Expert: Brad Zacharia - 6/30/2009

Question
Hi Brad,
I have gotten 23+ years out of 20 year 3 tab asphalt Johns Manville shingles on our home in north Georgia. Shingles are beginning to show wear and losing gravel so have decided to bite the bullet and replace them this fall.  Have several questions regarding roof replacement.

1.  What are best 20 year 3 tab shingles on market today & what is approximate cost/bundle?

2. Do you recommend 15# or 30# felt?

3.  I presently have power roof ventilator with a gable vent @ each end of 1800 square foot house and seem to have adequate ventilation in attic, but realize it could be better...particularly on the days in July & August when outside temp reaches 95 to 100 degrees.  Would appreciate your thoughts regarding using ridge vents the length of the roof in place of the power ventilator.  

4.  What should labor be for stripping old shingles & felt and installing new felt & shingles?  

5.  Do you recommend nailing shingles or stapling?  Have been told to stay away from stapling shingles, but do not know why.

Any other thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Regards,
Ernest Dadisman
Gainesville, GA

Answer
1. There are not many 20 year shingles around. Most roofers use 25 year. They are about $15-20 a bundle.
2. 15# paper is fine.
3. Ridge vents and power vents will do the same but one uses electricity. Neither will work well unless you have soffit vents to match.
4. I'd guess somewhere between $4,000 and $10,000. You haven't told me anything about your roof except for size.
5. No one does stapling anymore. It was a fad a long time ago but the staples didn't hold and the shingles would blow off.

Brad