Reply #11: Hi LiberalEsto [View All]

[Berserker]

If you have had any storms in the last 12 months you may want to get a contractor that is qualified in storm damage evaluation to check your roof and siding to see if you have any damage. This is a free service.
If you do have storm damage the contractor will have you call your insurance claims center. This will get and adjuster out to inspect your property.
If the adjuster agrees to the damage assessment the insurance company will pay for your roof and or siding and you will only be responsible for your deductible.
Or
Get several bids to do a cost comparison. There are two types of shingles you can choose from. The 25 year 3-Tab shingle and the 30 year architectural shingle.
The 3-Tab shingle is a lower cost application.
I always recommend ridge vent over any other vent IF you have proper soffit ventilation.
They need to balance. If you do install ridge vent make sure your contractor covers the gable end vends from the inside of the attic to prevent any short circuiting of ventilation.
If your roof is a hip roof you may be better off installing a power vent.
As for a shingle manufacturer we install thousands of squares of GAF/ELK Timberline 30 shingles per year and CertainTeed, Owens Corning running in far 2nd place.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask all the question you want.