Here are some options for alternative shingles
Here are some options for alternative shingles
Simulated green tiles are made from recycled plastics and have a 50-year warranty.
My houses have always had typical dark asphalt shingles, but they don’t seem to last more than 15 or 20 years. Now that my roof is leaking again, what are some of my options other than standard shingles?
Fifteen years is a short life for even the least expensive asphalt shingles. Inspect the condition of the shingles. If the edges are not curled up and you do not see any breaks, the shingles may still be fine. Have a roofer inspect for other sources of the leak.
There are several alternative roofing materials which will last much longer than asphalt shingles. Many also reduce your air-conditioning costs during summer. From an energy-efficiency standpoint, there really is nothing worse than your dark asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles get very hot in the summer sun, and this heat radiates down into your house well into the evening. This heat also causes the degradation of the shingle base material and shortens its life. Although it may not look as good, white is the best choice for shingles.
Metal roofs are probably the most durable and energy efficient. I have a simulated wood shake roof on my own house. It is made from recycled aluminum beverage cans. It looks great, will have a longer life than I will and blocks the summer heat. Its only drawback, as with many alternative roofing materials, is it costs substantially more to install.