Save On Roof Replacement Costs

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Roof installer Dennis Bates says repairing a roof isn't the best option. It may have too many leaks.

"When I do a repair job, it's only a temporary fix. It's only a Band-Aid. You know, there's no guaranteeing it," he says.

You can replace a roof with laminated asphalt shingles. They're a stylish choice for homeowners on a budget.

"Laminated shingles give you the three-dimensional appearance of real wood or slate at a fraction of the costs," says Consumer Reports' Jim Nanni.

Eighteen kinds of laminated shingles were tested to see how well they can withstand the elements.

The test determines how much damage could happen if something, like a tree, falls on the shingles.

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.

A third machine checks the force needed to pull two layers of shingles apart. Video that has been sped up shows 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.

Jim says, "It pays to look for a professional who will work with one of your recommended models."

And, there are plenty of options. The Certain Teed's Landmark and Owens Corning Oakridge are two of the best buys.

For a big project like this, both are good choices at around $70 per hundred square feet.

Here's another important recommendation. If you're planning to use laminated shingles, don't install a new roof over the old one.

The added weight can overload your rafters.