Summary:In the past, asphalt tiles were attractive due to their low cost, to the detriment of their aesthetic appeal. Today, writes Editor-in-Chief Justin Fink, asphalt shingle manufacturers are focused on making their products stronger, more attractive and more durable. Shingles are now made by joining multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass together, creating a thicker, better performing product. Also, the materials used in today's shingles are stronger to better withstand nails and strong winds. The most durable tiles on the market are laminated tiles with a lifetime warranty and fall into two categories: dimensional tiles, which have a pattern of standard architectural tiles) and "luxury" tiles, which better mimic the look of clapboard or wood shingles. slate. This article provides a sidebar for deciphering tile warranties.
Historically, the attraction ofasphalt shingleswas its low cost, both for material and installation. The first three-flap tiles, although cheap and durable, were thin and featureless. They were essentially a two-dimensional imitation ofroof slateor wood chips. Manufacturers soon upped the ante, introducing architectural slats or thicker laminates to enhance shadow lines and mimic the variability of natural materials. It might be an improvement, but it still doesn't fool anyone into thinking that shingles are anything other than asphalt.
Today, the focus is on even thicker, more aesthetically pleasing composite shingles, which offer much better performance and durability and already account for 70% of asphalt roofing sales. It is now easy to find asphalt shingles with a life expectancy of 40 to 50 years or even more.
Layered for better performance
By bonding multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass together, manufacturers have created dimensional shingles that are thicker than three-flap shingles and perform better due to the multiple layers of asphalt and the lack of perforated tabs. Initially, the performance improvement of these tiles was directly related to their thickness: thicker tiles, better tiles. That's still true, but there's more. The materials themselves got even better.
Improved support mats are more resistant to high winds and nail snapping. More importantly, today's stronger mats hold up to more asphalt compared to older fabrics. More asphalt and better asphalt formulations increased the waterproofing of the shingles and improved their stability, preventing them from drying out and cracking or becoming too soft and easily damaged. Manufacturers do not reveal details about their asphalt formulations, but all admit in interviews that improved asphalt mixtures have allowed them to extend the duration of their warranties.
Finally, adjusting the composition of the asphalt fence strips also improved wind resistance. The best shingles on the market are generally guaranteed to withstand 110 mph winds using standard nailing patterns, but can often withstand lab tests of up to 90 mph. Look for performance standards on product packaging and documentation. Roofs that meet the highest ASTM wind resistance standards are marked D3161 Class F, D6381 Class H, or D7158 Class H. But your best bet is UL 2390 Class H certification, which demonstrates independent testing of shingle batches.
Shingles evolved to last a lifetime
Manufacturers still offer three-ply tiles, but today the focus is on laminated products. Two-dimensional tiles, commonly known as architectural tiles, were the first step towards a more attractive roof and represent 70% of the asphalt market. More recently, manufacturers have begun to develop luxury tiles with a lifetime warranty, like the five brands shown here, with thicker laminates of two, sometimes three layers in the traditional architectural clapboard style, as well as more creative designs.
tiles with three flaps
Their low cost made them a favorite for years and they are still available today. But these thin, featureless tiles have little aesthetic appeal and must be replaced every 20 years.
custom slats
Lamination of two layers of fiberglass and asphalt results in a more durable tile that can last over 50 years. The added thickness and more random pattern also provide some shading and texture.
luxury pills
Loaded with waterproof asphalt, these shingles are made from two to three thicker layers of fiberglass asphalt granules. They are made to last a lifetime and replicate traditional slates or shakes.
CertainTeed's Grand Mansion
Style:Luxury, slate look
Wind resistance guarantee:110 km/h
Algae Resistance Guarantee:15 years
Color options:10
Cost:$300/m2
With 8 in. This slate-style tile looks best on pitched roofs (9 pitches and up). The tile consists of two full surface laminates. The bottom tier is solid with no indentations, the top tier has tabs cut out to replicate the slate, and additional random tabs are applied to the top tier to add thickness and variety you would see on a slate roof. Grand Manor can be placed in seamless patterns or designs with CertainTeed's Carriage House Ripa (an irregular slate style) for a vintage chalkboard look.
