Nailing new shingles over existing ones is less expensive and faster, requiring less labor, but it also means you lose the chance to assess the sheathing for signs of water damage. Most building codes allow for two layers of asphalt shingles on a house, so stripping off everything down to the plywood sheathing may not be your only choice. They use the same shingles, but these two installation methods are very different. Similar to shown: Timberline HD shingle in Oyster Gray, about $97 per roofing square GAF Overlay vs. Up ahead: what you need to know about choosing and installing an asphalt roof that will protect and enhance your home for years to come.įor a foolproof color scheme, pick a roof that incorporates a shade on the house, like the darker charcoal tones in the architectural shingles here, which tie into the house’s trim. Asphalt shingles are pretty bulletproof these days, so failures can usually be traced back to poor installation.
CHIEF ARCHITECT HOME DESIGNER PRO CHANGE ROOF PITCH ZIP
The major shingle manufacturers’ websites list approved installers by ZIP code, often highlighting those who’ve passed best-practice training. Then, as with any remodeling job, work with a top-notch contractor. Most manufacturers have options in all the basic color families: browns and reds, blues and greens, grays and blacks, and golds and beiges. First, explore colors and styles by driving around your neighborhood to see how homes similar to yours look with different shingle colors and shapes. While that can be intimidating, experts agree that getting the job done right boils down to a two-part process.
When it comes to maintaining your home, a new roof is one of the biggest-ticket purchases you have to make. It has to withstand decades of blazing sun, pounding rains, gusting winds, and in many cases, snow and ice, as it protects you from the elements-all while looking good from the street.
Shingles That Compliment House Trim Photo by Jim Bartsch/Thompson Naylor Architects/Allen Constructionįrom keeping your house weather tight to capping its curb appeal, there’s a lot riding on your roof.