How to Successfully Lay a New Roof

A roof is one of the most important parts of your house. It should not only last ten to twenty years but also withstand the elements and seasons. How to get this ? Buy good shingles and install them yourself. It's a relatively simple DIY project that just requires conscientiousness' and concentration. Do it correctly and you'll have a professional looking job that will last for decades.

The first step is to decide what shingles you want on your roof. Surprisingly there are many choices. Asphalt is the most common as well as being the most preferred. They're reinforced with fiberglass and paper with a durability that can last anywhere from twenty to thirty years. Asphalt shingles usually have three sections or what's known as tabs per shingle. Their overall length is three inches. Most have dabs of tar or roofing cement on their fronts to hold down the overlaying shingle. Another choice are laminated shingles. These are becoming popular with both builders and homeowners because of their modern, textured look. Laminated shingles are made from multiple staggered layers of material, usually asphalt. From a distance these look like slate thanks to angled or rounded tabs and shadowed lines. Unfortunately these are also thicker than the regular asphalt ones and thus require linger nails or staples.

You can also spring for real slate tiles. Not only do they add to a home's look but also to its' resale price. They lend a charming Old World air even to the most American looking homes. Slate shingles are also highly durable., lasting a century and then some.. However be warned that slate is hard to work with and easily breakable. It also requires a special pressure cutter pr a pick to hammer that splits it into sizable shingles. You have to be careful when repairing it. It tends to break if you walk on it and you may have to call in a pro for any kind of major or minor fix it job.