TL presidencial de CertainTeed
Style:Luxus, Shake-Look
Wind resistance guarantee:110 km/h
Algae Resistance Guarantee:15 years
Color options:10
Cost:160 $/m²
The crenellated design of these tiles looks tiny, but with this three-ply laminate you actually get six skins, most profiled tiles here. In5⁄8thick, with 4 in. Exposure lines and compensation, it's a good representation of a movement when seen from the sidewalk. If you like the idea of triple laminate construction but balk at the cost and weight of the Presidential TL, check out CertainTeed's Landmark TL. It costs about half as much, weighs a third less, and features the traditional dimensional batten pattern.
GAF-Elk Timberline Lifetime Prestique
Style:Dimensional
Wind resistance guarantee:110 km/h
Algae Resistance Guarantee:ten years
Color options:18
Cost:$150/m2
The Lifetime model is approximately 30% thicker than the popular 30 year old version of this tile and is available in eight colors nationwide, with additional colors available by region. Blending the bead's colors creates a high-definition tile with the appearance of blended shadow lines for added depth.
Owens Corning Berkshire Collection
Style:Luxury, slate look
Wind resistance guarantee:110 km/h
Algae Resistance Guarantee:15 years
Color options:7
Cost:$235/m2
This two-ply tile features a grainy blend of colors designed to add depth to any "slab on slab" and create the look of shadow lines. As with many luxury tiles, special installation requirements apply. For example, these tiles should be installed in vertical columns, not diagonally across the roof.
EXPLANATION Heritage Vintage
Style:Luxus, Shake-Look
Wind resistance guarantee:110 km/h
Algae Resistance Guarantee:ten years
Color options:7
Cost:$120/m2
Similar to CertainTeed's Presidential TL tile, TAMKO's Shake Finish tile is constructed with two layers, providing four layers of coverage instead of the six layers of Presidential TL. However, the Heritage Vintage costs approximately 25% less than its competitor and has the same UL certified wind resistance. In fact, it had the best blast resistance in recent memory.consumer reportstrial.
*Cost is local to Connecticut and applies to tiles only.
Thicker tiles look better and last longer.
The most durable products on the market arelaminated tileswith lifetime warranty. They fall into two categories: dimensional tiles (the standard architectural tile pattern) and what manufacturers call "fancy tiles". Designed to better mimic the look of slatted batten or slate batten, fancy wood planks are much thicker and can get more exposure than dimensional wood planks.
To imitate a piece of slate or match the shadow lines of wooden tiles, a thick tile is required. For example definitely-Teeds Presidential TL Slats medem aprox.5⁄8inches thick, each composed of three different layers of fiberglass coated with asphalt and granules. Its weight is one of the first things you'll notice -- a square (100 square feet) weighs 480 pounds -- and it's something to keep in mind if you're the only one limping to the roof. (For comparison, a 30-year-old architectural clapboard weighs about 250 pounds per square, and three-pitch shingles weigh about 200 pounds.)
Lifetime tiles typically use a mixture of light and dark grains to further increase the depth of the tile. When mixing various shades of granules, the color may change slightly as your perspective changes, just like a natural material. The color management on these tiles is good enough that you can use tiles from different production batches, and the low slope roll roofing products can be matched with the tiles.
Companies offer algae protection on most of their gravel lines, and in most parts of the country, it's worth the small extra cost. By coating the granules with a thin layer of copper, they protect against blue-green algae. This airborne microorganism leaves dark spots on roofs and is widespread in much of the country. If you've ever seen a clean strip of roof below a copper clad chimney, you'll have an idea of how effective copper is in this regard. However, the treatment is not optimal in areas with little rainfall or in "salt fog" areas such as the United States. B. in parts of Southern California because copper runoff can corrode aluminum gutters and downspouts.
2 extreme weather options
impact resistant tiles
Homes in areas prone to hurricanes and/or strong wind gusts need a tile with high wind resistance. And along with strong winds, a certain amount of debris is thrown into the air. Impact resistant tiles contain a strong fiberglass backing to resist cracking in the event of an impact. This mesh is more resistant than the fiberglass used in the covers and is visible on the underside of the tile. Tiles with higher impact strength carry a UL 2218 Class 4 label and can withstand a thickness of 2 in. Steel ball flying at 90 miles an hour.
CertainTeed Special Referral Offer Style:Dimensional, impact resistant Warranty period:50 years Wind resistance guarantee:130 km/h Algae Resistance Guarantee:ten years Color options:6 | WeatherGuard HP de Owens Corning Style:Dimensional, impact resistant Warranty period:hope of life Wind resistance guarantee:130 km/h Algae Resistance Guarantee:ten years Color options:6 |
Cool tiles for hot climates
If you use air conditioning for most of the summer, there are two products to consider designed to keep your roof cooler. By spraying the granules with a white ceramic coating before adding the finish color, tile manufacturers can improve solar reflection.
Owens Corning Duration Premium Cool Shingles Style:dimensional cool ceiling Warranty period:hope of life Wind resistance guarantee:130 km/h Algae Resistance Guarantee:ten years Color options:4 | Benchmark de CertoTeed Solaris Style:dimensional cool ceiling Warranty period:hope of life Wind resistance guarantee:90km/h (130 mph with CertainTeed starter and hip and ridge pieces) Algae Resistance Guarantee:ten years Color options:4 |
6 things you should know about your warranty
Since lifetime shingles cost $120 to $300 per square foot, compared to $80 to $100 for 30-year-old laminates, it's important to know what you're getting for your money. Aesthetic considerations aside, you get a warranty that covers labor and material costs for twice as long as cheaper shingles, often a better deal prorated for the first decade of use, and coverage for high winds. Complete warranty information can be found on each manufacturer's website, but here's the basic information.
1. Coverage is prorated after 10 years.Tile lifetime coverage is divided into two periods. If a defect is found within the first 10 years, the cost of materials and labor (installation only) will be covered. From the 11th year, only part of the material costs are covered, the workload is at your discretion. Damage related to shipping, storage, installation or acts of God is not covered.
2. Is the extended warranty worth it?Companies focus a lot on production consistency, so manufacturing defects are quite rare. While warranties come with a lot of credentials, the fact that some brands offer 50 years of full material and labor coverage from certified contractors proves that, with careful installation, a lifetime tile should be just that, without you having to pay. by the extended warranty.
3. Algae means cleaning equipment, not a new roof.If blue-green algae develops on algae-resistant shingles during the typical 10-15 year warranty against this growth, the manufacturer will cover the cost of cleaning the roof. (Owens Corning shares coverage after the first year.) However, don't expect a new roof or an easy fight. The use of qualifying phrases such as "adversely affected" and "pronounced discoloration" indicates potential problems with the complaint.
4. Wind surety requires proper sealing.The best tiles are designed and guaranteed to withstand winds of up to
110 km/h in the first 10 years. However, warranties state that tiles must be exposed to direct sunlight to seal properly. If the shingles are installed in cold climates or if the roof does not receive enough direct sunlight to seal the tracks, the windbreak does not apply. Coverage extends to 130 mph on some brands, but requires a strong peak wind pattern and manufacturer brand support.
5. Beware of hot ceilings.If you don't know how your roof was built, you should find out before you decide on a tile. For example, if you have an insulated roof with no ventilation, your tile warranty could be void from day one.
6. Real estate buyers, be careful with money transfers.Most manufacturers transfer a lifetime warranty from the original owner to the first subsequent purchaser, although coverage is reduced to 50 years. Some manufacturers only transfer if the home is sold within the first 10 years of the warranty period; for TAMKO it should be within two years. Most manufacturers require written notice of change of ownership within 30 to 60 days of sale, and Owens Corning charges a $100 transfer fee.
Contributing Editor Sean Groom lives in Simsbury, Connecticut. Rodney Diaz photos.
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