Roof! Roof!

[SharonDee]

After twenty years up there, my roof shingles need replacing. The contractor I'm working with went over the roof with an insurance adjuster and my homeowner's coverage will pay to replace them.

Now all (!) I have to do is figure out what shingles I want installed up there. The contractor's web site helpfully has links to Certainteed (http://www.certainteed.com/products/roofing/residential) and GAF (http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Products/Shingles/Shingles.aspx) and Owens Corning (http://roofing.owenscorning.com/homeowner/index.aspx).

Since I have owned this home for fifteen years and it was my first, I have no idea how to go about choosing roofing materials. Obviously, I'll have to do my own research and get some advice from my contractor.

But I'd really like to get opinions from anyone here who's had experience with replacing shingles. What did you like about what you got? Has the material held up well? Did the installer prefer one type or brand over another, based on its workability?

Google has shown me some discussions on this topic and what I find is:


GAF vs. Certainteed has no clear winner. Each has its fans.

Almost everyone hates Owens Corning.


What say y'all?

[Charmion]

My father and brother replaced the shingles on part of the roof last year.

Just putting up staging is a big part of the project. Also, make sure any power lines that may be near the area of the project are covered by the power company.

It looks like you won't be doing the work yourself so I guess you don't need to worry about staging anyway. My father did say that nails are better than using a staple gun. With a staple gun, you don't always hit the boards. I just asked him again and he said that if you're putting a roof on an old house, there may be gaps between the boards (sometimes as much as one to two inches) and when you use a hammer and nails you know for certain that you're hitting a board instead of empty space. With a staple gun, you can't tell because you can't feel it going in like with a hammer and nail. They used to have gaps between the boards to save on lumber--at least that's what my father said about his own house. He said that they use plywood on the roof today so there are no gaps to worry about anyway. On the newer houses, it really wouldn't be a problem.

Here's a comment from someone that thinks using a hammer and nails isn't such a bad thing:

Wonder if nail guns really speed up the process , or just drive in more nails ? I know that where I work they use nail guns and power staplers in the shipping department . In a joint where two nails would be sufficient , they shoot in four . With staples , they shoot in at least five irregardless of the purpose or intent of the joint just because it's easy . Kind of wonder if a hammer swinging carpenter putting in the correct number of nails where they belong can get as much productive work done as someone blasting nails in like a madman . A good carpenter uses the right hammer for the job and knows how to swing it . We have some pretty big boys at work that may as well have been using a tack hammer as poorly as they understood leverage and balance . They took too many shots with a hammer and bent nails , and often didn't seat the nail fully . We had a girl who could take the same hammer and seat the nails with one tap , a second swing to slam the nail home . From what I hear , her dad taught her how to handle a hammer as a little girl . (well before she became the doll that she is today)

[thedoc]

I recently had a new shingle roof installed on my house, and there was a problem with the nail gun. The roofer had it set too hard and the nails were punching too far thru the corner shingles, they were coming off in strong winds. My builder finally came back after one other trip to replace a few, and went over and re nailed all the corner shingles, there were 12 45 degree corners to do so it took some time to do it.

If I were doing it myself I would be doing a rubber roof, but this time we didn't have the time for that so the builder put on a shingle roof. On my old house I had rubber roof I installed myself, comercially installed it is very expensive, and when it is wet it is very slippery, I never went on the roof in the rain.

[specious_reasons]

My roof is 23 years old. Just bit the bullet and bought Interlock aluminum roofing. Twice as expensive (or more) than asphalt roofing, but a few proclaimed differences: a lifetime warrantee, 50 year transferable; better insulation, the company claim is that the outside coating will help keep the roof cooler in the summer, and the inside coating will keep in more heat in the winter; and it's recyclable material.

I was a bit leery about leaving the existing roof on, which is what they recommended, but we don't have any defects in the existing roof, and my wife was sold on the idea that we will avoid adding more shingles to the landfill.

[Charmion]

My roof is 23 years old. Just bit the bullet and bought Interlock aluminum roofing. Twice as expensive (or more) than asphalt roofing, but a few proclaimed differences: a lifetime warrantee, 50 year transferable; better insulation, the company claim is that the outside coating will help keep the roof cooler in the summer, and the inside coating will keep in more heat in the winter; and it's recyclable material.

I was a bit leery about leaving the existing roof on, which is what they recommended, but we don't have any defects in the existing roof, and my wife was sold on the idea that we will avoid adding more shingles to the landfill.

I was reading that rusty metal roofing is very popular. This one is from steel.


Rusted metal roofing is the latest trend in roofing products and architecture. Its unique look and naturally oxidizing finish provides a beautiful color and texture. Rusted metal roofing is the ultimate no care product because no one ever has to paint or scrape rust.

