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I’m getting estimates to have an architectural shingle roof installed on my house in Massachusetts. I’m confused about the relative merits of fiberglas vs. organic mat asphalt shingles. The Certainteed web site had some good information, and I got the impression organic would be the best choice for this climate -but the three estimates I’ve received all include a GAF asphalt/fiberglas product. Also, one other contractor who uses BP shingles was quick to point out problems that Bird and GAF had with fiberglas shingles a few years back.
Any words of wisdom on this subject?
thanks,
Joe
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Hi Joe,
If any one way was inherently poor they peobably would have had to abandon it after too many claims. Color and style especially if your married should be a big factor in your choice. Fred is driving the nail right through both laminations here; fastner placement by most roofers is imprecise at best and flat out stupid at worst. The shingle wrappers will tell you where the manufactor has determined the fastners must be placed. Sure hoped to put my new roof on before this week and cooler wheather became the norm but, buck opener is Saturday here in OR.
Joe
*Hello -Is there any wisdom to the "I don't use tar paper on the roof because I just punch alot of holes in it anyway." theory used by roofers in Maine. I have seen shingles applied directly over plywood- no paper. But this clearly goes against the manuf. installation instructions and thus warranty I assume. Any opinion?Bob
*I don't put any faith whatsoever in any shingle manufacturer's warranty.I still use felt. I've considered felt to be somewhat of a sacrificial layer. The ply supposedly "messes" up the felt, allowing the shingles to last longer. I thought I had read a report some years back supporting that argument but don't have a reference, thus I can't factually support it. Another Old Wive's Tale? Who knows. Regardless, for slopes greater than 4/12, my local code (CT) requires a minimum of 15 lb felt and that the shingles be appied IAW the manufacturer's written instructions.Still, one of the more important things a roofer can do is to actually install the shingles according to the manufacturer's nailing schedule. I couldn't relate the number of guys I've seen who think they do it correctly but still nail off the shingles improperly.
*I believe the felt stops the sheathing from "wicking" the oils from the shingles. That's why I use it. - jb
*Don't forget the ice and water shield.
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Certainteed is a great mfr. and great assessories too, if you live in a coastal zone, you may have different specs for your building code. Here in coastal RI everything is hurricane nailed (6 nails instead of 4). Felt absoultely, we like Certainteed's "Roofers select" about the same weight as 15# felt but as strong as 30# and it doesn't wrinkle when it gets wet. Metal drip edge at the eaves AND RAKES, Shingle vent ridge vent, ice & water at the eaves, valleys and other strategic locations, replace the vent boots, discuss the valley details : copper, aluminym, lead-coat, woven , or California cut, Existing roof? insist on strip !
If this is an Architectural, is it a 25, 30, 40 year ? What about the fasteners, we use hot dipped galvanized for the hand nails and Paslode galvanized for the coil nails. Do you have gutters ? Are they roof hung or fascia ? how will they be refastened ? Roof penetrations ? Steel fan boots should be primed with a rust conversion paint and a new coat of finish. Any chimney ? --- flashings, repointing, crickets.
If you are considering an Architectural, take a look at Certainteed " Hatteras" , this shingle looks like a slate roof more than any other I've seen and it has a 40 year warranty, 10 year algae resistance and rated for 110 MPH, costs more to buy, but they go down fast because they have an 8" exposure just like slate . There arre some great produsts and good roofers out there--take the time to find them, and check references.
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I'm getting estimates to have an architectural shingle roof installed on my house in Massachusetts. I'm confused about the relative merits of fiberglas vs. organic mat asphalt shingles. The Certainteed web site had some good information, and I got the impression organic would be the best choice for this climate -but the three estimates I've received all include a GAF asphalt/fiberglas product. Also, one other contractor who uses BP shingles was quick to point out problems that Bird and GAF had with fiberglas shingles a few years back.
Any words of wisdom on this subject?
thanks,
Joe