I need a new roof/ What shingles?

[Trollhole]

So I know I want an enegry star compliant shingle. But what brand? What kind of underlayment should I be looking for. I have no clue when it comes to roofs.

This last on has been on the house for 14yrs. Insurance is paying for the new roof.

 

[splitshot]

What about steel?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

My favorite brand of architectural shingle is Elk (I think owned by GAF).

We used their Prestique Plus High Definition shingles in Hickory on the last house that we built. We got a lot of compliments on the shingles. They are like 3 times the weight of a 25 year Timberline.

Shingle Roof Applications - Elk Shingles > Sunniland Wholesale Roofing Supplies

 

[AJP]

lots of good info on line regarding shingles ... this bulletin is a quick summary on the rest of the job. http://www.iko.com/advantage/CasmaPdf/16-LowSlopedRoofs.PDF

For long life .. pay attention to proper ventilation.
Don't think you need to place a membrane to protect against ice dams but the stuff is super protection on the rest of the roof as well. How you treat valleys and flashing around the stacks and chimney as well as the roof edge will also be important... make sure that they replace the vent boots .. personally I think the metal "boots" outlast the rubber ones

 

[EricG]

What about steel?

x2 - if insurance was picking up the tab for an asphalt shingle replacement, I'd consider coming up with the difference for steel. But then I live in an area prone to hail and fire - not sure if it's as important to you.

 

[haystax]

'nother vote for ELK - the stick-down weatherproofing membrane is absolutely bulletproof. Also check into some of the new synthetic underlayments instead of old fashioned felt. These components are at least as important as the shingles as they prevent an installation error from becoming a slow leak that rots your roof.

 

[se2000]

I have a steel panel roof that replaced my 15 year shingles after 30 years. The panels are 3' wide and are the length of your roof so no horizontal seams. You put them over the old shingles.
40 year warrenty and energy star so you get the $1500

 

[PABLOJG]

You have a lot of choises when you re roof you can lay a good Corning fiber glass righi over the existing roof with out ever stripping the old roof off. but what ever you do get qualith materials.

 

[titanpat57]

Just put on the GAF charcoal...very happy.

Always strip, check plywood and replace as needed, and install ice and water shield at valleys and roof edges if applicable

Ridge ventilation and soffit ventilation are not a luxery...its standard to get the maximum life rating.

Good luck, Pat