Reroofing house - down to two contractors - need help!
#1
06-20-14, 10:54 AM
Reroofing house - down to two contractors - need help!
Here's the scoop: we have a 12 year old home with those Certainteed Organic shingles that are no good and breaking down already, so we're getting the house a new roof. I got bids from four different local roofing companies and have it narrowed down to two, but there are differences between them in regards to what they want to do, and that is where I need help. One contractor's price is $2300 less than the other, so I need to know if what the more expensive contractor wants to do is worth it or not.
Both are using the same Owens Corning shingle, but here are the differences
Contractor #1 (total cost $4700).
-applying ice and water membrane (as per code - so only 3 feet).
-applying felt to roof deck
-reinstalling current attic vents (turbines)
-install one new pipe flashing
Contractor #2 (total cost $7000)
-applies 6 feet of ice and water membrane (which he says is important here in WI to prevent ice dams, suggesting that the standard 3 feet isn't enough)
-instead of using roofing felt, he is using a synthetic roof membrane that he says is much better and more water resistant.
- this roofer want to remove turbines and install a ridge vent along the entire peak. He says this improves circulation in the attic and is more uniform in regards to exhaust.
-lastly, this company is certified through Owens Corning so instead of getting the regular prorated warranty, I'd get a 50 year non-prorated warranty.
Both are reputable companies with good feedback in the area. The less expensive bid is from a Roofing and Construction company, the other is a dedicated roofing company.
Please, let me know if your thoughts or if you need any additional information.
Both are using the same Owens Corning shingle, but here are the differences
Contractor #1 (total cost $4700).
-applying ice and water membrane (as per code - so only 3 feet).
-applying felt to roof deck
-reinstalling current attic vents (turbines)
-install one new pipe flashing
Contractor #2 (total cost $7000)
-applies 6 feet of ice and water membrane (which he says is important here in WI to prevent ice dams, suggesting that the standard 3 feet isn't enough)
-instead of using roofing felt, he is using a synthetic roof membrane that he says is much better and more water resistant.
- this roofer want to remove turbines and install a ridge vent along the entire peak. He says this improves circulation in the attic and is more uniform in regards to exhaust.
-lastly, this company is certified through Owens Corning so instead of getting the regular prorated warranty, I'd get a 50 year non-prorated warranty.
Both are reputable companies with good feedback in the area. The less expensive bid is from a Roofing and Construction company, the other is a dedicated roofing company.
Please, let me know if your thoughts or if you need any additional information.
#3
06-20-14, 11:20 AM
Could you please explain why you would? I'm trying to determine if spending the extra $2300 is worth it. (Keep in mind that $2300 is a good chunk of change to me). I'm not an expert, so I'm hoping someone can explain if the ridge vent and other things mentioned are really worth it.
#4
06-20-14, 11:26 AM
Member
Roof
1. You need the wider ice dam.
2. The ridge vent should be coupled with ventilated soffit to get the best attic ventilation. Good attic ventilation is key to roof shingle longevity.
2. The ridge vent should be coupled with ventilated soffit to get the best attic ventilation. Good attic ventilation is key to roof shingle longevity.
#5
06-20-14, 11:30 AM
Currently the house has soffit intake and exhaust out of a couple gables and three turbines. Would the ridge vent really make it that much better?
#6
06-20-14, 11:39 AM
For such a new house, I'm surprised there is such a mish-mash of ventilation. Generally with newer homes the tried and true ventilation is soffit intake and ridge vent exhaust isn't it?
I always thought those turbine exhausts were installed when people realized there was a problem like lack of ventilation, more of a band aid.
To answer your question, I'd go with Contractor #2 as well. I'd prefer a ridge vent over a turbine as the turbine is just another place for a leak to start. And even though a 12 year old house should be properly insulated and shouldn't have ice damming problems.....I'd prefer 6ft over just 3ft.
I always thought those turbine exhausts were installed when people realized there was a problem like lack of ventilation, more of a band aid.
To answer your question, I'd go with Contractor #2 as well. I'd prefer a ridge vent over a turbine as the turbine is just another place for a leak to start. And even though a 12 year old house should be properly insulated and shouldn't have ice damming problems.....I'd prefer 6ft over just 3ft.
#7
06-20-14, 11:42 AM
Most of those house in my subdivision are about the same age and most of them have turbines. It seems like ridge venting is the go-to plan for most local roofing contractors now, but must not have been in the early 2000s.
#8
06-22-14, 02:56 AM
write out what you want based on what you've read & learned & call both of 'em back,,, you have to live w/it,,, i like # 2's proposal & i like the 50yr but the $ difference is sizeable considering the addl labor & mtl costs
ps - we're roofers, too,,, just a different division than mine
ps - we're roofers, too,,, just a different division than mine
