CertainTeed STM 10th ed

Ce r t a i nTe e d

Tenth Edition

Shingle Technology Manual

S

PECIALIS

T

SH

IN

GLE

QUALITY

CertainTeed

Shingle

Technology

The difference

is knowledge

This educational program helps the professional contractor distinguish himself from the fly-by-night contractor in the eyes of the homeowner. To become a Shingle Quality Specialist, you must pass the test that covers the material in this manual.

Online Testing

Test online at www.certainteed.com/sqstest for instant grading.

Use trade knowledge and credentials to win more jobs.

CertainTeed offers the industrys strongest trade knowledge and most meaningful credential programs. Learn about the latest roofing products, selling strategies and shingle installation guidelines. Then earn credentials as a sign of distinction to separate your company from the competition.

Trade Knowledge

The Shingle Technology Manual is a unique source of Information about shingle manufacturing and selling techniques. The Shingle Technology Manual covers every aspect of a high-quality roof installation.

Company Credentials

The SELECT ShingleMaster is the highest level credential available, and differentiates you in the eyes of homeowners even further.

The ShingleMaster credential shows homeowners your company is committed to craftsmanship and professionalism.

For information on how these programs work and the many benefits they offer:

Call 800-404-9880 or visit www.certainteed.com/edge

or write to: CertainTeed Corp, P.O. Box 20126, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-0126

An inside look at the Science of manufacturing an asphalt shingle

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Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 2

Section 1 Excellence vs. Low Price: What Is the Objective? ................................................................... 3

Section 2 Selling Styles ............................................................................................................................ 9

Section 3 Shingle Mat ............................................................................................................................ 14

Section 4 Asphalt and Stabilizer ............................................................................................................ 16

Section 5 Shingle Granules and Backsurfacing ..................................................................................... 21

Section 6 Shingle Design ....................................................................................................................... 26

Section 7 Warranty ................................................................................................................................. 30

Section 8 Packaging ............................................................................................................................... 37

Section 9 Testing and Quality Assurance............................................................................................... 40

Section 10 Credentials to Set You Apart ................................................................................................. 43

Shingle Quality SpecialistThe Shingle Technology Advantage

Editor: Jay B. Butch

The editor gratefully acknowledges contributions by the following team members: James Leonard,

Richard Snyder, Steve Koch, Steven Laurey, Mark Harner, Dale Walton and Louis Terrenzio

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Section 1 Excellence vs. Low Price

What is the objective?

Most manufacturers take both price and quality into consideration in the design and manufacture of their products. But when excellence is the top priority, the product line re-flects it. Of course, higher quality may cost a bit more. That higher price from the manufac-turer forces the contractor to face the same choice of priorities. If he chooses the higher

quality path, he must pay more. And now he must somehow convince his prospect of the higher value of his pass-through price.

This handbook reveals the details of the design and assembly decisions a manufacturer must make as he works his way through the high quality vs. low price issues. In the end, you will be able to choose among the shingle products available to make your own informed choice.

Lets assume a contractor chooses to spend the extra bucks for excellence. He is then faced with

the task of convincing his prospects that he made the right decision: a decision thats right, not only for him, but also for them!

How does a contractor who offers high grade service and product convince the homeowner that, in fact, it is true that you get what you pay for? To put together a convincing argument, the contractor needs to understand that, in the case of both his service and the products he proposes to install, the homeowners choice comes down to a very basic concept. Question: Will the proposed new roof system meet his or her objectives? Addressing and meeting the homeowners objectives is central to the preparation of an effective sales presentation. Believe it or not, the objectives are pretty much common to all homeowners, although the mix of priorities is not.

Here are the four basic objectives. 1. Simple problem solving: stop the leak 2. Peace of mind: prevent a leak/assured reliable performance/no stress 3. Property value: higher resale value or quick turnover 4. Pride of ownership: aesthetic improvement

Are you wondering why price is not included as an objective? Its true, almost before we introduce ourselves, the question is raised, How much will it be? Nevertheless, price is not a homeowner objective. It is a hurdle that he or she must clear to reach his or her objectives. Keep this in mind as you think about how to use the knowledge in this handbook.

Customer objectives

Most roofing projects involve a combination, or mix, of all four of the objectives just listed. The lower numbered objectives foster lower priced products. Higher numbered objectives foster higher priced products. It is usually impossible to know for sure the mix of priorities assigned to the objectives in this bundle. Nevertheless, this mix, however it is distributed, is the measure of project excellence in the buyers mind. Simply stated, excellence is what the

More than any other

factor, the difference in

shingles comes down to

this: Is the man ufac turers

first priority low price or

excellent quality?

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buyer wants you to deliver. Price is an obstacle that limits perfection. If price were no object, the project would change drastically.

Whether you sell by making face-to-face presentations, direct mail or mailbox drop-offs, you should address the homeowners need to reach all four objectives. Many contractors assume that choosing the right contractor is the most important thing on the mind of the prospect. In fact, choosing the contractor is important to the homeowner only because it is another hurdle to be overcome to achieve his true goal, a new roof system. If the buyer could purchase a prefabricated roof system off a shelf or a showroom floor, he would do it without compunction. The need to choose a contractor adds uncertainty to the purchase.

Good contractors are properly obsessed with the task of reducing that uncertainty and proving they are to be trusted. But, in this obsession to prove their own trustworthiness, contractors sometimes lose sight of the basic fact that the homeowner wants a new roof system. He needs a contractor to install it. It is therefore important to present, one way or another, the superiority of your proposed roof system over other possible choices. To show the benefits of the system you propose, talk about its ability to meet the homeowners objectives. Do this and you will be talking his/her language. When you know the pros and cons of the basic building block of a residential roof system, the shingle, this task is not difficult. That is what this handbook provides.

Translate features to benefits

Much of the information in this handbook is technical in nature. It focuses on shingle features. A few customers will demand the technical facts, but most simply want to understand the benefits of the technical features. To translate the technical features to customer benefits, think about the customers objectives and choose language that complements those objectives. Lets see how to relate features and benefits to the customers objectives.

Objective Feature Benefit Language

Solve a Contractorexperience&workforce Stopstheleak Problem Productwarranty

Peace of Contractorreferrals Finishthedifficulttaskofcontractorselection Mind Materialquality Startthejob Warrantytermsandlimitations Getahandleonwhenthejobwillfinish Manufacturersservicetrackrecord Moveontootherthingsthataremorefun,lessstressful

Property Shinglestyle Makesthehouselookbetterthannew Value Color Makesresalequicker,easier Warrantytransferability Eliminatesapotentialblocktosaleofproperty

Pride of Shinglestyle Justlikeacustomremodelofakitchenorbath, Ownership Color Buttheneighborsenjoyit,too

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Understanding the Interplay of the Objectives

If its true that all four customer objectives are usually bundled or mixed together, the mix of priorities assigned to each objective in the bundle can vary widely from one homeowner to another. For purposes of the discussion that follows, when we talk about the primary objective, keep in mind that the remaining objectives in the mix are also factors in the homeowners decision.

It is important to understand that, because the objectives and assigned priorities of each customer can be so different, your sales approach must offer the buying party a choice of roof systems. Only the homeowner can know what mix is right for him. This means making an informed selection among good, better and best alternatives. Materials offered in the CertainTeed Business Resources Catalog can help you make a Good-Better-Best sales presentation. It is strongly recommended you ask for one. For now, your task is to appreciate the variety of the homeowner motivations you face as you attempt to justify the value of your job proposal.

1. Solve a Problem There are some jobs, like repairs or fix-ups for resale or commercial maintenance, that have pretty much a single objective: stop the leak. This homeowner may be willing to go on patching forever. He/She doesnt want to apply imagination to the project. He/She doesnt care about aesthetics.

