Wow, I’m surprised you didn’t get 10 answers already with roofers saying X was the best or Y was the best or A was the best. In reality you are focusing on the WRONG THING!
5 estimates? Why 5? Why would you do that to yourself? Normally if you are dealing with reputable companies you don’t need more than 2 estimates. I advocate to people to always get at least two estimates and if the roofers are saying something very different or if the roofers are way off in price, get an equalizer, get a 3rd. Obviously if you don’t trust a roofer disqualify that roofer immediately. I believe you have now fallen into “Analysis Paralysis” which is what happens when you have too many options.
But back to the topic, I said you are focusing on the wrong thing. Why? Because you can take the best shingle in the world and if installed wrong is complete garbage. I can take the worst shingle, known to fail, and if installed properly will last some amount of time. So you should focus on the roofer, not the product. The roofer is more important and a good quality roofer will only want to install good quality product.
The roof is a system comprised of many components, not just the shingles. You have the water proofing underlayment such as ice shield, the water resistant underlayment such as felt. You have the shingles, the ventilation and the flashing details. All of these things add up to equal one roof. Neglect one and your roof is doomed to fail.
But the roof is more than just product it is detail, knowledge and heart. Heart? Yes, heart. It takes the utmost CARING the utmost DESIRE to want to install a good roof. It’s hard work and easy to fall into the train of thought as to do what’s easier, instead of what’s better. Faster and easier seldom ever equals better. At the end of the day you need a roofer that cares about your roof and his reputation. Pick a contractor who’s been around long enough to prove he’s here to stay. Remember, the majority of roofing businesses fail within 10 years. Ropac Roofing has been in the roofing business for over 40 years.
So what product is best? That’s hard to say. Each manufacturer has multiple plants and it seems each plant puts out varying levels of quality. I primarily install CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingles and our customers have been very happy. My feeling is that they are the best on the market in my area. They are a major manufacturer who stands behind their product. I’m sure others will have their own favorite shingle but don’t miss the point, the roofer is more important than the shingle and that’s why you should choose Ropac Roofing to re-shingle your home.