A new roof can put money back in homeowners' pockets

(ARA) - A 2010 survey by American Express indicates that homeowners will spend more than $6,000 on average on home improvements this year. For one lucky homeowner this money may come back not only in the form of enhancements to their home, but also thousands of dollars right back in their pocket. For others, installing a new roof could mean getting a little money back in their bank account. It's as simple as installing a roof and sharing the picture for all to admire.

According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, 80 percent of Americans say owning a house is the best long-term investment a person can make. The study adds that about 48 percent of all homeowners state that the value of their home has declined during the recession. A smart way to dramatically enhance the look and value of a home is with a roof makeover.

Traditional plain black and brown roofs are losing popularity to more colorful shingles, which reflect the personality and style of the homeowner and can increase the home's curb appeal. Homeowners are confidently choosing beautiful color palates such as Summer Harvest, Sand Dune or Merlot shingles for the top of their abode. Owens Corning, a leading manufacturer of insulation and roofing products, offers the Duration Series Designer Colors Collection of shingles with seven vibrant color combinations that come with SureNail Technology for maximum performance and wind resistance of up to 130-mph winds. The company even offers a free online color personality quiz to help homeowners select the shade best suited for them. Just visit www.roofing.owenscorning.com to learn your color personality.

"Homeowners are looking for ways that they can significantly increase the value of their home and its physical appeal," says Sue Burkett, marketing manager for Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt. "A new roof can be a major makeover for some homes, adding valuable aesthetic appeal for the homeowners and neighbors to enjoy."

Owens Corning recently announced its first-ever national competition to find the home with the best roof makeover using the company's Duration Designer Colors Collection shingles. The just-launched "That's My Roof!" contest welcomes homeowners to show off their new roof and have a chance to win prizes.

"The contest is a fun way for us to interact with homeowners and provide a venue for them to show off their redesigned exterior of their home," adds Burkett. "In addition, other homeowners get to vote and comment on each make-over submission. Refunding a new roof to the best overall submission is our way of showing customers that we appreciate their business and we're dedicated to the same thing that they are - making their home look great.'"

To enter, homeowners can visit www.thatsmyroof.com and submit before and after photos of their Duration Designer Colors Collection roof through Oct. 15. The contest will run through Oct. 31, 2010 and feature monthly winners. One grand prize winner will receive a refund for the cost of the roof up to $10,000.

For homeowners, updating their roof with designer shingles offers more than wind and weather protection and overall value to the home. The increase in color choices helps enable homeowners to add a splash of personality to exterior and fall more in love with a home that is reflective of his or her style.

Courtesy of ARAcontent