Proper planning and knowing what you want can head off a lot of potential problems and delays - whether you need a new roof or just some repairs. Let's look at common considerations in new roof projects and significant roof repair.

Consider your performance needs

Durability, expected life span, and resistance to wind and algae growth are all important considerations in the selection of your new shingles. Your climate - annual rainfall, relative humidity, typical wind conditions and storms, etc. - impacts the importance of these features.

Each Owens Corning shingle series and collection states its rating for wind resistance and algae resistance. Owens Corning shingle warranties range from 20-, 25- and 30-year terms to limited lifetime terms. To learn more about Owens Corning's roofing warranties, click here.

Design a look you'll love.

This is going to be a beautiful decision. Shopping for new shingles is the perfect opportunity to increase the curb appeal of your entire home. Your roof can make up more than half of your home's exterior so it should complement your home's style and exterior color scheme. 

As you browse your shingle choices, think about how the look of your new roof could improve upon the roof you have now. Click here to learn more.

• Should you choose a different color? Consider the look of your home's exterior. A new shingle color could bring your look together. Or even inspire a new palette.
• Have you seen the granules? Owens Corning shingles get their rich color from a combination of colored granules. Using the colors of these granules, you can coordinate all of your home's exterior elements - the paint, siding, brick or stone.
• Do you need more dimension? If your home's exterior is monochromatic, think about adding shingles that appear thicker and give your roof a rich, textured look. For homes that already have a detailed exterior, you could choose softer, more muted shingles. Owens Corning offers a variety of roofing shingles that carry a unique combination of these characteristics.

Shingle color isn't the only factor that affects the look of your house. The shingle style you choose also impacts curb appeal.

If you prefer a more consistent, smooth look to your roof, your best bets are Supreme® or Classic® three-tab shingles. Owens Corning's Berkshire® Collection, Oakridge® and Duration® dimensional shingles add more visual interest to your roof by giving it a three-dimensional appearance.