Renew your Roof

If rainy days find you singing the leaky roof blues, it's time to consider recovering your home's cap. A new roof is a big investment – it can run you as much as an older car. Styles and materials vary, but remember – your new roof will not only keep you dry, it can be a selling point when you choose to put your home on the market. For that reason, regardless of what material you go with, be sure to choose a shingle that is complementary to your home's exterior paint color.

Almost 90 per cent of today's homes are covered in composite or asphalt shingles. These are popular because they are cheap, easy to install and come in a variety of colors. They can last 20 years but most are fairly nondescript. The higher grade architectural-quality come in a variety of styles that mimic wood or ceramic tile. It's thicker and should last longer and offers more color choices.

Other, more expensive materials include sheet metal, wood shingles or shakes, slate, ceramic tiles, cement tiles. Asphalt shingles run from $80 to $200 (or more) per 100 square feet – this includes removing the original roofing material. Compare that to metal or concrete ($130 - $650) ceramic tiles ($330 to $550) and slate (up to $1000): you can see why asphalt is so commonly used. While wood has been a traditionally popular choice, the cost of the material has increased. Safety is another concern with wooden shingles, especially for homeowners in areas where wildfires may be an issue. In fact, many building codes require fireproof construction materials, which is something to consider before you get your heart set on a particular style. Also, today's wood shingle is not necessarily as durable as it once was. Using newer wood instead of old growth means the shingle may dry faster. This is better for our forests, but not necessarily your pocket book.

For a greener option there are shingles made from recycled plastics, tire, and natural fibers, which mimic the look of silver cedar for a price comparable to steel roofing and require no maintenance once installed. These environmentally-friendlier materials come with warranties often guaranteeing the product for up to 50 years, which can be transferred to the next homeowner – definitely a bonus when it comes to sell.

By far the most unique option is the green or live roof. Still a virtual stranger in North America, green roofs are a multimillion dollar industry in parts of Europe. Not only do these living structures generally last a long time, they save on heating and cooling costs and minimize sound, making them ideal for noisy cities. Green roofs also improve air quality and can produce food (an added bonus for those with limited garden space). However, living roofs require some serious research before you attempt to install one.They are often quite heavy and require a water and root proof membrane. If this type of roof appeals to you, check with local governments and utility companies – there may be subsidies available for greening your home.