Good call on checking the CertainTeed site directly—those specs are lifesavers when you're budgeting. One thing I'd add from experience: don't underestimate the impact of tear-off and disposal costs. A lot of homeowners focus purely on materials and labor, but old roof removal and hauling away debris can bump your budget more than you'd think, especially if you have multiple layers of shingles up there.
Also, about the waste factor...10-15% is usually spot-on, but if your roof has a lot of valleys or dormers, you might wanna bump that closer to 20%. Nothing worse than running short mid-job and scrambling to match shingles from different batches (been there, done that, not fun).
As for quotes, getting multiple estimates is great advice, but make sure each contractor specifies exactly what's included—underlayment types, ice-and-water shields, flashing quality—all those details matter in the long run.
Good points on disposal costs—seen plenty of budgets blown by surprise dumpster fees. A couple other quick thoughts:
- Double-check attic ventilation. Roofers sometimes overlook this, and poor ventilation can void CertainTeed warranties.
- Confirm your contractor’s using proper starter shingles and ridge caps. Seen a few corners cut there, and it shows later.
- Ice-and-water shield is critical in colder climates—make sure it's included around eaves and valleys.
Little details upfront save headaches (and wallet aches) down the road...
Great tips on ventilation and ice-and-water shield—those little things really do add up. Speaking from experience, I learned the hard way about attic ventilation. Thought I was saving money by skipping a ridge vent upgrade, and ended up with moisture issues that cost way more to fix later. Lesson learned: never underestimate airflow!
Another thing I'd toss in is to keep an eye on flashing details around chimneys and skylights. Roofers sometimes reuse old flashing or skimp on sealing properly, and that's a recipe for leaks down the line. Ask specifically if they're replacing or reusing flashing, and if they're reusing, make sure it's still in good shape. If you're not sure, ask for pictures—most contractors won't mind snapping a few quick shots.
Also, don't be shy about asking exactly what brand or type of underlayment they're using beneath the shingles. CertainTeed warranties can get picky about that stuff too. Sometimes roofers use generic felt paper instead of synthetic underlayment to cut costs, but synthetic holds up better long-term, especially if you're in an area with harsh winters or heavy rain.
Oh, and speaking of dumpster fees—make sure you clarify who's responsible for cleanup after the job. Had a friend who assumed cleanup was included... until he found himself hauling stray nails out of his driveway for weeks afterward (and one expensive tire replacement later). Not fun.
Bottom line, roofing is one of those projects where cutting corners almost always comes back to bite you later. Better to spend a bit more upfront than deal with leaks, mold, or warranty headaches down the road. Good luck with your project—hope your budget survives intact!
"Ask specifically if they're replacing or reusing flashing, and if they're reusing, make sure it's still in good shape."
Couldn't agree more about flashing—seen way too many leaks start there after storms. I'd add one more thing: document your roof's current condition with a few quick photos beforehand. Trust me, insurance claims go a lot smoother when you can prove exactly what was damaged. Learned that lesson after a hailstorm turned into a paperwork nightmare...better safe than sorry.
Good call on documenting the roof beforehand—can't tell you how many headaches I've seen homeowners avoid by having clear photos ready. Flashing is definitely one of those areas people overlook, thinking it's minor, until they're dealing with water damage down the road. Even if the flashing looks decent, I'd personally lean toward replacing it when installing a new CertainTeed roof. You're already investing in quality shingles, so why risk potential weak points?
Also, don't underestimate ventilation. Proper attic ventilation can extend your roof's lifespan significantly and help prevent ice dams or moisture buildup. Seen plenty of roofs fail prematurely because folks skipped this step to save a few bucks.
Sounds like you're doing your homework and asking the right questions—you're already ahead of most homeowners I work with.
