Which shingle?

[Fentonite]

I have to replace my roof. Luckily, insurance is paying for most of it. My contractor wants to use Atlas shingles, says they have a better warranty. Any opinions? I was looking at GAF, but really don't know what's what. Any opinions here?

[funkymonkey1111]

I had the certainteed presidential TL pit on last year and like the relief between the shingles

[Irving]

Despite inspecting roofs for a living, I'm unfamiliar with different roof brands. Large enough hail will destroy anything. Presidential is a waste of material. Builder's grade is garbage. I've never even heard of a roof being replaced under warranty.

I know that isn't as helpful as you'd like. I assume you're looking at some sort of 30-year laminate/architectural?

[Fentonite]

I had the certainteed presidential TL pit on last year and like the relief between the shingles

I'll take a look at that one too

Despite inspecting roofs for a living, I'm unfamiliar with different roof brands. Large enough hail will destroy anything. Presidential is a waste of material. Builder's grade is garbage. I've never even heard of a roof being replaced under warranty.

I know that isn't as helpful as you'd like. I assume you're looking at some sort of 30-year laminate/architectural?

Yeah, looking at architectural shingles, look nicer than 3-tab. The warranties of all of them seem exaggerated when I read the fine print.

[Irving]

Architectural generally have a better wind rating and the price per square is not that much above 3-tab. Your city may not even allow 3-tab.

[JohnnyEgo]

Not an Atlas fan. Not a Tamko fan, nor a fan of the entry level of Owens Corning (Oakridge), although their mid level (Duration) seems nice.
Having been on many thousand roofs over the course of the last ten years, I went GAF's Timberline ArmorShield II.
It's a moderately priced 30 year laminate shingle that is Class IV rated. A very cheap upgrade over non-rated 30 year laminated (architectural), and it gives me a discount on my homeowner's policy.

PS: All the material warranties suck. Atlas has had a poorer reputation then most. A quick search of 'Atlas Shingle Class Action lawsuit' might be particularly illuminating. I'd be far more concerned with the roofer, how long they have been in business, and whether they are likely to be in business in the next 10 years, than worry about the material warranty.

[Wulf202]

Mr ego is spot on.

Also consider spending for high wind nail pattern and make sure the installers don't have their regulators turned up too high.

[Irving]

All good advice. I don't see how to realistically check for over penetrating nails without being on site. One of those things you don't find out about until it's too late.

[Wulf202]

Tell the contractor you'll be checking. Then check when the job is done before they get sealed down.

[earplug]

Consider rolled roofing, then coat with something like Black Jack Ultra silicone reflective coating. I have a shallow pitch roof and no AC. This stuff keeps the home cooler and sheds rain fast.