New Roof Questions. (New England)

[Robert11]

Hello:

Live in New England.

Looks like we need a new roof.

Know nothing about roofs.

What type of roof shingle should we be interested in ? Brands that are good ? Any to avoid.

I guess these things come in different thicknesses (weights ?). What would be typical for a New England climate.

New roof would probably be going on over existing shingles. Is trhere an intermediate layer that is put between them ?

I know they sometimes use a metal "ice protection sheet" (not sure of the exact terminology) that goes a foot or so up from the edges. Is this a good thing to have ?

What should we be asking the contractor, or what should we be specifying ?

Any and all thoughts on would be appreciated.

Thanks, Bob

[spamTHISbrp]

Most critical thing to resolve is the installer!

Best way is to find homeowners locally who have used the same contractor to install a roof recently, and as many years back as you can go. Pick the contractor with the fewest complaints/best satisfaction.

The best shingles will produce the worst-performing roof if the install is bungled.

You need a roofer whose judgement you can trust.

Dave

[Rich256]

And much depends on how much you want to invest.

I replaced a heavy shake in the Denver Area a few years ago. Ended up with a stone covered steel. Being in a heavy hail area I got a 27% discount on my homeowners insurance.

Costs as much as a heavy shake but appears it will last forever. Light weight.

I got their tile version: