Hello:

Live in New England.

Looks like we need a new roof.

Know nothing about roofs.

What type of roof shingle should we be interested in ?
Brands that are good ? Any to avoid.

I guess these things come in different thicknesses (weights ?).
What would be typical for a New England climate.

New roof would probably be going on over existing shingles.
Is trhere an intermediate layer that is put between them ?

I know they sometimes use a metal "ice protection sheet" (not sure of the
exact terminology)
that goes a foot or so up from the edges. Is this a good thing to have ?

What should we be asking the contractor, or what should we be specifying ?

Any and all thoughts on would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob