AboutRon Haynes Expertise I can answer questions related to all types of steep slope and low-slope commercial and residential roofing, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, built-up roofing (tar and gravel), modified bitumen roofing, single ply roof systems, tile, and slate. Questions may relate to design, installation, problem resolution or repair of the roof system.
Experience I have over twenty years experience as a roof consultant dealing with various types of roof systems on commercial, industrial, residential and Government facilities. Experience includes new roof and reroof design, roof repair specification, roof construction, maintenance, failure investigations, performance analysis, inspections, moisture intrusion surveys and studies, and storm damage assessments. I am a registered professional engineer and a Registered Roof Consultant with the Roof Consultants Institute.
Organizations Roof Consultants Institute
Education/Credentials Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, Clemson University
Registered Professional Engineer
Registered Roof Consultant, Roof Consultants Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer
Awards and Honors Award Winner, Large Roof Replacement Design Document Competition at the 1999 Roof Consultants Institute International Convention. Dept of Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal.
Expert: Ron Haynes Date: 7/8/2008 Subject: Replacing Dimensional Shingles
Question I live in Hockessin, DE. My home is a Cape Cod but is only 18 years old and I am now in need of a new roof. I currently have GAF shingles which are showing lots of wear and mold. I have been told that if I replace with GAF shingles I will see the same type of mold growth over a period of time. I have also been told that if I am going to install roof vents (which I am) then the roof fan should be removed. One contractor indicates that 30lb felt paper is adequate, another indicates that they use 30lb Deck Armor, which is also breathable. One contractor uses 30 year GAF, the other uses 30 year Certainteed. The contractor who uses the GAF indicates that if they install the shingles I automatically get "Bonus Wind Coverage" for up to 130 mph hurricane wind speeds. Everyone has their own spin and with the cost to remove and replace this roof how is the layman know what or who to believe? As for cost, both are within several hundred dollars of each other. Pease help me decide.
Answer Jay,
I'll try to address in the order you list except I'll start by telling you that GAF Timberline and the similar Certainteed 30-year shingle are both good shingles. Certainteed is typically a little more expensive but still competitive.
Warranties rarely cover much more than shingle materials and possibly a limited dollar amount for labor (e.g., $25/100 SF of roof). So, keep that in mind. I'd suggest you ask the contractor for the warranty he will be providing from himself and his shingle manufacturer. Read carefully. The warranties do more to limit manufacturer liability than to help the consumer.
As for mold/mildew, shingles come with either a 5 or 10 year warranty against mold/mildew formation. The warranty may or may not be prorated but in any case it is commonly a materials only warranty, meaning that if you have a mildew problem the manufacturer will provide for replacement shingles and nothing else (no accessories, no labor). If pro-rated, they'll provide replacement shingles only to a pro-rated dollar amount.
If you install a ridge vent with soffit ventilation, typically a roof mounted fan is not needed and could tend to draw in water if running during a rain because it will tend to pull air in through the ridge vent, at least in the area of the fan.
30 lb felt underlayment is adequate. Deck Armor is an upgrade. Both are "breathable" to some degree. Unless along the coast where wind damage too commonly occurs, I'd just go with the 30 lb felt. If the overall reroof price is comparable the Deck Armor would be a value-added upgrade for minimal cost difference.
Wind warranty is normally for 5 years, not the full manufacturer defect 30-yr warranty period.
The up to 130 mph wind warranty "bonus" coverage is available only with certain GAF shingles and for the initial 5-years. I don't think it is provided with the 30-year GAF shingle. Again, the warranty doc will provide you with that information. Note that the language says, "up to". The 30-year GAF shingle likely has either a 90 mph or 110 mph wind warranty, again only for the first five years and only if applied with 6 nails per shingle.
Don't sweat the shingle selection. My suggestion is pick the shingle style and color you like best, read the warranty to know what you are or are not getting (ask contractor for copy or read on the websites of the shingle manufacturers), pick the contractor you are most comfortable with, negotiate the best price you can. Require installation in compliance with your local building code adn in accordance with the instruction that are found on the shingle wrappers. Make sure your contractor pulls a permit to install the roof. That way you can have some minimal protection through your local building department/code enforcement agency should the work start to go south. Rest easy.
