Asphalt Shingles – Are They The Best Investment For Your Home?

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Asphalt Shingles – Are They The Best Investment For Your Home?</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – During this time of economic uncertainty, you may be hesitant to invest money in your home. It is important to remember, though, that your home is a valuable asset. In order to maintain your investment, home maintenance or repair projects are essential. An important area of your home to maintain is the roof, which may provide up to 50 percent of your home’s exterior protection.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">A roof repair or upgrade is one type of home investment that will likely maintain its value. Many American homeowners may be unfamiliar with the process to repair or upgrade their existing roof. Consider creating a list of goals and a budget. Then, it is important to research your options. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Asphalt shingles are a practical choice, and are one of the most widely used residential roofing materials. Asphalt accounts for more than 80 percent of all new and replacement roofing applications. Asphalt has been the most popular roofing material in North America for the past 150 years, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/11a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/11a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Asphalt shingles remain a popular choice because they’re economical, long-lasting and readily available," says Kent Blanchard, vice president of roofing manufacturing for TAMKO Building Products Inc.<span>  </span>"There are two basic types of asphalt shingles: three-tab and laminated."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Blanchard says it is important to gain some basic knowledge of asphalt roofing products before making a purchase. To help you better understand asphalt shingles, he offers the following information on common types:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For many years, three-tab asphalt roofing shingles have been a popular choice for homeowners. These shingles are made from individual layers of fiberglass mat, an asphalt roofing base material manufactured from glass fibers that provides additional strength to the shingle. The fiberglass mat is dipped in asphalt and coated with fire-resistant granules. Classic three-tab asphalt roofing shingles generally include a 15 to 30-year warranty and are one of the more cost-efficient roofing product options.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Laminated Asphalt Shingles</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Often used for replacement jobs and on new, upscale homes, laminated asphalt shingles have increasingly become a popular choice among homeowners. Also known as "architectural shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles," laminated asphalt shingles have added dimensionality because of extra layers of fiberglass mat, which create a wood shake-like appearance. Laminated asphalt shingles provide a more distinctive look when compared to classic three-tab asphalt shingles.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">According to ARMA, laminates are gaining ground in new construction. When reroofing, three-tab asphalt shingles remain the more popular choice, however industry experts predict the laminate category will continue to grow.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">You may want to consider a premium laminated asphalt shingle, which typically comes with a longer warranty and additional advantages that could save you money in the future. For example, TAMKO’s Heritage Vintage premium laminated asphalt shingles are backed by a 50-year limited warranty and include a Class-A fire rating. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/11c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/11c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"If you’re planning to sell your home when the economy recovers, the shingles you select could affect your return on investment," says Blanchard. "When you’re ready to make repairs or upgrade your roof, take your time, do your homework and select the roofing shingles that are the best investment for your home." </p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>