I need a new roof. My insurance company has confirmed and I have a check. Now what? How do I chose between 20, 30, 40, or even 50 year shingles? What brands are better? How do I pick a company? I am totally in the dark and don't want to get taken. Please help!!!!
2007-09-19 16:51:23 · 8 answers · asked by Tina B 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
How long are you going to stay in the house. Buy long enough to look good when you sell it. You are not going to get any extra when you sell it in 10 years if you get 50 year shingles that sell for much more. I think 30 year are the best buy. I don't know brands, maybe a contractor will reply.
Hopefully you know someone in the building trades or real estate that you trust and can ask for advise on a contractor.
If all you have is a phone book full of contractors you need to do a little research. Pick 3 or 4 out of the phone book, then check with the better business bureau. They keep records of complaints. Call those that pass , have them give estimates for the job(I bet you didn't get enough from your insurance) and get a local address and number for a house they have done. Go look and ask if they were satisfied with the work the contractor did.
Pick the contractor. The BBB can give you guidelines on what to watch out for in a contract. With winter approaching timing is very important.
2007-09-19 17:19:16 · answer #1 · answered by paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget the number of years standard. Shingles from well know companies are very close to generic items. The best way to compare different types of shingles is by weight. The rule of thumb is that the best shingle will weigh more because it is thicker. Remember that the labor charge for putting on a thinner and therefore thinner shingle is about the same as for applying a thicker shingle. For myself, I would apply the best shingle I could afford.
For what its worth. Over the years I have noted trees are the biggest cause of roof failure. Beside branches scraping the roof a tree will drip long after the storm thereby extending the amount of time the roof receives rain. Good Luck
2007-09-22 06:22:53 · answer #2 · answered by Junkyard 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had my roof done on my house recently. Interview a few companies, check them out by asking for references. Call the people and see what their experience was with them. Some companies will give you a list of names and address. Those are the reputable ones. You can even drive around to take a look at their work. Look on the Internet and get a background on the companies before you choose. Make sure that when you sign the contract, read everything before you sign and find out what the warranty is. Some give lifetime, others give 20 years. It depends on what state you are in also.
2007-09-19 23:59:12 · answer #3 · answered by angels21405 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for the 30 year shingles, beyond that you are wasting money. Get several estimates and find out what they include, like removing the old shingles and applying new tar paper, definitely have a peak vent installed. Choose a light colored shingle that will match the rest of your house, the lighter the shingle the less heat it will absorb in the summer...
Also ask people you know for references, word of mouth is the best advertisement...good luck
2007-09-20 00:11:03 · answer #4 · answered by judy_derr38565 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're a younger person and plan on keeping the house indefinitely, I personally would purchase the 30-year guarantee roofing shingles.
Check with the Better Business Bureau as to reputable, trustworthy, licensed, bonded roofers.
Speak with your neighbors, also. Find out what they have done, with whom they have dealt, and what kind of results they have gotten.
I sincerely hope this helps.
PAMELA J.
2007-09-20 00:15:13 · answer #5 · answered by JUDGE'S JUNGLE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi ...I get your nervousness...here's what to do...go to your local Lowe's and go to the Commercial Desk down at the lumber end of the building...your going to talk to one of the guys there and let them tell you the difference and actually will be able to show you the different styles to let you choose from...I would be typing for an hour if I got into all the differences of roofing shingles...they guys at commercial sales are always very helpful, especially with women...Lowe's also installs roofs... oh and Lowe's is not in the business of taking advantage of people they arre just focused on customer service and all of their installs are guaranteed...try it.. you'll be fine... :-)
2007-09-20 00:04:19 · answer #6 · answered by fastjeepchick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't expect a roof to last 20 years, hail and wind and any nearby trees will reduce it to rubble in that time, catch my drift?
i don't know how to advise to choose a contractor, i am in the construction business, and i just ask whoever is on the job i'm working on (if i like their work and crew), and they can't snow ME, cause i just know what to look for and i know how it ought to be done, i just do after 40 years in a trade.
2007-09-20 00:49:04 · answer #7 · answered by captsnuf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get at least 3 different bids.
2007-09-20 01:57:23 · answer #8 · answered by cacianss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