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Are you thinking of getting a new roof? Whether you need to replace your roof because of age or storm damage, it’s a good idea to learn about the roofing materials that are available. Check out these useful tips that will help you chose a new roof with confidence. Tip 1: Consider Your Roofing Options There are multiple types of roof shingles available. Here are some of the more common styles: 3-tab shingles — Three-tab shingles, which are also known as traditional, flat or strip shingles, are made of asphalt materials and feature a flat surface. They get their name because they’re supplied in individual rectangular pieces that are made to look like they’re divided into three squares. As an industry standard since the 1930s, 3-tab shingles offer a traditional, classic look with strength and durability. Plus, they're a budget-friendly option. Architectural shingles — Architectural shingles are a good choice for many homeowners. The shingles are known for their high performance and curb appeal, and they fit into most budgets. Also made of asphalt materials, architectural shingles are named for their distinctive appearance and are often referred to as dimensional or laminate shingles. They have a varied surface thickness that gives them a unique textured or multi-dimensional "raised" look, which traditional 3-tab shingles lack. The raised areas vary, so when the shingles are fitted together on a roof deck, they create a non-uniform appearance that gives the roof’s surface depth and dimension. While the raised surface of an architectural shingle provides a unique and attractive look, it also improves the shingle’s performance. Architectural shingles also have increased wind-performance warranties over 3-tab shingles, helping better protect your roofing system from nature's worst. Slate-style shingles — Slate-style shingles are architectural shingles that offer the traditional look of a natural slate, with the modern durability of asphalt. Atlas StormMaster® Slate shingles give you a unique designer slate look without the big designer costs. The amount of time your roof will last depends on many factors, including how well you maintain it, environmental conditions and weather. Your roofing contractor will have specific maintenance tips for your type of roof. Tip 2: Ask The Right Questions Getting a new roof is an investment in your home, and that’s why it’s best to understand what you’re getting. Your roofing contractor is your best source of roofing information and will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Here are a few questions to ask your roofer when going over your options with them: How many years will this material last? Will it look good on my home? How can I protect my roof from the ugly black stains caused by algae? How much will the installation cost? What's the manufacturer's warranty? When you’re done asking these questions, ask your roofer if there’s anything else you should know that you didn’t ask. Tip 3: Create A Nice Color Combo The great thing about getting an asphalt shingle roof installed is that you get to add a pop of color to your home. Here is a selection of attractive color combinations: Wood homes — Wood looks best with brown, green and grey shingles. White homes — White looks lovely with any color combination. Grey homes — Grey looks delightful with dark grey and light grey. Beige homes — Beige homes look marvelous with black, green and blue. Brown homes — Brown looks magnificent with green and grey. Brick homes — Brick looks fantastic with red or black. If you want to highlight the sunset, then go with red and orange. If you want to give your home a cool-toned look, then opt for light colors. If you want to create a beachy look for your home, choose grey and green. Check out the Roof Inspiration Center to see what your roof can look like with Atlas asphalt shingles. You’ll have access to a suite of tools that make it easy to achieve your external remodeling goals. After you start using these tools, you’ll see how much fun it can be revamping your home. The Roof Swap! visualizer app is the easiest way to picture your home with an Atlas roof. Just take a photo of your home and use the app to see all of the possible roofing options. You can make up to seven idea boards and have fun experimenting with various looks for your home. The Roof & Home Design Studio is a tool that allows you to redesign your entire home from the comfort of your living room. You’ll have the option of using a photo of your home or a sample home. Once you’re in the design studio, you’ll have a blast playing around with different roof, siding and trim options. Tip 4: Know Your Warranty In most cases, your new roof will typically come with two warranties: a manufacturer’s warranty, which covers defective roofing material, and a workmanship warranty from the roofing contractor who installs your roof, which covers defects caused by faulty installation. It’s in your best interest to read these warranties in detail to make sure you understand what they cover. If you don’t understand something in either warranty, call your roofer. He or she will be more than happy to explain it to you. Tip 5: Work With A Licensed Contractor It’s always recommended to use the roofing services of a licensed contractor. You may think that you’ll save money by working with an unlicensed contractor, but that’s not always the case. If you work with an unlicensed contractor and anything goes wrong at all, you’ll have no recourse whatsoever. Not only are you risking your investment, but significant recourse in the integrity of your roofing system, which can lead to potential leaks and other concerns. Tip 6: Think About Your Home's Resale Value A reliable and long-lasting roof is a crucial feature of your home when it comes time to sell it. Take this into account when determining the type of roof you’ll have installed. The condition, age and look of your roof will factor into the selling price for your home. That’s why it’s important to think about your future plans when picking your roofing material. About The Author Larry McDonald is the owner of Southeast General Contractors Inc. His state-certified general contracting firm installs new roofs in Melbourne, Port St. Lucie and Panama City, FL. For more information, visit SoutheastContracting.com.