Choice of roof shingle?

Question

For replacing my roof (covered by insurance), my roofing contractor is offering me a choice of IKO Cambridge 30 AR or GAF Timberline Prestique 30 . The contractor is pushing IKO, saying they weigh 2.1 lbs/shingle compared to GAF's 1.6 lbs/shingle. I am not sure which is better - does anyone have an opinion on this?

Also, I have no idea of what the 'gotchas' are in this situation, where essentially the contractor is working off the worksheet provided by my insurance company. Are there things I should be asking for, which are only obtained if particularly requested?

Thanks.

Answer 1

go with the heavier shingle they are stronger and will withstand more harsh treatment ie: high winds, hail, falling tree limbs, and the neighbor how thinks your roof is the fairway at the country club.

Answer 2

They are both very good products with very good warranties. Traditionally the heavier the shingle the longer the service life. After  30 yrs. they are both going to look a little tired. Either way I think you will be fine. I think the IKO is slightly cheaper

Answer 3

Yes there are things to consider when you have the option of a heavy weight shingle. First of all you better check the thickness of your roof decking. Many builders - believe it or not use 1/2" o.s.b. for roof decking. Your house may have that. It meets code in most areas, but when you install a heavy shingle on that decking within 6 months you will be able to see places between the rafters where the roof decking has sunk in, it does not look pretty, and to me it shows a lack of quality on the contractor. We use only 5/8" o.s.b. roof decking, even on garages. Plus if your house is stick framed, you need to check the rafters, interior bracing,are there any collar ties on the rafters? You are adding weight to the roof that gravity puts a load on that never lets up.

Do a little more inspecting before agreeing to a heavier shingle. It's your home - get some answers.

Answer 4

Ask him the weight difference in squares, one square covers an area of 3' by 3', also some shingles are cut to a 36' length ea. and metric shingles are about 39"and a little for length.

Maybe he's just getting a better buy on one style.

Here's a hint, have hime lay out a 3'by3' square of one type up next to the other, see which one you think looks better for your house!!