Thanks. they gave me some catalogs. Of course the manufacturer catalogs aren't gonna say "our blocks are nothing special". That's why I asked. the quotes range from $4500 for the unilock concord to $3600 for the techo lock. I was told that the nicolock would be a little cheaper than the techo, but they all look the same to me! Thanks.

I work for one of the largest roofing companies in the country and I have seen it all. I completely disagree with the bitter responces to the Owens and GAF shingles posted above. I live in Houston Texas and have seen the builder grade crap these guys put up that never last more than 15 to 18 yaers. Or often even less! All we have ever used is GAF and Owens and we never lost even one roof from Hurricane Ike. If these shingles are used properly with the correct installation and materials they will stand the test of time. And hold up to winds of 130 MPH. And as for Cobra ridgevents, they can withstand 120 mile an hour winds if the correct nails are used to install them. There are many manufaturers of good shingles these days. Pick one. If they are installed correctly without the shortcuts of cut up shinlges used as starter strips instead of actual starter strips and timber tex ridge shinlges instead of cut up shinlge tabs across the ridge and by following the correct nailing patterns installed gently and not slamming them down into the shingle too hard you should have a roof that can last a life time. How else could these companies give a life time warrantie on their 30 year shingles these days if they were'nt made to last. Technologies in roofing is better than ever.

I used to deliver Belgard to distributors. I can't say anything bad about the competition, but the distributors used to like Belgard along with the high volume contractors. I can't imagine a paver wearing out. I'm curious why a contractor would state he "thinks" a certain brand wears better. Go with what you like unless there's some definitive reason of why not to use a product. Sounds as if you may want to interview a couple other contractors as well.

Gorgeous home. From that distance up and if they are going to be painted, why not opt for an Integrity option? You will never have a rot issue and the paint seems to hold up even better on that substrate than it does wood. The cladding and the trim would be the same so I am not sure where the visual offset would be felt.