There is literally no shingle in the market that wont stop a leak for at least a while, if properly installed. Workmanship is the primary variable. You dont have to know much more about roofing than how to nail on a three-tab shingle and trowel on black plastic roofing cement. To stop a leak, your status as a Shingle Quality Specialist, quite frankly, is overkill. Some contractors specialize in this work and can develop a very profitable business. But there isnt room for too many contractors in this market niche.

2. Peace of Mind Lets consider the homeowners desire for peace of mind. This is where your larger knowledge base can begin to pay off. This homeowner not only wants to stop todays leak, but he/she also wants to prevent all leaks for a long time. He/She also wants to avoid other problems that might arise. He/She doesnt know what those problems might be, but wants a promise that there will be no surprises. He/She expects you to know all about those surprises and to keep them away.

At this level, the information in the Shingle Technology Manual pays off big-time. After reading the book, you will be an expert in the potential surprises a poorly manufactured shingle can spring on the unsuspecting homeowner. You can explain the benefits of spending slightly more for a product now so there wont be any surprises later. And if your installers are in the CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator program, you can also talk about the possible surprises in store for a homeowner who employs a contractor workforce of uncertain skill and commitment.

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3. Property Value This objective can be a lot more complex, especially if the homeowner also assigns high priority to the other three objectives. The customer has a leak, a small one. It comes and goes without much damage (solve a problem). Its worrying him/her a little. He/She doesnt want it to get bigger and cause serious damage (peace of mind). He/She is thinking about selling the house in about three years, and thinks a new roof might make that sale easier. Some of the other houses in the neighborhood have installed dimensional shingles (property value). He/She and his/her spouse both agree that their house is looking a little old-fashioned. And what if they dont move? Then they definitely want a nice-looking house without leaks (pride of ownership).

To address this bundle of objectives effectively, you will have to reach beyond Shingle Qual-ity Specialist and Master Shingle Applicator. Shingle Quality Specialist will help you discuss the benefit of SureStart protection until the home goes up for sale. You would talk about the benefit of transferring CertainTeeds warranty to the new owner. Then you should be able to demonstrate with literature and pictures the beneficial billboard effect a handsome new dimensional roof can have on a prospective buyer. And if the homeowners decide not to sell, then theyll have no regrets for choosing a better shingle.

4. Pride of Ownership This objective appears to be less complex than the last. But for the contractor whose notion of a sales presentation is centered around low price, this customer is much more difficult to handle effectively.

You know that some homeowners reroof before the threat of a leak ever crosses their minds. If you asked them the right question they might tell you, We just bought the house last year. I cant imagine why the former owners ever put white shingles on. I told Bob that our first priority had to be a new roof!

But Bob is worried. Hes thinking, Thats all true. But this roof doesnt leak. It has plenty of life left in it. If we make this investment I want to be sure it adds to my property value, and I dont want any surprises!

Pride is driving the change. But the buying party typically involves two people. Many contractors take misplaced pride in their approach to an estimate like this, where the roof is in good shape. One might say to this couple, Listen, Im going to do you a favor. This roof has another 15 or 20 years left in it. Most people would move away before this roof might need to be replaced. Im not in the business of stealing your money. Save yourself the expense. Buy a new kitchen.

This contractor, in addition to his good ethics, is looking to create good will and maybe a referral with his honesty. Unfortunately, he is not responsive to the homeowners objectives. If this contractor were to ask questions and find out the true objectives, he could add to his honest evaluation of the existing roof a Good-Better-Best proposal to upgrade. Then his honesty might pay off much more directly with a profitable job, in addition to referrals that will come later.

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Good-Better-Best Selling

If you could only know what that mix of objectives really is, wouldnt you be a heck of a salesperson? You dont know that mix, but dont fret. No one salesperson knows a customers personal mix of priorities for sure. Not even the great ones. The solution is to learn to offer a choice of Good-Better-Best roof systems. This is NOT hard to learn. It does take practice. The great salesman is not born, hes taught.

CertainTeed supports your sales efforts with the Business Resources Catalog, containing very effective brochures and the Information from Your Professional Roofer estimate folder that help you sell Good-Better-Best options. In the meantime, here are some rules of thumb about Good-Better-Best selling that will tempt you to seek more information.

As you read the material that follows, keep in mind that this technical information is meant to build your confidence in the product you sell and in your ability to convince others that your choice is the one they can trust. Your status as a Shingle Quality Specialist is also a signal to the buyer that you are a contractor who operates on a higher level than others who might be dropping off bids for cheaper roof systems.

Good-Better-BestsellingISNOT:Simplyofferingapriceonthree

different shingles

Offeringshingleupgradesatcost

Offeringthreebrandsofthesame shingle style

Good-Better-BestSellingIS:Presentingamenuofthreechoicesofroofsystems,eachwithclearlydifferentiatedvalue and appearance to the buyer

Educatingthebuyeraboutthedifferent appearance and benefits of each system

Incrementallypricingthedifferentchoicesto correspond to the different values

Pricingbasedonanunderstandingof yourowncostsandobjectives

GBB Rules of Thumb

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Section 1 Questions

1-1 Price is not a hurdle for the homeowner.

A. True

B. False

1-2 Which of the following is NOT an objective of a homeowner when buying a new roof

system?

A. Stop the leak

B. Low price

C. Aesthetic improvement

D. Higher resale value

1-3 To show the benefits of the system you propose, you should talk about its ability to

meet the homeowners objectives.

A. True

B. False

1-4 Even though the objectives and priorities of each customer are different, its best to

offer them more than one option.

A. True

B. False

1-5 The Shingle Quality Specialist qualification will give you the biggest payoff with

which homeowner objective?

A. Pride of ownership

B. Solving a problem

C. Peace of mind

D. Property value

1-6 Some homeowners reroof before the threat of a leak ever crosses their minds.

This is which objective?

A. Pride of ownership

B. Peace of mind

C. Property value

D. Solving a problem

1-7 Only a great salesperson can know a customers personal mix of objectives

for sure.

A. True

B. False

1-8 Which of the following is NOT Good-Better-Best selling?

A. Educating the buyer about the different appearances of the shingles offered

B. Offering three choices with clearly differentiated value and appearance

C. Setting your pricing incrementally to correspond with the products different values

D. Offering shingle upgrades at cost

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Section 2 Selling Styles

In the field of sales, how you present the information is almost as important as the accuracy and relevance of the information. Effective communication is commonly a weak spot for roofing contractors. In fact, its a weakness for a majority of people, regardless of profession. Nine out of ten people will tell you they would rather eat broccoli than give a speech. Here are three approaches to communicating a sales message that are adapted to varying levels of speaking confidence and different selling styles.

Selling Styles

There are two distinct approaches used by contractors to win jobs, to get work. One is bid submittal. The other is selling.

Bidding is the common system used for commercial and industrial contract work. It is also the method preferred by most residential roofing contractors. Some contractors have a negative perception of selling. Remember, selling is merely communicating effectively with customers to help them meet their objectives. So, is bidding really the right method?

Lets put it this way. Its a style that, on the surface, is easily learned and commonly understood. Many of your former employees could work up a price and make a bid on a shingle roof. The bidder might make the assumption that materials plus wages plus 10% produces a profit. Its the typical method to compile low price estimates.

Experienced professional contractors who bid jobs inevitably have mixed feelings about the bidding process. It seems to be fair to the homeowner because the odds are in favor of the buyer. These odds allow contractors to feel good about themselves, their integrity and their fairness.

On the other hand, sometimes it seems like an asylum run by the inmates. Pricing can be run down below profitability by contractors who are newcomers, who dont understand how to price for profitability, or by sinkers who are pricing strictly for short-term cash flow and will soon be out of business.

So, is it good for the homeowner? It is, in fact, buyer friendly only if the buyer is well informed and experienced in the contracting process, as is true in the commercial or industrial context. The homeowners risk is that the roofers performance will be below standard. And, in the bidding process, just who will educate the homeowner about fair standards for performance? Nobody! The result is the perception is created that price is king and low price rules. And fringe players hold the wild cards.

