• $$$ to $$$$
  

 

• 35, 20 years for Material. 7 years for Labor.

These Material Warranties from these Manufacturers only cover the Kynar 500 paint finish--with an infrared additive by BASF. Custom Bilt Metal covers 35 years, HPM offers 20 years. The Labor Warranty is the responsibility of the Roofing Contractor, who is limited to 7 years by Hawaii law.

 

• Life, 50, 30 years for Material

These warranties protect against defects in the shingle itself, not for roofer error. So make sure your contractor knows what he's doing. The top two shingles from CertainTeed do provide for Labor in the first 10 years of the warranty- if the shingle is defective. The Presidential shingle (480 lbs/SQ) is a heavy tri-laminate that protects against wind slow off up to 110 MPH and against algae streaking for 15 years. These are both impressive warranties and backed by a reliable company with 30 years in Hawaii to back it up.

Their popular Architect 80 shingle is one step down in price and weight (330 lbs/SQ) and is the biggest seller in Hawaii . It's 50 year Warranty is rated at 90 mph, but can be raised to an astonishing 130 mph when you use their special "starters" and hip and ridge shingles.

The Pabco SG-30 is positioned as a flat, economical 3 tab shingle and is a reliable workhorse. It can withstand 60 mph winds and is Class A fire rated. Perfect for those who like the retro "old school" look.

 

• Lifetime, 50, 7 years for Material

These Warranties cover the Material only, in most cases. It's up to your Contractor to provide the labor, which is generally limited to 7 years in Hawaii , by law. Monier has a Lifetime Warranty, but they acknowledge that, depending on the area, it may need to be re-painted to look good. Our experience in Hawaii suggests that happens in about 15 to 20 years. Decra Tiles offer a 50 year Transferable Material Warranty and 120 Wind Uplift, which is great. Most Wood Shakes don't come with a specific Material Warranty, so at LeakMaster offer our own for 7 years, which is any contractor's legal maximum.

 

• Very long lasting Kynar 500 paint doesn't fade for 20 years plus
• New highly reflective Infrared Pigments like "Ultra Cool" keep temps, low
• Some Standing Seam Roofs can be put on a low ½ inch per foot slope
• Lightweight, so you don't need to build a super strong structure
• Some types don't require any roof deck
  

 

• The Asphalt Shingle (also known as Composition Shingle) is perhaps the most popular sloped roof of all time in the United States. It's low cost, easy installation, and it's ability to be walked on without breaking make it well loved.
• The heavier versions of the shingle have good wind uplift ratings when they are first installed. Over time they become brittle, due to the sun's UV exposure, and can blow off. They can, however, be preserved with a waterproof Roof Coating, such as Hawaiian SunGuard.
• The look can be quite dramatic when you go for the higher end Presidential or Grand Manor shingles.
  

 

• The first 3 systems listed above do well in Hawaii , with no maintenance, for about 20 years. After that they need periodic re-painting to look good.
• The bottom 3 systems are lightweight and are suitable for a re-roof without consulting an engineer.
• The top 3 are all fireproof. Celebrate the New Year without fear. Wood shakes can also be fireproofed for an additional cost, but many people will opt for the wood preservative treatment instead to make it last longer. You can't do both.
• Wood shakes are natural insulators and keep you cool. The metal roofs need the new Kynar 500 cool roof finish to reduce the heat.
  

 

• Can be pricey-and the Aluminum roofs cost about 30 to 40% more then Steel
• High winds can blow them off, most have UL 90 mph ratings, the Titan goes up to UL 110mph.
• If you have foot traffic on your roof you risk bending open a seam. Get a heavy enough gauge metal to withstand the stress. Keep large overhanging trees trimmed.
  

 

• Your roof will look like everyone else's in your neighborhood. Is that a bad thing?
• These roofs can be very hot in the summer. Be sure to install some solar roof vents to comply with the Manufacturer's requirements for their longest Warranties.
• There costs have risen with increased oil prices worldwide.
  

 

• Monier is very heavy and therefore not suitable for many homes. Some lighter weight Monier tiles break easily when you walk on them. If there is any traffic at all on those roofs we don't recommend them. Stick with the heavy old standard tile. You'll sleep better at night.
• Most Wood Shakes look pretty beat up after 15-20 years, and may need substantial repair. Buy the pressure treated ones for a little more and you might get another 10 + years. Always use stainless fasteners.
• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder with this group. Reactions vary dramatically with each homeowner. Personally, I don't like the look of aluminum shakes. There!... I've said it! You are welcome to disagree.
  

Over the years, Exposed Fastener Systems, such as the J-Rib, will need to be maintained by caulking all the screw heads. Typically, we also seal all the exposed panel laps with a polyester tape and a waterproof coating. Go to Metal Roof Repairs to see pictures of this process. You can maintain this roof indefinitely-for the lifetime of the structure if you keep it coated.

The Standing Seam Roofs, which all of these Manufacturers make, don't need any maintenance at all-until their coatings wear off in an estimated 20 to 35 years. Then you simply recoat with a Ceramic based Top Coat every 10 to 15 years. No seam work is needed because they are tightly crimped. The costs for a Standing Seam Roof can run about a third more than the Exposed Fasteners, depending on the brand. However, over time they pay for themselves with less roof maintenance fees. This is what I would buy.

The Architect 80 has been a huge success in Hawaii for decades. They keep improving their warranties, especially against high winds. Do not count on the government or even your insurance company, to bail you out if the next hurricane decides to hits Oahu directly, instead of Kaui. Go for the highest wind rating you can afford.

The algae warranties are really important in Hawaii , because nothing makes your roof looks dingy like a buch of streaky mildew. Plus it eats away at your protective granules and lowers the life of your roof. And it makes your home hot in the summer. Be wise.

I am partial to the Decra tiles because I worked with them 30 years ago in Hawaii and many of them are still around. The older ones have to be coated and re-granulated to look good. The newer paints are much longer lasting

Most owners love Monier, and the heavyweights do last a long time. If you buy them, don't use a regular roofing felt--get the thick, new reinforced felts. They can withstand the heat build up under the tiles. Cheap insurance.