Article Advise

submitted: Aug 21st 2008 | by: TomBurrell | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 446 | |

Most 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.

A roofing system is incredibly durable. It can take the heat of the sun every day. It can take being drenched in water. It can freeze up for days on end under snow and ice in the winter. All this and it will still last for years and years. Amazing!

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.

The current economic situation is pretty bad, so a lot of people are watching their wallet. The cheapest roof replacement you can go with is a wood shingle roof. Beware, however, that while it is cheap up front, it will cost you in the end since it might only last 10 to 15 years.

Whenever you use wood on a house, there is always the fire concern. One needs only watch the fires in Southern California to watch wood shingle roofs go up in flames one after the other. This is even true for fire retardant wood shingles.

A happy middle point between the cost of slate and the fire risk of wood roofs is the tile roof. It is highly fire resistant and will not cost you an arm and leg to install. Most tile roofs will also last up to 45 years, which is a nice lifespan.

What about new roofing developments? The solar shingle roof is a system that is getting a lot of interest. Instead of big, bulky solar panels, these solar cells are actually embedded in the shingles. They look like normal roofing shingles.

There are a couple of really cool things about these shingles. First, they are essentially solar panels. They will generate electricity for your home, which can do some major cutting to your utility bill. They also come in many colors, so they can match most homes.

As your home ages, your roof will start to fail. Instead of spending endless money on repairs, consider your options. From solar shingles to slate to tile roofs, there is a perfect solution for everyone.

About the Author

Tom Burrell writes roofing articles for 866FixMyRoof.com - a licensed California roofing contractor providing roof construction services.

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