Central Keystone Living Spring 2017 - 10

Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes. A natural wood product,
wood shakes and shingles have been used as a roofing material for centuries. While many people like their look, they are
not always feasible as some fire codes prohibit their use and
they don't hold up particularly well in wet climate areas. The
typical life span in an area where wet weather is not a concern
is 25 to 30 years.

Slate. One of the longest lasting roofing materials, a slate roof
can last between 50 and 100 years. Known for its beauty and
durability, slate comes in varying shades, and is fire resistant
and recyclable. It is expensive, however, and usually requires
extra framing. Professional installation is a must.

Synthetic Roofing Products. Synthetic products such as plastic, polymer or rubber are produced to have the appearance
of natural materials like wood or slate. They're normally less
expensive than natural materials, and designed to be durable
and low-maintenance. Depending on the type of material
and manufacturer, synthetic roofs can be warrantied for up
to 50 years.

Metal Roofing. Metal roofing is available in stainless steel,
copper, aluminum and zinc, and holds up well to extreme
weather. Although relatively expensive, it has a longer life span
than many other materials. Metal roofing can last between 40
and 70 years.

Clay or Concrete Tiles. Tile roofs look great and are very
durable. The roofing material is heavy, however, and should
be installed by someone with adequate experience, as it often
requires additional framing. Concrete tiles are a little lighter
than genuine clay tiles, and both are long lasting, with a life
span of about 40 to 50 years.

Regardless of the roofing material you choose, you'll need to find
a reputable roofing contractor who is known to do excellent work
and is dependable and trustworthy to assure that you'll be happy
with your roof for years to come.

Choosing Countertops and Backsplashes
Compiled from information provided by Lisa Rillo, direct of sales and
marketing for Down East Fabrication, Inc., and Matthew Bowers, branch
manager of Swartz Kitchens & Baths.
Let's face it. Many of us spend more time in our kitchens than in
any other part of our houses.
The kitchen is a place where we gather, whether it's to do homework, play board games, cook, dine or just settle in with a cup of
coffee and a good friend. Because you spend so much time in your
kitchen, it's important to furnish it with materials that you love, but
also that are practical for your lifestyle and will offer good value
for your home.

Some customers tend to fall in love with a countertop or backsplash material based on its looks alone, and end up disappointed
when the material doesn't meet expectations as far as durability or
maintenance.
When choosing a surface for your countertops and backsplashes,
there's more to consider than what it looks like. Let's have a look
at some popular materials for countertops.
*

Granite. A top choice among homeowners, granite can add
to the value of your kitchen while providing beauty and durable work surfaces. It does require some upkeep, however,
and should be sealed about once a year to maintain its beauty
and quality. Granite also can be used in an outdoor kitchen
or entertaining area.
Continued on page 12.

Central Keystone Living // SPRING 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Keystone Living Spring 2017