does the roof match the house style?

Roof Materials

Asphalt shingles are the most common roof material on the market. They are also the least expensive and least heavy of all the roof materials. This makes asphalt shingles perfect when considering skylight roofing or awnings. Asphalt shingles will typically last between 15 - 20 years with minimal maintenance.

Wooden shingles and shakes are some of the best roof tiles when thinking about looks -- the material grays over time. They help to insulate the home and allow for air circulation. However, shakes are expensive to use and maintain. They require regular washing, re-oiling, and in some cases, flame retardation. Wooden roofs will usually last between 15 -- 25 years.

Slate roofs are the longest lasting of the roof materials. While they cost more to have installed, they last for over 100 years and so pay for themselves. Slate comes in many natural colors that can be mixed upon installation.

Metal roofs are fairly cheap and can be made to resemble almost any other kind of roof material. Metal lasts anywhere from 30 -- 50 years in most climates. Metal roofs are also eco-friendly as they are fully recyclable.

Ceramic tile roofs are more common in the south than the north, but can be used in either climate. Hand-fired tiles will resist absorbing water and therefore won't crack when frozen. Ceramic roofs typically last from 60 -- 80 years. Most cost estimates put ceramic tile roofs at three times more than other roof materials.

Finally, look-alike materials are perfect for getting the same looks without the heft, price, or environmental hazards of other materials. Common materials are recycled rubber, plastic, or cement. They are typically low maintenance and last for more than 50 years.

While most of the roof materials listed can last for more than 20 years, roofs are typically replaced, or at least repaired every 10. Repair costs should also be factored in when thinking about the over-all costs. Also, having a professional roof contractor install and fix the roof will prevent mistakes and improve functionality.

Source: http://www.ideamarketers.com/?articleid=3373897

bars lindzi cox redskins bachelor finale courtney robertson ben flajnik randy moss