Hi all. I just bought a house and I’m in the process of trying to select a contractor replace my roof. I live near Boston, MA. My current roof already has two layers, so both layers will be removed. I had a few questions:
Organic felt shingles vs fiberglass shingles: Which one is better? Is there a better shingle? I’m more concerned about the quality of the shingle versus cost. One contractor told me that organic felt will last longer, others didn’t even mention there were two different types.
Hand vs machine nailing: I thought that I read that it’s better to hand nail a roof. I can’t seem to find out where I read that though.
Are there any other questions I should be asking or need to know about? Licensed and insured a must I know. I guess I just want to make sure I ask the right questions to make sure the contractor will do the job correctly. With all the crazy weather we’ve been having recently, I just want to make sure my roof will last. 🙂
Thanks for your help.
-Ernie
Replies
Six of one and half a dozen of the other...
Many of the early versions of fibreglas shingle were poorly made and failed early. The stigma keeps some sticking to the older organic felt matt type shingle. If you are going to the heavy architectural styles, it won't make much of a diff, IMO.
I still hand nail when I lay shingles, but we dinosaurs are not breeding anymore, so you won't find too many roofers laying without a pneumatic gun. either is fine when the operator/installer knows what he is doing. a hack can mess up a roof either way. Do not allow them to shoot staples to hold your shingles on though.
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What Piffen said, except I don't like gun nailing on 1x sheathing. You can't tell if you're hitting the voids or not. Sheet goods, drag out the compressor.
Personally, I'm fond of architectural shingles. As far as organic shingles go, black is all that's available in my neck of the woods, and it's probably a month long special order wait.
You're almost as paranoid as the people that're trying to kill me.
If your in Mass I think they (all contractors) have to be registered with the state. I think the yellow pages has a notice in there with a phone #.This week a young guy fell off a roof in Salem,35', I know his company does big jobs and has been around awhile, but I would still check out their insurance coverage etc. Ron in Mass
ernie.. hire a roofing company with credentials and references
i like Certainteed.. but they may have other preferences..
it will be almost impossible to find a roofer who will hand nail today.. i wouldn't.
and the details will be one of the tells
drip edge... underlayment.. ice & water.. nails... shingle warranty ... flashings .. roof penetrations.. chimneys.. clean up and protection of structure and shrubs..
ridge vent /soffit vent/no ridge vent
Ernie,
I live 60 miles south of Boston. Where are you? I had my roof replaced in early november. I have a small cape (30 x 34) with a 12 pitch roof, center chimeny. He used ice dam material on the eaves and around the chimeny flashing and installed a mildew strip with new ridge vents at the peak. 50 year arc grade shingles. Stipped and cleaned up. Gone in two days. $4700.
TDF
Edited 3/18/2005 8:09 pm ET by Tom Ferreira
I'm up in Arlington. I haven't heard anyone really say that an organic felt roof is better than fiberglass. At this point, I'm leaning with the fiberglass. So now I'm sifting through the various proposals, and checking references and reviews (ie: BBB, and Angie's list). How many nails per shingle should they use? I've heard 6 is best for the area. Any particular type of nail? One of the contractors mentioned they used copper. Is that any better than aluminum? I just want to say thanks to everyone who responded. These forums are a great source of information. Thanks.-Ernie
ernie... where you getting this stuff ( copper nails ? aluminum nails ?)
you're on the path to perdition
nails are by manufacturer and code.. the roofer has to comply with both..
if you are in a salt spray zone, then insist on Hot Dipped Galvanized ( Maze Nails )
if not , then the plain galvanized are fine
4 nails or 6.. same thing.. manufacturer or code.. depends on your design wind load
IRC says Arlington is in the 110 mph zone... so , i'm guessing 6
Mass Code says it's in zone 3 (coastal )
ask your local Building Official.. he can quote chapter and verse on your city/townMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
As Mike says, it's all about the details. Small details neglected can lead to nightmares.
Try to find a roofer that's been around a while and is recommended. Ask if they are licensed, carry workers comp insurance and liability insurance. Ask your building department if a permit is required. Don't use a roofer that balks at that.
Avoid roofers that don't want to strip your two layers or who don't insist on using felt. Install ice and water barrier if you have any history of ice dam problems (This was a good winter to find out.). If your roof intersects any walls, ask about how they will handle the flashing. If you see more than about one tube of caulk, send up a red flag. Do you have gutters? Ask how the water will get into the gutters. It may seem silly, but that's one of the most common roof problems I see.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Try PVC HOOFING,I hear it last and last and last. Imported from Italy. Priced from$ 2.50 a sq.ft. to$ 4.50 a sq.ft. depending on style. Need more info. contact me.