Over the years, we have asked thousands of roofers what they most need to improve profitability.

They want the opportunity to: Prove their work is superior

Demonstrate their products are superior Prove their service is superior

I want to know how to convince the buyer Im worth more than the lowest bid, is what they say.

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To get paid for truly superior work, superior products and superior service, the contractor has to sell. He has to convince customers through face-to-face communication. Bidding doesnt cut it. If your bid looks like everyone elses and you havent sold the homeowner that youre superior to the low bidder, and dont be surprised if price is used as the tie-breaker.

We propose for your consideration three approaches to selling: First is the approach we call Sorta Selling. But dont let the name fool you. It works. Sorta Selling adds the Good-Better-Best method to the common mailbox approach. It blends marketing power with bidding. Its sort of like selling, but its not.

The second we call Better-Than Bidding. You still get to keep most of your bidding habits, but now you add marketing and the opportunity to hook some face-to-face sales presentations to the process.

Third is the real thing, Professional Selling. No sorta like or better than. No bidding at all. Just out-and-out professional selling.

You can choose one approach and stay with it. Or use alternate approaches for different types of customer needs. Over time, you can work your way through the various approaches to eventually adopt the style best for you. The first approach, Sorta Selling, has the least opportunity for profit. The last, using Professional Selling, offers the most profit opportunity. Thats not to say that any one of them wont provide all the profit you want or need. Much depends on you and your marketplace.

Sorta Selling

As the name implies, this approach isnt really a sales approach. Its a substitute for a sales approach. Its really a marketing or advertising approach. Its for those of you who are so addicted to bidding you just cant break the habit. Sorta Selling can bring you more sales. And, if you stick to the principles of Good-Better-Best Selling, it can also bring you more profit.

In a nutshell, this is the idea. When you mail your bid to the prospect, include a carefully composed package of materials that supplement your bid. The materials should very clearly show the Better and Best product alternatives. This material should discuss and illustrate, with both words and pictures, the features and benefits of each choice. The proposal or estimate you enclose should show the installed price for each product separately.

Lets be clear about this. Tossing together a bunch of brochures on various products and enclosing them in the same envelope with only your Good proposal will not work. Youll raise questions without answers. You will create confusion.

Here are some guidelines for a Sorta Selling package: Prepare a separate bid sheet for each position of Good, Better and Best. Its easy to create

a template for each sheet. Or you can use the Information from Your Professional Roofer estimate folder.

Attach a product brochure to each sheet. Enclose the CertainTeed warranty in the package.

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Also enclose the Choosing a Professional Roofer brochure. This helps to chase away low-ball bidders.

Include a cover letter that explains... a. You have provided three options because you believe the customer deserves a choice. b. Point out there are many shingle products on the market. The shingles you are

proposing have stood the test of time and earned your confidence. c. Call attention to the benefits of the enclosed warranty. If you are selling CertainTeed,

you should point out SureStart protection. d. If you propose a CertainTeed Integrity Roof System, mention the benefits of each

component. e. If you have Master Shingle Applicators on your workforce, talk about that. f. Say how soon you believe you could start the work if the job agreement is concluded

within 10 days, for example, or by a given date. g. Include the names or locations of at least three jobs you have completed nearby. h . The rest is your option.

Better-Than Bidding

Better-Than Bidding uses a modified Sorta Selling approach. However, the objective is not to make a sale by mail, as it is with Sorta Selling. Rather, we want to generate an invitation from the homeowner to drop by with more information in other words, to make a sales presentation. The in-home presentation can be more abbreviated than the sales presentation required by Professional Selling. Its less stressful for the contractor who doesnt enjoy selling. Hes there to answer questions and be a consultant. This approach still falls short of Professional Selling, but it can be a transition to becoming a sales pro.

Heres how it works: You measure up the job and prepare the bid. Slip the bid into a CertainTeed Information from Your Professional Roofer estimate folder. The folder shows the CertainTeed high end shingles and Landmark Series laminates. It also highlights the benefits of installing a roofing system, such as the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System.

Write in the price for each one of the products you want to propose. Write a price in all the slots if you choose. Using this visually appealing folder with the prices written in stirs up curiosity. The homeowner may be provoked to call you. We want him/her to ask about these other products with prices under them.

Whats this ASTM thing mean? Why didnt you put prices for all the products? Whats this WinterGuard thing? How come this and how come that?

These questions open the door for you to reply, Why dont I drop over Monday night to show you and your spouse some brochures and sample boards on these other products. Probably wont take more than 45 minutes to answer all your questions.

The desired result? You will be invited to the prospects home. There you can serve as a technical consultant to the homeowner and demonstrate your competence and professionalism.

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Also, its a good idea to enclose some brochures and a cover letter, as outlined previously.

Your estimate is a Better-Than bid because it looks and acts like a bid. But it will never be the lowest and, therefore, is not intended to win the job by low price, as bids do. It is intended to create an opportunity to get invited to make a sales call. Or, if no invitation is forthcoming, to operate like a Sorta Selling bid.

Professional Selling

The third option is the full-blown, professional Good-Better-Best sales presentation. The seller who employs Professional Selling techniques is able to bring in more profitable work and take the profitable jobs away from those who dont employ his skills. He is able to take the cream of the crop. This is the highest level approach to selling, one which you can attain!

Here are some highlights of Professional Selling techniques: All leads that meet the companys customer target criteria will be scheduled for a personal

call. Every sales call is treated as a potential sale. Sellers arrive at a sales presentation fully prepared with information and sales support

materials to close the sale at the end of the call. Lowest price is never used as an argument to close a sale. No presentation is rushed in favor of moving to the next prospect. Each presentation stands

on its own merit. Pricing is determined by a plan that is tied to a profit goal. Sellers do not have the option of

selling below the line. Professional sellers enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Like athletes, they understand that defeat is

part of the process and that winning is the result of superior skill. They are willing to practice in order to approach perfection.

Professional sales people love to win.

So how do you do it? By learning the information that follows, you will gain a level of expertise and confidence that can be invaluable for Professional Selling. But you must also study selling as a profession. You can attend seminars or one of many sales courses. An excellent option is to join a network that concentrates on sales techniques. Many books are available. Try to select resources that are particular to your trade. Youll save a lot of time, otherwise wasted.

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Section 2 Questions

2-1 Selling is the most common approach used by most residential

roofing contractors.

A. True

B. False

2-2 Sorta Selling is

A. A substitute for a sales approach

B. A marketing or advertising approach

C. A method of selling that can bring you more sales and profit

D. All of the above

2-3 The objective of the Better than Bidding sales approach is to make

the sale by mail.

A. True

B. False

2-4 Which of the following is not a Professional Selling technique?

A. Arrive at the home prepared to close the sale at the end of the call

B. Pricing is pre-determined and tied to a profit goal

C. Use lowest price as an argument to close the sale

D. All of the above

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Section 3 Shingle Mat

What is shingle fiber glass mat?

Shingle fiber glass mat is the backbone for the shingle. Everything else asphalt, stabilizer, granules, back surfacing, release tape, sealant, etc. depends on the glass mat to carry the shingle through the manufacturing process and provide the majority of reinforcement properties needed for good handling and long life.

What makes fiber glass mat different?

Fiber glass mat is produced from a uniform dispersion of very fine glass fibers and a binder that holds them together. Weight is one factor that affects the performance of fiber glass mats. CertainTeeds research in the past indicated that lighter weight glass mats available at the time did not provide sufficient reinforcement to resist tearing during application or cracking during their intended service life. Even though the glass mat is typically less than 2% of the total shingle weight, small differences in its weight can make big differences in the physical toughness of the finished shingle. However, glass mat weight alone should not be used to predict the expected performance of a finished shingle.

CertainTeed manufactures high quality shingles by optimizing the performance characteristics of the blended components using specially formulated fiber glass mat, asphalt, stabilizers, granules and asphalt. CertainTeed designs and specifies component materials used in manufacturing shingles so that they combine together to create a superior finished product with characteristics better than the sum of its parts. Recent proprietary technological advances in fiber glass mat chemical and physical properties, along with CertainTeeds carefully designed and selected component materials, have resulted in improved product performance ensuring compliance of its shingles to CertainTeeds stringent performance and code requirements. In short, CertainTeed designs and manufactures shingles to meet very strict specifications. One of the most important requirements is the requirement for tear strength. The minimum allowable tear strength to meet the tough requirements of ASTM D3462 is 1,700 grams of force on the Elmendorf pendulum tear tester. All CertainTeed shingles meet or exceed ASTM D3462 standards look for the UL label printed on these shingle bundle wrappers certifying their compliance. UL routinely inspects and evaluates CertainTeeds shingles to ensure continued code compliance.

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Section 3 Questions

3-1 Shingle mat provides the majority of reinforcement properties needed for good

handling shingles.

A. True

B. False

3-2 Fiber glass mat weight is not the only factor that should be used to predict the

performance of a shingle.

A. True

B. False

3-3 The minimum tear strength to meet ASTM D3462 is 1700 grams of force.

A. True

B. False

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Section 4 Asphalt and Stabilizer

What is the role of asphalt in a shingle?

Asphalts primary purpose in shingles is to serve as a waterproofing agent. This same coating asphalt also holds the granules in place and adds to the overall strength of the shingle. Because of the composite nature of the shingle, asphalt serves other critical functions as well. A special grade of asphalt is used to adhere the pieces of laminated shingles together during manufacture, and another asphalt is used as the sealant that will activate on the roof to adhere shingles together to resist wind blow-off.

How do asphalts vary?

You might not realize it by looking at a shingle, but asphalts vary by crude oil source, processing method, physical characteristics and performance. Crude oil can come from the United States, the Mideast, Africa, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada or any number of other sources worldwide. Asphalt compositions vary depending on where the crude oils come from geographically, how they are processed and handled by the refiner, and whether or not they are blended with other crudes.

CertainTeed selects the asphalt it uses by ensuring it complies with rigorous performance standards. Compliance with a performance standard is determined by stringent laboratory tests. In fact, CertainTeed purchases all raw materials based on strict performance criteria and not simply by price or prescription. In practical terms, this is like when a homeowner says to you that, regardless of the price, the roof you install must keep his or her home waterproof and attractive for many years. Contrast this performance specification with the homeowner who says simply give me your best price.

Whats the best asphalt?

The best asphalt will stay flexible and not dry out or become hard or brittle for the expected life of the shingle. The weather-aging process will cause all asphalts to lose flexibility over time, but the best (most durable) asphalt has the least reduction of its physical properties over time.

Even after a good asphalt has been chosen, it must be processed properly. There are certain critical asphalt properties that must be monitored by the shingle manufacturer to ensure that the finished product will meet performance requirements. These are: its softening point (the temperature at which the asphalt softens), its viscosity (flow resistance at various temperatures), its durability (including resistance to erosion), and its toughness (including resistance to flexural cracking and thermal shock).

Asphalt arriving at a shingle

manufacturing plant can

vary widely in composition

and performance, unless the

manufacturer applies rigorous,

exacting requirements and

controls.

17


All of these factors together help to define the overall quality of the asphalt and can predict the shingles performance in extreme temperatures and during the aging process. Here are some examples of how these asphalt characteristics can affect shingle performance: 1. Shingles produced with asphalt that softens at too low of a temperature may scuff easily

and be impossible to apply in hot weather without damage. 2. Shingles produced with brittle asphalt or asphalt having a tendency to become brittle

over time will be more susceptible to cracking, and thus may have a shorter life. Shingles produced with asphalt that lacks flexibility will also be difficult to form onto hips or ridges and are more likely to fail prematurely.

What is coating asphalt?

Coating asphalt is applied on the top and bottom of all fiber glass shingles. Its formulated to be hard enough to resist scuffing, but flexible enough to firmly hold the granules and resist cracking during handling and after application.

The correct formulation of coating asphalt is critical to obtain the desired handling and application characteristics, especially in hot summer and cold winter conditions.

Why do some shingles scuff more easily than others?

The occurrence of scuffing can be the result of a manufacturers design compromise in which scuff resistance and flexibility are optimized to increase the long-term durability of the shingles. Softer, more pliable high-grade asphalt, the type with the best long-term weathering characteristics, may produce a shingle that is more prone to scuffing during hot weather application, but it will perform much better over time than a shingle made from hard, brittle asphalt and exhibiting poor handling characteristics in cold weather.

Model building codes require fiber glass asphalt shingles to bear a label indicating proven compliance to ASTM D3462 performance standards, including tear strength, nail-pull resistance and pliability. The label must be authorized by an independent third-party laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories.

Thats why its more important than ever that the shingles you select comply with this stringent requirement and that this compliance is verified.

CertainTeed shingles that meet these standards can be relied on to perform well through out North America. If you are shopping for or selling a fiber glass shingle, choose wisely.

To manufacture the best quality shingles, the asphalt components must

meet specific performance requirements:

1. Softening point 2. Viscosity 3. Durability 4. Toughness

18


What is stabilizer?

Stabilizer (sometimes called filler) is a finely ground mineral that is mixed into the asphalt. Unstabilized asphalt is not a satisfactory bonding agent for shingles. It lacks body and does not have the desired toughness or durability; it is susceptible to cracking and typically has a shorter shingle life.

Too little stabilizer makes the shingle soft and gooey at first and allows it to scuff more easily during hot weather application. Too much stabilizer in the mix can turn a shingle hard and brittle, and dramatically shorten the life of the shingle. The balance between just the right amount of stabilizer and too much or too little can be as little as 3% or 4%. Thats why stabilizer technology and manufacturing process controls are critical to a shingles performance.

How is the best stabilizer chosen?

There are several types of mineral stabilizers. The best ones have a consistent size range when pulverized, thus permitting careful process control during shingle manufacturing.

Although several mineral/rock materials are used in the industry to produce inexpensive stabilizers, extensive testing and research by CertainTeed demonstrates that pulverized limestone produces the best results in terms of shingle performance. Because of the uniformity of the particles it produces when crushed and its compatibility with asphalt, limestone, although often more costly, is CertainTeeds choice.

Early shingle failure due to cracked asphalt a problem with some other brands can be traced to substandard stabilizer made from granule fines recovered from the shingle granule manufacturing process or other inadequate materials.

All CertainTeed fiber glass shingles are tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories to meet the ASTM D3462 standards and we can prove it. When you see a UL label certifying compliance to ASTM D3462 on a bundle of CertainTeed fiber glass shingles, you can have confidence that they meet this tough standard.

Copies of CertainTeeds UL Certificate of Compliance are available on our website (www.certainteed.com). For more information call 800-233-8990.

CertainTeed continually

monitors stabilizer content,

maintaining a tight range to

ensure product quality.

19


Since it is less expensive than asphalt, it is tempting to overload the asphalt with stabilizer. But just as too much sand will harm the strength of concrete, too much stabilizer will weaken the performance and durability of asphalt. The determination of just how much stabilizer to use is one of the most important aspects of a shingle design specification.

Although we cannot reveal the exact formulation details of the CertainTeed asphalt and stabilizer recipe, we can say that extensive investment in advanced laboratory test equipment makes possible the precise control of the asphalt/stabilizer formula at each of our plants. Equipment used in this control process includes Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology, which measure filler content by determining the relative number of hydrogen (H) atoms in the filled coating; the laser particle size analyzer, which measures mineral particles for size and size distribution within the asphalt; and several viscosity measuring instruments.

20

Section 4 Questions

4-1 Asphalts primary purpose in a shingle is to serve as a waterproofing agent.

A. True

B. False

4-2 Which of the following is NOT an asphalt property monitored when determining if it

meets performance requirements?

A. Durability

B. Softening point

C. Color

D. Flexibility

4-3 Coating asphalt is applied on the top and bottom of the shingle and the correct

formulation is critical.

A. True

B. False

4-4 Most building codes require ASTM D3462; therefore, it is especially important that

the shingles you choose comply with this performance standard.

A. True

B. False

4-5 Too little stabilizer makes a shingle soft and allows it to scuff more easily

during application.

A. True

B. False

4-6 The difference between too much stabilizer and too little can be as little as 3% - 4%.

A. True

B. False

4-7 CertainTeed uses pulverized sand as a stabilizer in shingles.

A. True

B. False

21

Section 5 Shingle Granules and Backsurfacing

What are shingle granules?

Granules are fine-grain, opaque, crushed rock particles that have been colored by a ceramic coating. The best granules are consistent in size, have a highly stable coloration and do not allow light to pass through them.

Although the best granule colors will not fade, they can appear to change color over time. This occurs for several reasons. First, granules are delivered to the factory with a light, protective treatment. The surface treatment is applied to reduce dusting in our factories and to promote adhesion between the granules and the asphalt. One side effect of the light pro-tective treatment is that it acts to make colors richer and darker, just like oil polish on wood furniture or wax polish on car finishes. But this treatment rapidly weathers off. It changes the reflective characteristics of the granules on the shingle and may be perceived as a slight change in color. Color shifts are also caused by gradual dirt buildup, which mutes or dulls the color.

What is the function of the shingle granule?

A main function of granules is to block ultraviolet (UV) light from reaching the asphalt in the shingle. UV rays, if allowed to reach unprotected asphalt, will age the asphalt prematurely. Quartz, for example, would not make good shingle granules because the UV light shines through it.

Another major purpose of granules is to color the shingle, providing aesthetic appeal. Some shingle colors are simply a blend of two or three different-colored granules. Others are highly complex blends that involve five colors. In some CertainTeed shingles, unique overlay manufacturing techniques can add even more distinct areas of contrasting colors to further enhance the appearance on the roof.

CertainTeed was the first to develop a patented technology that produces solar reflective granules with deep and vibrant color blends. CertainTeed Landmark Solaris shingles have advanced granules that reflect solar energy and radiate heat much more than traditional shingles.

CertainTeeds Certa-Blender technology is considered the most advanced in the industry when it comes to producing complex color patterns, and has been patented for many of CertainTeeds shingles. CertainTeed developed a new patented technology that allows sharp color to be applied to each shingle tab individually. This color application system is used to create Highland Slate, which replicates the true look of blended slate with precise accuracy. Also, CertainTeed was the first to develop a patented technology that produces solar reflective granules with deep and vibrant color blends.

Why arent single- or uniform-color shingles more common?

Shingles using granules of just one color, unmixed with other colors, are not widely available, except in white, because technically its almost impossible to consistently achieve an

Granules serve two

main purposes. They

block UV rays and add

color to the shingle.

22


aesthetically uniform color appearance. This is due to the variations in light reflecting from the surface of granules that point at so many different angles and directions. These angle variations are the result of the manufacturing process. They are impossible to totally avoid and are especially noticeable in darker colors.

To make the visual effect of the granule reflectance more pleasing, several granule colors are usually blended together. In this way, the various colors are enhanced by the variable reflections from the different granules and the blended colors actually become richer to the eye.

Does the color of the shingle have an effect on roof temperature?

Yes. In fact, the temperature on the surface of a roof with light-colored shingles, compared to one with dark-colored shingles, can vary by as much as 50F. CertainTeeds Solaris shingles, available in a variety of colors, can reduce the roofs surface temperature by as much as 30F in the summer.

Attic temperature is less affected if proper ventilation is in place. If the heat conducted through the roof deck is forced up and out of the attic, the temperature can be reduced by as much as 20 degrees. In addition, there will be less effect on living space heat load if the proper amount of ceiling insulation is used.

What can be done about algae stains on shingles?

When moisture is present for a long period of time, algae can grow on shingles. Although the algae has no proven effect on shingle life, it does stain or discolor the shingle. Commonly (and incorrectly) called fungus, this algae staining can be unattractive. The incidence of algae-caused stains can be dramatically reduced by the use of special copper-containing granules.

Copper-containing granules are mixed with colored granules during the manu fac turing process. The effect is to produce a cuprous oxide wash, which is dispersed by rain or other moisture. The wash inhibits growth of blue-green algae and the resulting stains.

To be effective, this method for attaining algae stain resistance requires that adequate quantities of copper-based granules be properly dispersed throughout the shingle. Algae-resistant shingles are sold by most manufacturers. Using the correct minimum percentage of these granules is critical to the duration of the protection. In the past there was a wide variation in the percentage used by different manufacturers, which accounts for the early failure of the algae resistance on some shingles.

Ceramic coating

Copper layer

Mineral core

Copper Granules

23


What about CertainTeeds algae resistance warranties?

If algae staining results on shingles covered by an algae-resistant warranty, most manufacturers, including CertainTeed, have the option of cleaning or replacing the contaminated shingles.

Do algae resistant shingles resist growth of moss?

Moss is the green spongy stuff that grows on the north side of trees and on the ground in shaded, damp areas. In some areas, it also grows on roof shingles. Mosses reproduce via airborne spores. If a roof is covered with moist organic matter or soil, and if there are minerals and fixed nitrogen present in the dirt on the roof, mosses can grow from the spores carried there. Clean roofs resist moss growth. Keeping moss and lichens in check is more difficult than controlling algae. Cleaning with special formulations can help, but prevention is the best method. Keep the roof clear of debris, such as leaves and pine needles, and keep tree limbs cut back from the roof.

But even when dirt is present on the roof, it is possible that the copper used in most algae-resistant shingles today will prevent moss development in its early stages. 3M, a supplier of pigmented copper granules used to prevent algae, believes these granules will also be effective against moss:

One may expect copper to kill mosses given the appropriate concentrationAt early stages of growth (protonema), during or soon after germination, while the moss has not yet produced an upright plant, it should be possible to inhibit or kill them. (3M Product Bulletin).

However, note that moss resistance is not a warranted feature of algae-resistant shingles. Until the theory has been proven in practice, dont make any promises.

What if shingles are stained by algae?

The appearance of a shingle roof is important to a buyer, and algae staining can cause problems to customer satisfaction. If shingles arent algae-resistant, it may be possible to at least lighten the discoloration with the use of an algicidal treatment. CertainTeed suggests using Safers Moss and Algae Cleaner, Shingle Shield Roof and Deck Cleaner or a mixture of one part laundry bleach and three parts water, with a pinch of trisodium phosphate (known as TSP, available in hardware stores). When using a bleach solution be sure to cover and protect all of the plants and shrubbery in the vicinity. Keep in mind that most of the solution will be running down the rain spout. Extreme care should also be taken when cleaning shingles. Use a soft-bristled brush and gently clean the shingles so as not to loosen or remove the granules. A word of caution: The cleaning solution will make the roof surface slippery and hazardous to walk on during treatment.

Other cleanup problems

Generally, cleaning shingles discolored by rust, cement, or paint is a difficult task. It is usually best to replace the damaged shingles. Rust stains may be reduced by using a diluted water solution of oxalic acid. But, just as with bleach, always remember to protect the plants in the area from the acid solution. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse off with plenty of water. Never try to remove cement or mortar from shingles with muriatic acid.

24


Descriptively named after its color, Tobacco Juice is a dry residue that may accumulate on roofs and walls under certain weather conditions. On steep slopes, this water-borne residue may trickle down the roof and stain surfaces that are not properly protected by gutters or rain-diverters. Light-colored shingle roofs may also become discolored. On flat roofs, it usually occurs where puddles form and then dry up. This Tobacco-Juicing phenomenon is usually limited to the Southwest region of the United States.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) explains Tobacco-Juicing as being the normal result of the weathering of all asphalt-based productsregardless of their manufacturer. The residue will not affect the performance of the roof and should not be considered a performance problem.1 The conditions necessary for Tobacco-Juicing are: 1) intensive sun exposure, 2) heavy collection of night moisture, and 3) prolonged lack of rain. Typically, all three conditions must exist. Tobacco-Juicing generally occurs only during the first weathering cycle of the roof, rarely appearing after the first year or rainy season.

Industry research has failed to find any ingredient or procedure that would eliminate the occurrence of Tobacco-Juicing. Although the residue formation cannot be prevented, gently hosing down the roof at regular intervals during long, dry periods of the roofs first summer after installation and installing gutters or rain-diverters can minimize the discoloration associated with Tobacco-Juicing.

1 Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association Technical Bulletin: Water Soluble Residue from Asphalt Roofing Products (Tobacco-Juicing), ARMA, November 1994.

What is shingle backsurfacing?

Shingle backsurfacing is usually a fine mineral material applied to the back of the shingle after the asphalt is applied. It permits the asphalt shingles to be processed through the fabrication line and stacked without sticking to the machinery, or to each other in storage.

Sand, limestone and slag fines are commonly used as backsurfacing materials.

Will the backsurfacing material affect the weight of the shingle?

Yes. A dense, coarse backsurfacing material, with minerals so large they approach granule size, is found on some heavyweight shingles and contributes a substantial part of the weight. Customers can be badly misled if a coarse, heavy backsurfacing is used. Bear in mind, that although backsurfacing adds weight and thickness, it doesnt add to the strength of the shingle.

25

Section 5 Questions

5-1 Which of the following is a function of a shingle granule?

A. Color the shingle

B. Block ultraviolet light

C. A and B

D. None of the above

5-2 Shingle release tape must be removed prior to shingle installation.

A. True

B. False

5-3 CertainTeed uses copper granules in its algae-resistant shingles.

A. True

B. False

5-4 It is not possible to use a bleach solution to clean an algae-stained roof.

A. True

B. False

5-5 Its possible that the copper used in algae-resistant shingles will prevent

moss development.

A. True

B. False

5-6 Backsurfacing adds to the strength of a shingle.

A. True

B. False

26

Section 6 Shingle Design

How does shingle design affect roof system quality?

Shingle roofs are designed to provide an attractive appearance while shedding water. The shingle itself must be water resistant, and the system of shingles attached to the roof must prevent water from penetrating all the shingle layers. Risk of water penetration comes from normal weather conditions, such as wind-driven rain and ice dam formations. The risk increases as the roof slope decreases. Water runs off more slowly from lower slopes, and the longer the water is on the roof the more opportunity it has to find a way beneath the shingles and into the house.

Slopes: Slopes below 4/12 have been found to be more susceptible to water penetration. Therefore, manufacturers require special shingle underlayment systems for roofs with lower slopes.

Slopes beneath 2/12 cannot be depended upon to shed water predictably or quickly. Standing water can damage the shingles over time. Therefore no shingle design or system is approved for slopes below 2/12, under any conditions.

Wind: Risk of water penetration is greatly increased if high winds can lift the shingle during rainstorms. Such risk is reduced when additional layers are added to the roof as a result of the shingle design. Various design features contribute to wind resistance. These include sealant stripes that, once sealed, prevent the shingle from lifting in the wind. Advances in sealant formulation have enabled manufacturers to produce shingles that can withstand extreme winds. All of CertainTeeds top-of-the-line shingles carry up to a 130 mph wind warranty.

Coverage: Standard three-tab shingles provides double coverage. CertainTeed also offers a selection of shingles that produce four- and five-layer coverage. Carriage House offers virtually four-ply coverage, and the remarkable Grand Manor product puts an average of five layers of shingles on the roof.

Fastening: Improper fastening of shingles is perhaps the single most frequent reason for shingle system failure. Three common mistakes are high-nailing, using too few fasteners

and angled or slanted fastening. Incorrect fastener placement very often results in unsealed, loose shingles, reduced resistance to wind blow-offs, shingle puncture, fish-mouthing or shingle slippage.

CertainTeed Landmark laminated shingles have a wider nailing area to aid in proper fastening. This feature is called NailTrack. The wider nailing zone 1" versus the standard " makes it easier for contractors to apply shingles correctly and avoid misapplied fasteners. In addition to the wider nailing area, NailTrack

Improper fastening of shingles

is perhaps the single most

frequent reason for shingle

system failure. Three common

mistakes are high-nailing,

using too few fasteners, and

angled or slanted fastening.

27


shingles feature specially formulated Quadra-Bond adhesive for extra strength and durability to hold the two-piece laminated shingles together. In addition, the sealant stripes are placed on the back of the shingle, eliminating the hassle of nail guns getting gummed up.

Its critical to follow manufacturers fastening instructions for each shingle. Failure to do so can not only result in shingle damage and blow-offs, but can also void the warranty.

Styles: CertainTeed offers a variety of distinctly different shingle designs: The first style is a single layer strip shingle. The second style is commonly referred to as an architectural or a laminated shingle. These shingles have a dragon-tooth design that uses a top shingle with teeth cut away to produce a dimensional pattern on the roof. The cut-away teeth are backed by a half-shingle piece that provides an overlap of 1" or so, glued together with an adhesive that also acts as protection against water back-up. In addition, there are three styles that are unique to CertainTeed: The first uses individual tabs applied to the top of a full-sized base shingle to produce a dimensional pattern on the roof, such as the Independence shingle. The second CertainTeed exclusive style, shingles such as Carriage House and Grand Manor, use two full-size base shingles combined into each shingle and may also have an additional laminate portion. The third CertainTeed exclusive style, both Presidential TL and Landmark TL are constructed using tri-laminate technology and are made of two base layers plus a top layer of materials that give a roof tremendous depth compared to typical laminated shingles.

Impact Resistant: Several manufacturers make impact resistant shingles that meet the UL 2218 Class 4 standard. Some are using APP or SBS rubber modified asphalt coating to meet this standard. Depending on the specific shingle product, CertainTeed uses either a non-woven polyester mat or a tough fiber glass scrim on the back of the shingle, and these shingles meet the standard for UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts for the use of UL 2218 Class 4 products. Inform your customers of this, and advise them to check with their insurance company.

Super Shake Style

Dragon-Tooth Style

Shangle Style

Super Shangle Style

28


Solar Reflectance: Although other manufacturers make solar reflective shingles, CertainTeed was the first to develop a patented technology that produces solar reflective shingles with deep and vibrant color blends instead of the typical washed out appearance. In addition, CertainTeed developed innovative, patented technology to create granules with exceptionally high solar reflectance (SR) values. CertainTeed is the first and only manufacturer to offer shingles with reflectance values of SR40! Typical solar reflective shingles are SR25 or above.

CertainTeeds Solaris, Solaris Gold, and Solaris Platinum shingles utilize advanced-technology granules to reflect and reradiate infrared solar energy to a much greater extent than traditional shingles. Using cool roof technology, The Solaris family of shingles can reduce the roofs surface temperature by as much as 50F in the summer compared to standard dark shingles and up to 30F compared to similarly colored shingles.

Release Tape Codes: To track manufacturing information on individual shingles, CertainTeed imprints coded information on the polyester release tape on each shingle. For this reason, the release tape should NOT be removed at any time. The code cannot be interpreted by the trade, but for quality assurance purposes the producing plant can use it to determine the date and conditions of manufacture.

What is the purpose of the release tape?

The purpose of release tape is to protect the shingles sealant during storage, so the sealant will perform properly in service. This is critical to the shingles sealing performance and wind blow off resistance.

Dimensions: Three-tab alignment may cause rework for the installer. Consistent shingle size is very important to your profit margin! Only CertainTeed specifies that its strip shingles will be within 1/16" of the specified size. All other producers permit size variations of 1/8" or 1/4" per shingle.

Laminated shingles are an exception to this rule, mainly because they do not have cutouts that must be aligned. Due to the limitations imposed by the lamination process, the dimension variance target is +/- 1/4", which is common to most manufacturers.

29

Section 6 Questions

6-1 The higher the slope of the roof, the more risk of water penetration from

wind-driven rain.

A. True

B. False

6-2 Shingles can be applied to slopes below 2/12 if special underlayments are used.

A. True

B. False

6-3 CertainTeeds NailTrack feature on its Landmark shingles increases the nailing

zone to 112".

A. True

B. False

6-4 CertainTeed was the first to develop and market asphalt based shingles with

a solar reflectance of SR40.

A. True

B. False

6-5 CertainTeed was the first to develop solar reflective shingles that feature

deep vibrant color blends.

A. True

B. False

6-6 CertainTeed allows its strip shingles dimensions to vary by no more than 14".

A. True

B. False

6-7 The release tape on a shingle should always be removed.

A. True

B. False

30

Section 7 Warranty

Workmanship vs. manufacturing defects

The manufacturers warranty is typically limited to defects in the product that result from the manufacturing process. It is not a negotiable instrument. The manufacturer does not allow the contractor or salesperson to act as his agent to make any changes in the printed document. The contractors warranty is about the workmanship and services he provides. It is an instrument embodied by the job agreement or contract. Terms of the contractors warranty can sometimes be changed as a result of negotiation between the parties.

Often it is the owner/contractor himself making the presentation. Therefore it is very important that the difference between the job contract, which typically includes the workmanship warranty, and the manufacturers warranty is well understood by the contractor and explained to the homeowner. Most home owners do not understand that there are, in fact, two types of warranty protection. The CertainTeed brochure Understanding Warranties is available to help homeowners understand these issues. In this section, we will discuss only the manufacturers warranty against defects in manufacturing.

How long should a warranty last?

CertainTeed believes that warranties serve the customer best when they protect the most during the early years the shingles are in place when any defects in manufacturing are most likely to be discovered and when such defects cause the greatest inconvenience to the customer. For this reason, CertainTeed developed SureStart protection (see What is SureStart Protection? later in this section).

Most warranties prorate to zero value at the end of the warranted life of the shingle. The exception is the CertainTeed lifetime limited warranty which prorates to a minimum of 20 percent of the material replacement cost for the original owner. Thus, while a $10,000 replacement-value project in year 38 of a 40-year warranty would be worth $500, the lifetime warranty would be worth $2,500. In year 41, the typical 40-year warranty would provide no reimbursement to the homeowner, but the lifetime warranty would still be worth $2,000.

Is shingle color warranted?

CertainTeed warrants against color variation from bundle to bundle as a manufacturing defect when the bundles are produced by the same plant and are identified with the same color number printed on the end of the bundles.

CertainTeeds warranty against manufacturing defects will not apply in the case of shingles that vary in color from printed representations or shingle sample devices.

What about stains and shading?

A common cause of staining is transfer of asphalt oils and backsurfacings to the face of a shingle from the back of the shingle above it in a bundle. This potential problem is covered by the warranty. However, most stains are temporary. CertainTeed will normally ask that at least 180 days be allowed for weathering before considering a claim. This

31

Section 7 Warranty

request and validation of the actual date of claim will be put in writing if requested, providing assurance that the claim will remain valid should the stain not weather-out.

Stains caused by algae are included in the warranty of all CertainTeed algae-resistant products. The duration of this algae-resistance warranty protection is determined by the warranty language current at the time of installation. CertainTeeds algae resistance is warranted for up to 15 years depending on the product.

Shading, caused by differences in micro shadows on portions of the roof, varies by sun angles across the embedded granules. Most manufacturers warranties do not cover shading. However, since 1993, CertainTeed has included shading as a manufacturing defect.

Is deck movement or failure warranted?

Any damage or visual distortion of the shingles caused by decking movement or deterioration is excluded from CertainTeed warranties. Consult the CertainTeed Shingle Applicators Manual for more details about acceptable and unacceptable roof decks. (See also Buckling caused by movement of dimensional lumber sheathing and Other causes of buckling later in this section.)

What about telegraphing?

This term refers to distortions caused on the surface of a shingle by an uneven surface below. It can be caused by wrinkled shingle underlayment, deck movement, poorly prepared first-layer shingles under roof-over applications and so on. Telegraphing is excluded from warranty coverage.

What about damage caused by the wind?

Wind warranty coverage varies by specific product. CertainTeed shingles are warranted to remain in place, undamaged, whether or not the sealant adheres, in winds ranging from 60 to 130 mph for up to 15 years after application (depending on the shingle) when CertainTeed-approved installation methods have been followed.

What about shingles that are out of dimension?

CertainTeed assures that its strip shingles, will be within 116" of the nominal dimensions. CertainTeed laminated shingles have a dimen sional tolerance of 14", meeting normal industry standards for this type of shingle.

What is SureStart protection?

SureStart protection is designed to give the customer maximum protection during the early years following application. The SureStart period of the warranty varies by product from the first three to the first ten years following application. SureStart protection provides full replacement cost on labor and materials if a manufacturing defect is discovered during the SureStart period. This means there will be no prorating of the CertainTeed liability during the SureStart period. (See actual warranty for details.)

32

Section 7 Warranty

What is SureStart PLUS protection?

SureStart PLUS extends the SureStart protection period up to a maximum of 50 years depending on the product. Only CertainTeed credentialed companies can offer SureStart PLUS, and the roof must be installed to meet the Integrity Roof System standards.

Transfers during the SureStart protection period

The warranty and the remaining SureStart protection may be transferred to a new property owner by the original purchaser for all CertainTeed shingle products during the SureStart period. CertainTeed must be notified in writing within 60 days of the transfer.

Transfers for lifetime warranted products

Products that carry a lifetime warranty present a different transfer case, and varies by specific product. If the warranty is transferred during its SureStart protection period, the transferred warranty, with the remaining SureStart duration, is no longer for the lifetime of the (new) homeowner but, rather, to the end of 40 or 50 years depending on the product from the original installation.

Transfers outside the SureStart protection period

All CertainTeed shingle products transferred from the original owner to a new owner not covered by SureStart protection at the time of transfer will be covered by standard warranty terms for two years after the real estate transfer, after which coverage will terminate.

As is the case for all transfers, no transfer after the first transfer by the original purchaser is permitted.

What about underlayment?

Standard shingle underlayment is not warranted by the manufacturer against defects in manufacturing. Some shingle warranties are conditional upon the use of underlayment. CertainTeed does not make this limitation on standard roof slopes over 4/12. The use of WinterGuard or an equivalent is required on slopes from 2/12 to 4/12, though, and CertainTeed does strongly recommend the use of underlayment on all slopes to dry-in an exposed wood deck and to comply with Underwriters Laboratories requirements.

Most UL tests for shingle system fire resistance include UL classified shingle underlayment. Its use is often required for the UL classified fire rating label to remain valid for the shingle system. To understand the effect of the absence or presence of underlayment on UL fire resistance ratings, study these three rules from UL:

1. Class A shingles applied directly (without underlayment) over plywood deck at least 1532" thick, or non-veneer deck at least 12" thick (actual, not nominal, thickness), will have a class A fire rating.

2. Class A shingles applied directly (without underlayment) over plywood (or non-veneer) at least 38" thick, but less than 1532" thick (or less than 12" for non-veneer), will have their fire rating reduced to class C.

33

Section 7 Warranty

3. Class C shingles applied directly (without underlayment) over plywood (or non-veneer) at least 38" thick or directly over wood boards at least 34 thick (actual, not nominal, thickness) will have a class C fire rating.

