Whether time has worn off or a natural disaster has destroyed your roof or you just want a change, shingles are quickly becoming a strong contender among material options. It immediately adds curb appeal and character to a home, and there are some added benefits that don’t come with traditional roofing materials.
Style, longevity and increased safety features are just a few reasons to consider the trend and while as with all products there are some downsides it is quickly becoming competitive with other styles and materials available on the market. industry.
When making home improvements, most homeowners must stick to a budget, and while these ceramic shingles are initially more expensive than asphalt roofing, the lifetime repair costs are likely to be worth it. The clay that the tile is made from will outlast any other type of roofing material. Eventually, if repairs need to be made, they will likely be to the structure below; original materials can be used over and over again after repairs. In fact, some companies estimate the useful life of the product at more than fifty years. How many rounds of asphalt shingles does a house gobble up in fifty years?
If your community of owners allows it, this decision can really add character to your home. It can make your home instantly stand out, and because there has been a focus on product improvement in recent years, the terracotta look you may be envisioning, while a great look, need not be your final choice. Clay has recently been used to simulate the look of wood shingles, and other styles and colors are also available.
With the clay material comes increased fire safety and resistance to damage from insects and decay. The cost of these risks alone is worth the additional cost of going with the different material.
As with all products, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. To begin with, as we mentioned before, the price of this option is initially more expensive; however, the initial expense is outweighed by the fact that, throughout life, repairs and replacements are minimal. Tiles are also fragile, so walking on them can cause quite a bit of damage. It is highly recommended that all work be completed by a professional, and if you are replacing more traditional shingles, you may need to make structural changes to the roof of your home to support the heavy material. But because concrete is said to last forever, chances are there will never be a replacement cost after the initial purchase, although the subfloor, the material that the tiles rest on, may need to be replaced on average every 15 years.
It is suggested that regardless of the type of roof you are considering, check with your homeowners association to ensure your choice is accepted by your neighborhood bylaws.