No one wants to have the one house on the block that sticks out like a sore thumb. Take a wander down your street and have a look at what you see. It can be hard for the untrained eye to know what to look for, so here is a quick guide to the different types of roofing in Kansas City.

When you see a roof made from asphalt that is totally flat, this probably signifies an older roof. This is the classic 3-tab shingle that was popular over the past several decades. These shingles are very affordable, but typically only last 20 years or so.

These shingles are also made from asphalt, but they are called “architectural shingles.” They have a 3-D effect that most homeowners find very aesthetically pleasing. They also come in a wide range of colors from white and green to blue and brown, so you’re bound to find a shade that appeals to you. These shingles can survive up to 40 years, depending on the weather and manufacturer. We like to go with GAF/ELK and CertainTeed, as these two brands stand by their warranties.

Cedar Shake is not too popular in Kansas City, but you may see an older home or two that has it. People buy this type of roof for the historic look, but they generally only last 15 years or so. Wood is susceptible to insects, hail and rot, which makes it not the best choice for KC homeowners.

Metal is strong, durable and lightweight — lasting 50 years or more. When you buy a metal roof, you are pretty much set for life! Yet, not everyone likes the look of metal for a residential home. You’ll see a lot of commercial buildings, garages, barns and sheds with metal roofs, but not as many homes.

Tile is another style of roof that you may see in Kansas City, but you won’t likely see very often. These tiles look breathtaking, but they are easily cracked and shattered by hail or cold weather. Sometimes you will see a roof that looks like it’s made from tile, but it’s actually made of metal. While it’s heavy and expensive, a goof tile rough lasts 50 years in warmer climates.

Some homeowners opt for slate due to its gorgeous look and durability. Unlike shingles, this material is fireproof. Slate is the most expensive type of roof you can buy and it may require additional roofing structures to hold up the hefty weight of the stone.

Eclipse Roofing enhances curb appeal.

Johnson County Roofing

Just look at the curb appeal on this beautiful house that has been addressed by a Johnson County roofing company! A sound structure – including foundation, electrical work, plumbing and roofing – are the main things buyers will be looking at when they tour your home.

It can be a real deal-breaker to find a golf-ball sized hole in a shingle from a recent hail storm or shingles with unsightly curled-up edges that may be the perfect place for water to seep into the attic. These are repairs that could cost you a considerable amount of money off your asking price if you don’t address the situation by calling roofing company.

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GAF Announces Groundbreaking Lifetime

Limited Warranty On All Of Its Laminated

Roofing Shingles

Homeowners To Benefit From Multiple Decades Increase In Warranted Performance*

WAYNE, NJ (1/2011) – GAF, North America’s largest roofing and ventilation manufacturer, is announcing groundbreaking changes to its laminated shingle warranties.  Effective January 1, 2011, every GAF laminated shingle, including all Timberline^®shingles—the #1-selling shingles in North America—will be covered by a lifetime ltd. warranty when installed on single family residences (see ltd. warranty for complete coverage and restrictions).  GAF will no longer offer any laminated shingles with just a 30-year or 40-year warranty, a first for any roofing manufacturer.

This revolutionary change has been made possible by GAF’s Advanced Protection^™ technology, which was first introduced in 2007.  This innovative shingle technology has resulted in shingles that offer improved performance, including superior durability and wind resistance.  GAF is so confident in the performance of its Advanced Protection^™ shingles that it has decided to make this unprecedented improvement in its warranties.

“As a company, we are committed to advanced quality, industry-leading expertise, and solutions that make our customers’ lives simple — which is what this warranty upgrade is all about,” stated Bob Tafaro, President and CEO of GAF. “Contractors will benefit from knowing that they can stand with confidence behind every installation of GAF laminated shingles.  Homeowners will benefit from knowing that their installed shingles are warranted for a lifetime, adding significant value to their home.”

GAF has also upgraded the coverage of its Golden Pledge^® and System Plus limited warranties, which are offered exclusively by its GAF-certified contractors.

“We are especially excited to announce this warranty upgrade, given that 2011 is GAF’s 125th anniversary as a company. At a time when Americans are facing so much uncertainty about the future, you can be sure that GAF will be there decades from now to stand by the performance of our roofing products.  This warranty upgrade will reinforce both our leadership position in the industry and our promise of excellence to our customers,” said Tafaro.

Complete details about these changes, including certificates confirming coverage and explaining the new terms which contractors can use with homeowners, can be found at www.gaf.com/upgrade.

*See www.gaf.com for specific warranty terms and conditions