Rusted roofing products have become very popular in desert and mountain resort communities. It can be shipped anywhere in the country very inexpensively on one of our route trucks. Rusted metal roofing products can be used in a variety of applications including roofing and siding material for commercial and residential projects. Exterior applications: Total roofing area, an accent to a roof in conjuction with other architectural elements of design, metal siding.

Interior applications: Focal point or backdrops such as a backsplash in a bath or kitchen, textured ceiling, and a wall treatment.

Old buildings with rusted roofs are normally made from galvanized roofing panels in a very light gauge thickness of 29 gauge to 26 gauge. These panels have rusted through in places causing rust patches and streaking. Our rusted metal roofing products are made differently. Western States Decking, Inc. uses steel made from cold rolled or A606 type 4 ( Commonly referred to as Corten ). This allows the product to achieve a gorgeous deep dark rust much quicker. In addition the rusted metal panels are made from heavy gauge steel in a 20 GA or 22 GA decreasing the likelihood of rust through issues.

Traditionally there are not many options when designing your roof. Normally the only choices for roofing your home are shingles, clay, or painted metal roofing. Using rusted metal roofing on your home or business will make it stand out against all others.

Rusted Metal Roofing Avail In Corten or Bare Steel. (http://www.rustedmetalroofing.com/)

It sounds as though aluminum would be more practical for reasons pointed out here. Aluminum is more expensive as you'll see from the link.

Weight

Steel roofing is heavier than aluminum, and often requires a reinforced structural framing system to properly support the added load. On an existing home choosing aluminum in place of steel can mean fewer structural upgrades and an overall cheaper installation. With new homes, the lower price of steel may make it more cost-effective to strengthen the roof deck rather than switch to aluminum.

Aluminum Roofing Vs. Steel Roofing | eHow.com (http://www.ehow.com/about_5448914_aluminum-roofing-vs-steel-roofing.html)

From another link that points out the advantages of using aluminum:

Why Aluminum?

If we go off on a tangent for a little bit, then we can discover some interesting facts about the use of aluminum in our lives. As an example, lets take a look at the airplanes. Have you ever wondered about airplanes being as big as they are, can still fly quite well overcoming great forces of taking off and landing, mid air turbulences, tremendous air resistance, and hundreds of mid air storms that frequently strike air-plane by lightning. I know it is truly impressive when you think about it. Well I am going to suggest that one of the reasons that makes airplanes so strong and long lasting in spite all the abuse they are exposed to in service, is that they are made out of aluminum, a light weight, strong and durable metal that is not susceptible to corrosion, effects of extreme cold, heat, ice and snow exposure. It is a truly unique metal that allows us to fly safely keeping airplane weight light, and protecting airplane components with its phenomenal tensile strength and resistance to elements.

Aluminum vs. Steel:

Major advantage of Aluminum over Steel is that it can be used for roofing purposes near the coastal areas where heightened concentration of salt in the environment can make galvanized steel used in metal roofing panels susceptible to corrosion over time. The flip side is that G 90 steel based roofing panels may cost less compared to the aluminum. Thus, it may be more economical to use steel as a material of choice. LA Metal Roofs LLC offers steel roofing with interlocking, and standing seam designs as an alternative to our aluminum roof product line.
From another link:

Aluminum Roof - Sustainable Roofing for your Home. (http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/metal-roofing-styles.html)

[Qingdai]

Until it comes to roof again, then you might have to just take off two layers. The worst I saw was my friends house that had 5 layers of shingles. The beams bowed outward when they were removed.
Nails appear to be better than staples. The former roofer on our house stapled directly into the tar paper, not the wood underneath the tar paper. The metal expanded and shrunk in the changes of temperatures, and created thousands of tiny holes. It was like standing under a weak shower in our attic space.

Metal roofs have the advantage of being fire proof.

I'm sorry I have no opinion on shingles, but I do like a green roof, Green roof - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_roof)

[specious_reasons]

Until it comes to roof again, then you might have to just take off two layers. The worst I saw was my friends house that had 5 layers of shingles. The beams bowed outward when they were removed.
Nails appear to be better than staples. The former roofer on our house stapled directly into the tar paper, not the wood underneath the tar paper. The metal expanded and shrunk in the changes of temperatures, and created thousands of tiny holes. It was like standing under a weak shower in our attic space.

Metal roofs have the advantage of being fire proof.

I'm sorry I have no opinion on shingles, but I do like a green roof, Green roof - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_roof)

But Interlock says I'll never need to replace my roof, ever again!

[freemonkey]

We had a new roof put on a few months ago and we got these, from Pabco (http://www.pabcoroofing.com/pabco_premier_laminated_shingles.html). They look very similar to the Timberline line from your GAF link there. Supposedly, they are algae resistant, which if that is true, will be easier to maintain and will last longer. Algae and moss growth is a real problem here in the PacNW.

