Tag Archive for: Shingles

Roofing Products for New England, What Are My Options?

MORE OPTIONS THAN YOU THINK

Most people assume they only have one option when it comes to replacing their roof, and that is asphalt shingles with either a fiberglass or organic base. However, there are many other less common options available for roof replacement. The question our customers ask us is, “are these roofing types right for my home?” Here is a list of pro’s and con’s for each category to help you decide.

1. ASPHALT SHINGLES:

A base material combined with either an organic fiber mat or fiberglass core. Each type is impregnated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules to add color and texture. An adhesive back combined with nails is the fastening method used.

PROS
 CONS
Largest variety of color and style, Many warranty options through certified companies, Generally the least expensive optionLess impact resistant than some other options, Does not reflect heat

2. METAL ROOFING:

Once limited to low-slope structures, standing seam steel roofs can now be used on steeper roofs as well.

PROS
 CONS
Durability, practically maintenance-free, heat reflectiveAesthetics are not pleasing to most people, more expensive than asphalt, Noisy, Limited options

3. SLATE TILE ROOFING:

One of the oldest forms of roofing in New England, it is still used today on certain more traditional homes and in specific neighborhoods.

PROS
 CONS
Traditional appearance for older homes, Long lastingRequires reinforced roof to handle the weight, Difficult to repair, Limited styles and colors, Very expensive

Start here if you’re in need of a roofing contractor in MA.

4. COMPOSITE SLATE:

The composite slate market is on the rise in the roofing industry. Lamarite® Slate composite shingles seem to be leading the pack.

PROS
 CONS
Accurately resembles slate tiles, Less expensive than slateLimited styles and colors, Few roofers in New England have experience with it

5. INTERLOCK:

Interlock roofing is a composite roof system made mostly from recycled materials.

PROS
 CONS
Durability, Longevity, more variety than other types of roofing except asphaltAesthetics, Much more expensive than other options, short track record

6. WOOD SHINGLE ROOFING:

 

PROS
 CONS
Natural aesthetic beauty for country style homesQuality and longevity can vary significantly, attracts moss and algae, more expensive than asphalt roofing


Find out how much does a new roof cost.

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Asphalt Shingle Roof Warranty – Am I Really Covered?

roof_knowledge_curled-shinglesThere are many manufacturers of asphalt roofing materials in business today, such as GAF and CertainTeed, and they offer many different types of shingles, from 3-tab to architectural, from designer to luxury shingles. The most popular type of shingle being used today is the 30-year architectural. Most people have the misconception that “30-year” means “I am covered by the warranty on my shingles for 30 years”.  Unfortunately that is far from true.  The term “30-year” has nothing to do with the performance of the shingles and most roofing companies are only able to offer their customers a 30-year limited material warranty through the manufacturer.

If during the 30 year period the shingles fail, the limited warranty offered by the manufacturer only covers the homeowner if the manufacturer determines such failure was caused by material defect. The manufacturer would then pay the homeowner a certain pre-determined amount generally not exceeding $.40 per square foot on day one of the warranty, and then prorating equally from that time.  However, if it is determined by the manufacturer that the problem is not from defective shingles, then the warranty is void.  There are many other limitations which void the warranty such as an improperly vented roof deck, improper nailing, and failure of the surface to which the roof is applied.  Even if one is successful in claiming this type of warranty, the homeowner still has the burden of hiring a roofer, pulling a permit, disposing of the shingles, and purchasing any other miscellaneous materials needed for the repair or replacement.

But there is some good news! Some manufacturers make it possible for certain roofing contractors to achieve a level of certification allowing them to offer more inclusive warranties. For example, CertainTeed offers the “ShingleMaster Company” and the “SELECT Shingle Roofer” certifications. There are very strict requirements for a company to be awarded any of these statuses. A CertainTeed “SELECT Shingle Roofer” company, CertainTeed’s highest level of certification, for example, is able to offer homeowners 100% of the costs of the repair for 20 years, including tear-off and disposal of the old shingles, new materials, labor and workmanship.  So fellow homeowners, when hiring a roofer, do your homework. Find out the exact details of the warranty being offered to you.  You don’t want to invest thousands of dollars in your new roof, just to find out the hard way that your investment went kapoof!

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