Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 24, 1999 03:09am | #1

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   Kristin,

   I would call Certainteed and ask for their help either finding the shingles or suggesting an alternative brand ....What about Elk?

   J

2. 
   rebel357 | Mar 24, 1999 07:04am | #2

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   ive used tamko for years without any major problems.....we had a bad batch of elks up here in the mid 80's but think all that is resolved now.......I would just make sure the company has been in business a long time and has a good reputation......make sure you get a written copy of the warranty that is signed by the supplier and installer

3. 
   Guest_ | Mar 24, 1999 07:24am | #3

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   Elk Architecturals. See: http://www.elkcorp.com for the company website. A superior shingle.

4. 
   Kristin_J. | Mar 24, 1999 05:38pm | #4

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   I appreciate your suggestions and welcome any more that anyone may have. Thank you!!

5. 
   Guest_ | Mar 24, 1999 08:13pm | #5

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   I use Elk exclusively. It is comparable to Certainteed, but about 1/3rd less in price out here in the West. They have 3 types, a 20, 30 and 40 year line, with each being thicker. The price difference is minimal, so I would recommend the 40 year. Out here the price is $30 for the 20 year; $40 for the 30 year; and $50 for the 40 year. All prices are per square.

   So on a typcial 25 square roof, the price difference is about $250 between the middle of the road product and the top of the line. Pay the extra, it looks better and out performs the lower quality.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 25, 1999 03:03am | #6

   *In ohio the Elk warranties are 25,30 and 40.25 yr delivered to the rooftop about $38/sq. Big jump in price to 30yr very small jump in price from 30yr to 40yr. 40yr about $60/sq.Scooter is right about the 40 yr being better deal than 30yr. Have never sold 30yr, sold very few 40 yr, sold tons of 25yr.40yr can look to rustic for some people where as the 25yr looks casual but still somewhat refined.Elk also makes a shingle called Capstone which vaguely resembles Slate.(The Elk Prestique line described above resembles wood shakes).You won't be sorry using this manufacturer.I use it at every possible opportunity. Good Luck,Stephen

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 25, 1999 07:35am | #7

   *Kristin,I would go along with Jacks idea and call Certainteed. It could be that the particular source that your builder uses is dried up but that a competitor may have what you are looking for. I love the certainteed line and have 40 year Arc's on my own home. I would bump the budget up for those if you can swing it. They are a great shingle.

6. 
   thumper_......ridge_runner | Mar 28, 1999 05:41am | #8

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   just curious...... any of you elk guys installers or just contractors? here in west mi the elks are only sold in lumber yards and not by the roofing yards. For the past 15 years i have not seen any good in the elk line. they are very brittle even in 40 degree f weather. in addition, they seem to have lots of extra granuels that are loose that make it hard to walk the roof. we shingle here in all types of weather, our parade of homes houses are shingled in jan-feb. a very flexible shingle is needed in that type of weather. i feel that the certainteed is the best--landmarks---for all around performance,durability and ease of installation.....just my two cents.

7. 
   Guest_ | Mar 28, 1999 04:34pm | #9

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   Thumper,I am a contractor and I install a lot of these personally.Our sub crew loves them also,especially the way they quickly seal down at lower temps.In N.E.Ohio Elk is a brand only found with roofing suppliers,Not in lumber yards.

   You do have a point about handling them at cooler temps though,They need to be kept flat at lower temps and not bent over the ridge top.AT lower temps gun nailing sometimes blows right through the shingle,Which usually means you did not have the shingle flat on the decking.Hand nailing works better in that situation

   I generally take most of December through March off so this really isn't usually a problem for me.

   I have never had a customer who used this shingle say they regretted it,and never had a worker that did not LOVE working with ELK.I would use them on every job but some customers prefer the 3 tab look.

   Good Luck,Stephen

8. 
   Keith_Bacon | Apr 05, 1999 06:28am | #10

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   I don't know if you are using dimensional or 3-tabs but around NW Florida (or anywhere else) GAF is the best for overall quality. Elk is trash compared to Timberlines, but I have never used 3-tabs from Elk but suspect they are also brittle when cold.

9. 
   Guest_ | Apr 05, 1999 08:03am | #11

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   Do yourself a favor and upgrade your shingles to a 40 yr or better. I am no big fan of Certainteed....at least I don't live or die by them. I am, however, now running a project where we are installing 750 square of elk, prestique shingles (weatheredwood) and they seem just fine.

   For the most part I think shingles are shingles. Go with the better # of yrs guarantee for a bit fewer headaches down the road.

   Pete Draganic

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 05, 1999 10:17am | #13

   *Keith, why do you say "Elk are trash compared to Timberlines?" I've used both Elk and GAF in the dimensional or architectural versions, and I fail to see the benefit of GAF. Home Depot carries GAF, GAF is cheaper than Elk, and thinner in cross section which makes it easier to cut... but in quality and durability? What's your experiences that make the GAF preferable?

10. 
    Kristin_J | Apr 05, 1999 10:17am | #12

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    I am having a new home built and the builder cannot get the certainteed shingles that were spec'd in the contract in a timely manner. In an effort to get the house under roof as quickly as possible, he has suggested using another brand of shingle. Can anyone offer advice as to which other brands are good/ comparable to the certainteed. The original specs called for 5 tab architechtural shingles with a 25 yr warranty. Any suggestions as to suitable substitutions would be appreciated.