Please help. Any and all advice will be appreciated..I am a painting contractor in Colorado who is in the market for a new roof do to a recent wind storm..I am torn between the Owens Corning premium durations shingle or the Gaf/elk 40 or 50 year shingle..I figure it's better to ask the experts than just go with what looks good..I am leaning towards gaf/elks 50 year..only cause i like there colors better..weather sage..or a shakewood color...so, what is a better lasting shingle...it is windy where i live..98 mile an hour winds this year and over a hundred last year..I am also interested in metal roof but heard they are about 4 times the cost..is this true..I have got bids on a 4/12 two layer roof..32 squares for about 8,400 is this a fair price....they are biding premuim owens corning or gaf/elk 50 year...please let me no what you all think..thanks for your time..
I work In the roofing supply business & which one is better all depends on what roofer you talk to. One roofer may like GAF/ELK better then The OC Duration. Or another roofer will say that he likes Certainteed better.
If I was you I would make sure that you get at least 3 Bids from a roofing contractor. This way you have at least 3 bids to choose from & determine what Bid is best for you. Make sure that with each bid what does the total price cost for everything. Such as what they charge you to replace any bad wood. Also ask the roofer If it would be cheaper for you to buy all the materials as opposed to the roofer buying them. Also make sure that you checkout all potential Roofing contractors on the BBB.
The BBB will let you know if any of the roofers have any complaints against them. Also ask them what type of dry In do they use 15#/ 30# felt or something called Polystick or Weatherlock Mat. The latter two may get you a discount off of your homeowners Insurance. I know that you do get this In the state of FL.
I hope that this information is good enough for you.
If you were to ask me if it would be cheaper to buy the material my response would be the price would go up at least 20%. Reason, because it will be a big hassle.
Both GAF/ELK and Owens are excellant shingles. Stay with the 50 years ( or lifetime) because of your wind conditions. As far as the price, are the bids quoting complete t/o or 1 layers strip? Those are the only brands of shingles I would recommend, again , because of your wind conditions. The price is partially determined by the area you are in, the time of year, and the QUALITY of the contractors! Remember, cheapist is usually NOT the best, and when you are talking about a roof, you are talking about preserving your home from the weather!
We sell more Tamko in Texas. We also stock Owens Corning but usually only sell it to DIY since it is a few dollars less per square, regardless of 3 tab or 30 year. Good luck in your search!!:thumbup:
Do you want your roof to stay on or decorate your neighbors yard?
Owens corning has a better product. (period) I have experienced many problems with GAF in the Denver area, including getting GAF to warranty their product! Owens Corning has everyone beat with their sure-nail technology, they do not pull apart (even on their sample boards). Is your contractor wanting money up front to do the job? red flag! If your roofing company cannot afford to purchase materials up front, they may not be solvent financially , be careful, I hear horror stories all the time.
Wanted to say that Owens Corning Shingles have a tendancy to produce alot of defective shingles (they turn white) GAF shingles are ok... but, have you ever thought about using Certainteed's Integrity Roof System? It is something you should look into, voted by Consumer Report as best buy.
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