Also, the way they are cut, they look really nice.

[Kyuss Apollo]

Make sure whoever replaces it lays down a proper ice and water barrier along the edges next to the gutters. Just before we bought our house, the home inspection had turned up that the roof needed to be totally replaced right down to the plywood underlayment. So the previous owner hired these asshats that cut so many corners, including not bothering to put any ice and water barrier on our roof, we almost didn't buy the place because of it.

Skip to the end, this past winter ice dams that built up on the roof backed up the gutters and the water started pouring in by the gallons around the windows for the lack of, you guessed it, ice & water barrier... fortunately our home insurance covered all of it except for the deductible.

Ceramic tiles make nice roofs too. :caesar2:

[Vivisectus]

To hell with shingles. Thatch your roof! Why have mere insulation when you could have a small ecosystem right on top of your house?

[SharonDee]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll be meeting with my contractor this evening, when I'll bring up the following points based on your input:


Nails are better than staples.
When using a nail gun, don't set it so hard that it punches too far through the shingles.
Hey, how about rubber?
Hey, how about Interlock aluminum?
Hey, how about rusted metal roofing?
Hey, how about steel roofing?
Lay down a proper ice and water barrier along the edges.
Hey, how about ceramic tiles?


I expect to make my decision before the sun sets today. I wonder what it'll be ... :girlthink:

[thedoc]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll be meeting with my contractor this evening, when I'll bring up the following points based on your input:


Nails are better than staples.
When using a nail gun, don't set it so hard that it punches too far through the shingles.
Hey, how about rubber?
Hey, how about Interlock aluminum?
Hey, how about rusted metal roofing?
Hey, how about steel roofing?
Lay down a proper ice and water barrier along the edges.
Hey, how about ceramic tiles?

I expect to make my decision before the sun sets today. I wonder what it'll be ... :girlthink:


Rubber, only if you are doing it yourself or have a LOT of money to spend, and remember the cost will probably not be reflected in the value of the house.

[livius drusus]

I'm sorry, I can't stand it anymore.

WEDON'TNEEDNOWATERLETTHEMOTHERFUCKERBURN

Okay. All done now. Thank you.

[BrotherMan]

Maybe she should have titled the thrad "DiMaggio"?

[thedoc]

WEDON'TNEEDNOWATERLETTHEMOTHERFUCKERBURN



You paraphrased that from a movie.

[SharonDee]

I'm sorry, I can't stand it anymore.

WEDON'TNEEDNOWATERLETTHEMOTHERFUCKERBURN

Okay. All done now. Thank you.I don't get it.
:scratch:

I went with GAF Timberline in a slate color. I'm paying another $1,000 in addition to what my insurance is paying because they wanted to use the same materials and I wanted something with a longer warranty. Also: algae resistant.

[Ensign Steve]

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[SharonDee]

Well, hell. They didn't finish the job today because they ran out of materials. Contractor says the insurance adjuster got the measurements wrong. Huh? Shouldn't they both have measured it?

So my roof has to look half-assed until Monday. :brooding:

[thedoc]

Well, hell. They didn't finish the job today because they ran out of materials. Contractor says the insurance adjuster got the measurements wrong. Huh? Shouldn't they both have measured it?

So my roof has to look half-assed until Monday. :brooding:


Sounds a little fishy, most times the contractor will bring plenty of materials and take the leftovers back, unless they were a special order, but if they are getting more on mon. it sounds like a std. off-the-shelf item? And you are right the contractor should have double checked the size. There's an old saying, "Measure twice, and cut once."

[Qingdai]

They should have definitely measured it before they gave you a bid.
Fishy.

[Dingfod]

Well, hell. They didn't finish the job today because they ran out of materials. Contractor says the insurance adjuster got the measurements wrong. Huh? Shouldn't they both have measured it?My insurance adjuster got it wrong, but the roofer got it right. Yeah, my homeowners insurance paid for a new roof. It was totaled out due to hail damage from who knows when. The roof was brand new in 2000. The roofers did a complete tear-off of the old and put down new tar-paper and shingles with a nail gun. Found out my roof has 3/4" plywood decking, whereas 1/2" is more the norm and code where there are codes (no codes in my county). They also redid the front room roof with a membrane-type asphalt roofing material, boxing in an area on both sides where putting any kind roofing down was nearly impossible. Then we got new guttering installed all the way around, with leaf guard screens on all of it. They did a great job all the way around. Since I have full replacement insurance, I only had to pay the $500 deductible, or would have if the roofer didn't discount my bill by that amount.

[SharonDee]

My contractor told me I wouldn't have to pay any more than he'd promised so that eases my mind somewhat. And it's good that the crew cleaned up the debris just as if the job had been finished so I don't have to stumble around the stuff.

Now I just have to look at the 3/4 finished roof until Monday. Bleh.