Composition Shingle Roofing

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com

Q: I am a first-time home buyer. We are in the process of deciding if we should purchase a new home.

One of the problems we have is that the house costs around 325K and the roof is composition shingle roof and not tile roof. Isn't a tile roof much more durable?

A: Thanks for your inquiry. We actually have a lot of information about the different kinds of roofing on our site. Just visit our site at: www.servicemagic.com, go to Roofing, then read all the "Project Planning" and "Design" articles, which accompany Installation or Replacement of each type of roofing, including asphalt shingle, metal, shake, slate, tile, etc.

I also found this site to do a cursory comparison of the pros and cons of different roofing materials: http://www.roofingmall.com/reviews

Asphalt shingles are much lighter than traditional terra cotta clay tiles, so the framing does have to be stronger for clay tile than asphalt shingles. However, there are many other lightweight roofing tiles on the market these days that do not require reinforced framing. These products usually cost more than asphalt shingles but they should also last longer. You will have to do some research to compare the weight, prices and expected life spans of different products to the type of asphalt shingles your builder intends to use.

The builder has based the price of his new homes on asphalt shingles. If you want another kind of roofing because you think it looks better and/or will last longer, you need to discuss the possiblity of upgrading your roof and paying him the difference for the purchase and installation of a different roofing material. Your choices may also be limited to products that blend well with the style of the rest of the homes in the development.

If you and the builder agree on a new kind of roofing, which requires a different specialist to install, please return to our site, submit a service request for "Install..." the type of roofing you have chosen, and let us match you with the ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck!

Kathy Maynard

-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic