subject: Cost Down & Appearances Up [print this page] Are you considering buying or building a new home? The kinds of materials used in constructing your dream home can have a significant difference in versatility, appeal, maintenance and cost. Here are some helpful ideas on how you can keep construction costs down and appearances up for a dream home.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are probably the most popular kind of roofing being used these days. This kind of roofing material is affordable and durable. Asphalt shingles may come in various thicknesses and have various year rankings. Some of the most common types are 20-year, 30-year, 40-year and 50-year shingles. Many builders and roofing contractors use 20 year shingles. The initial savings on 20 year shingles are low compared to the overall cost of replacing materials and labor.
Longer lasting asphalt shingles are considered the greener choice because less waste is generated over time. Asphalt shingles come in 2 various types namely architectural/dimensional and three tab. A dimensional type features plenty of color variations and looks more customized.
Cedar shakes
Cedar shakes are usually aesthetically appealing, low maintenance and long lasting. It tends to be pricey depending on location. This type of roofing material is often banned in some states due to fire hazard precautions. Cedar roofs may cost two to three times the overall price of a 50 year asphalt roof.
Clay tile shingles
Clay tile shingles are common in warmer climates such as in California and Florida. Oftentimes, a clay tile roof may be interlocking or overlapping and features plenty of durability and fireproof qualities. Clay tile roofs break in frosting climates. It has also become costly over the years compared to other roofing types.
Concrete roofing tiles
Concrete tends to be flexible before it dries out. A concrete roofing tile may be shaped to look something like clay, wood or late. This type of roofing last for a good period of time and are efficient at reducing heat buildup. They may require specialized application only from roofing experts and sometimes can get more expensive than shingles,but is a good option for a unique look.
Slate roof tiles
Slate is a natural stone material that needs to be mined and then shaped into shingles in order to be used as roofing materials. Slate has a lifespan of 100 years or more with appropriate application. Slate roofs may come in red, purple, black, green and gray colors. Slate roofing may cost 10 times that of 20 year asphalt roofs.
