[harkplumb]

I have narrowed my choice between 2 roofing contractors to replace my asphalt shingled roof and I'm trying to decide which to hire. Below is the comparison:

*Both Contractors are well known highly reputable family-owned icons with equal number of years of service in the community.

* Contractor #1 is offering Owen Corning Duration shingles with 10-year installation warranty and a limited lifetime O/C warranty on the shingles for $10,950.00.

* Contractor #2 is offering the same shingles with a lifetime of shingle installation warranty and an O/C upgraded 50-year warranty on the shingles for $11,440.00.

I have read that extended warranties usually make money for the contractor rather than save money for the customer and Owens Corning, like most manufacturers, will claim a problem to be an installation problem rather than a product problem. So, the articles recommend hiring a reputable contractor that offers at least a 10-year installation warranty and pass on paying extra on extended product warranties. Since both of these warranties only cover the installation and defects in the product and have nothing to do with damages due to weather, storms etc. Should I go with contractor #1 or #2? THANKS.

[Wondergirl]

I'd go with Contractor #1 for the reason you mentioned: "...extended warranties usually make money for the contractor rather than save money for the customer and Owens Corning, like most manufacturers, will claim a problem to be an installation problem rather than a product problem." Plus, Owens Corning might go out of business or change its name during the next 50 years, making the warranty invalid.