Repairing some roofs aren't an option... if they have too many leaks.
That's why some are being replaced with laminated asphalt shingles. Consumer Reports says they're a stylish choice for homeowners on a budget.
Jim Nanni with Consumer Reports says, "Laminated shingles give you the three-dimensional appearance of real wood or slate, at a fraction of the cost."
Vinnie Leonardis tested 18 kinds of laminated shingles to see how well they can withstand the elements. This test determines how much damage could happen if something falls on the shingles, like a tree limb.
Most suffered only slight damage.
A second test checks the strength of the shingles.
It measures how much force it takes to tear one in half. And a third machine checks the force needed to pull two layers of singles apart. In this sped-up video, you can see the top layer separating from the bottom. Most of the shingles tested would not do well in very high winds.
Overall, there were big differences in the way the shingles stacked up.
Nanni adds, "It pays to look for a professional who will work with one of our recommended models."
Consumer Reports says there are plenty of options, including two Best Buys. They're Certainteed's Landmark and Owens Corning Oakridge. For a big project like this, both are good choices at around $70 per hundred square feet.
And here's another recommendation.
If you're planning to use laminated shingles... don't install a new roof over an old one.
The added weight can overload your rafters.