Consider Price Vs. Cost
Price is a one time thing, and cost is a life time thing. Consider two similar items, one priced at 10,000.00, and the other 12,000.00. The one priced at 12,000.00 lasts 30 years and requires no maintenance, and the other only last 20 years and required 2 repairs at a total cost of 1500.00.
If we divide the first 12,000.00 by 30 years we get a yearly cost of 400.00.
If we divide the second 10,000.00 + 1500.00 for repairs by 20 years we can figure a yearly cost of 575.00
So The first estimate of 12,000.00 only seamed the more expensive. It is very important that the big picture be looked at.
A manufactures warranty is only valid if you use more products than just their shingles. You must nail each shingle properly, shingles must be laid in the proper pattern, the roof must have adequate ventilation, the appropriate underlayment must be used, as well as many other factors or else a claim will bounce.
Cost Vs. Price | Round Two
Many, many roofing contractors are insured as carpenters, or not insured at all. This is because roofing is a very dangerous profession, and the amount of claims are high. Our insurance cost is $40.00 per hour per man for insurance liability and unemployment compensation here in Massachusetts.
So, a three day job at 6 hours a day with three workers cost $2160.00 Just for insurance, we have not even paid them or bought supplies. If a uninsured worker gets hurt on your property what is the cost of that roof? 100,000 or more?
Cost Vs. Price | Round Three
Suppose your roof decking / the boards you nail your shingles to which are mostly laminated plywood nowadays, is not prepared and inspected properly. And you discover a few years down the line that all the shingles have to come off to replace the de-laminated or rotted roof boards. There is no defect in roofing materials and this means the manufacturer is not liable. You have to pay to have the same work done again.
Cost Vs. Price Round Four
Again, suppose your roof is not ventilated properly and heat and trapped moisture cause the plywood to separate and buckle. If you drive around looking up all day as I do, you will see many examples of this because proper ventilation is a relatively new concept, many, many homes still do not have a ridge vent, or adequate soffit vents installed. Again you will be left holding the bag, paying to have it done again.
Not only is it usually cheaper to do it right the first time, if you have it done with quality materials backed by a solid warranty it will ad value to your home and make it easier to sell should you ever decide to do so.