Per rule #2, if you apply fiber glass shingles without underlayment on plywood less than 1532" or non-veneer decks less than 12", the roof system loses its UL class A fire resistance rating.

Waterproofing shingle underlayments do not, in many cases, carry a warranty. Some carry warranties for five years. WinterGuard is warranted to be free from manufacturing defects and remain watertight, wherever it is applied, for the duration of the warranted life of the roofing material applied over it, up to 50 years. WinterGuard carries SureStart protection for five years. In case of failure, remedy includes the roofing materials installed over WinterGuard. (See actual warranty for details.)

What about ventilation and roof decks?

Research at the University of Illinois has added to our knowledge of what happens in attics. We have confirmed that a properly ventilated airspace has better air movement and, under most conditions, has a lower moisture content than improperly vented attic airspace.

All shingle warranties have historically required that the space beneath the roof deck receive adequate treatment, such as ventilation and/or vapor retarders, to prevent excess heat and moisture buildup. This is because heat can shorten shingle life and moisture can cause sheathing movement and/or deterioration and ultimately might affect the performance or appearance of the shingles.

What about buckling?

Buckling caused by deck movement Buckled shingles caused by roof deck or dimensional lumber sheathing movement are not covered by the warranty. When a shingle buckles, it has deformed under external stress.

In the winter, a buckled shingle will be evident by its raised butt edge, unless the sealant holds tight. In the summer, the buckle will tend to show as a hump in the middle of the weather tab. The same look would result in the winter if sealant holds the butt in place.

Other causes of buckling

Buckles can also be caused by wrinkled felt underlayment and improperly fastened roof decking.

Research carried out by both the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Asphalt Manufacturers Association suggests that there is no standard organic shingle underlayment manufactured today, including those that meet ASTM specifications, that will not wrinkle. These wrinkles can telegraph through shingles applied above to show as buckling. Most underlayment wrinkles will disappear if the underlayment is allowed to dry. The buckles will usually disappear as well. No manufacturer warrants standard organic

34

Section 7 Warranty

shingle underlayment against wrinkling nor its shingles against wrinkles caused by the underlayment.

Inorganic underlayments and hybrid organic underlayments can reduce or eliminate the wrinkling that has caused so many problems. Of course, underlayment, in addition to being wrinkle-resistant, must also be water-resistant, provide a safe slide-resistant surface to work on and be strong enough to hold in place under foot traffic.

CertainTeeds Roofers Select and Diamond Deck underlayments meet these conditions. Both products lay flat, are extremely wrinkle-resistant, and dont tear away from fasteners when walked on or in strong wind.

Nails or staples can back out of roof decks, pushing up shingles to give the appearance of buckles. The exact cause of the nail movement is often a mystery. One known cause is nails that are not driven all the way through the plywood or non-veneer roof deck. Very high and/or variable interior humidity leading to a ratcheting-out of the

fastener is thought to be another mechanism. In any case, the cause is not the shingle but rather it is related to the application process or the roof deck.

Roof decking applied butted tightly together, especially when not allowed to take on local humidity levels before application, can swell at the edges, causing ridges at the deck joints that will buckle the shingles above. Properly nailed roof decking will allow a 18 joint space on all sides. However, it is possible that, when extremely dry boards are applied and roofed quickly, they will expand to fill the 18 space and buckle the shingles. This problem has been observed for years and seems to be especially prevalent with Oriented Strand Board panels, which are heated during manufacture, making them extremely dry. It may help to sticker the panels and let them equilibrate by picking up some moisture before installing them.

Buckles can be caused by loose decking. Occasionally decking or sheathing is not fas-tened down in the recommended manner. Too few nails are used or the nails are not properly spaced. The result can be deck movement that causes buckles.

De-laminated plywood will cause buckles. Plywood can de-laminate if it is defective or when it has been saturated with moisture, either from condensation or from the outside by rain, snow or ice over a long period of time.

Leaks caused by ice dams: not covered by shingle warranty

The typical ice dam is a buildup of ice that forms near the eaves or gutters as the result of interior heat escaping into the attic and through the roof decking. The heat melts the snow and ice on the upper areas of the roof, resulting in meltwater. This melted water runs down

By definition, a buckled shingle

is not a shingle defect, but

rather a problem caused by

forces outside the shingle.

Those forces are almost

always caused by wood

movement under the shingle.

35

Section 7 Warranty

to cold, lower areas or eaves and, depending on conditions, can refreeze. Leaks occur if the water finds its way under the shingles or behind fascias or cornices.

Needless to say, such leaks are not caused by a shingle failure or defect. Neither are they due to misapplication of the shingles. Thus, the leak is covered neither by the manufacturers warranty nor by the contractors workmanship warranty.

A well-insulated attic with an effective barrier to air and vapor movement can reduce or eliminate the escape of warm interior air. Similarly, ventilation can keep the escaped heat from warming the deck, thereby reducing the chances of an ice dam forming. However, melting will also occur when outside air temperatures increase or bright sun causes radiant heating. If, following such a thaw, the temperature drops when the sun goes down, refreezing will occur. A dam of ice may form at the eaves. The next melt will be blocked from running off the roof by the ice buildup. Now the dammed water can find its way into the building.

In short, the causes of ice dams are many and complex. The likelihood that one will form is both unpredictable and highly weather-dependent. Many areas of the country will experience the right conditions to cause the phenomenon as seldom as every ten years, or even less often. Waterproofing shingle underlayment (WinterGuard) is one of several strategies to prevent water backup leaks. The others are proper ventilation and sufficient insulation. Of the three, use of WinterGuard waterproofing shingle underlayment is the only warranted remedy.

36

Section 7 Questions

7-1 CertainTeed includes shading as a manufacturing defect.

A. True

B. False

7-2 Which of the following is NOT covered by the manufacturers warranty?

A. Telegraphing

B. Staining caused by transfer of asphalt oils and backsurfacing

C. Color variation from bundle to bundle

D. Shading

7-3 During the SureStart period, the manufacturers warranty and any remaining

SureStart protection may be transferred to a new homeowner.

A. True

B. False

7-4 Which of the following can cause buckling?

A. Nails backing out of the roof deck

B. Wrinkled felt underlayment

C. De-laminated plywood

D. All of the above

7-5 Leaks caused by ice dams are covered by:

A. The manufacturers warranty

B. The contractors workmanship warranty

C. Both A and B

D. None of the above

7-6 WinterGuard is the only warranted remedy to protect against ice dam leaks.

A. True

B. False

37

Section 8 Packaging

How important is packaging?

Packaging is commonly overlooked as an important resource for both the contractor and the homeowner. Shingle packaging is designed to make the contractors job easier by making the bundle more convenient to carry and transport. Packaging also provides easy-to-understand instructions about how to install that particular shingle product.

Whats the most important information on a shingle wrapper?

Color Name and Number. The various shingle color names tend to remain unchanged over time, but color code numbers (color numbers) change when certain product components change enough to affect the finished roof appearance. Both the color name and the color code are found on each CertainTeed shingle wrapper. In order to ensure proper visual appearance of the finished roof, color code numbers must be the same for all shingle bundles used on the same roof. Over 20 years ago, CertainTeed discontinued the use of date and shift codes on its shingle bundles having encoded sealant release tapes. CertainTeed no longer requires identical date codes on bundles to be applied on a project. Precise blend consistency from run to run makes this unnecessary.

Do Not Mix Labels. A Do Not Mix label is applied or printed on the shingle wrappers whenever there is a change in a shingle component (e.g., change of a color granule source) or property (e.g., dimensional revision) that might significantly affect the appearance of a finished roof if mixed with shingles manufactured under previous specifications. This warning continues for a period of time estimated to be sufficient to exhaust the inventory of previous specification stock in suppliers warehouses.

Application Instructions. The installation instructions found on the shingle wrapper are the latest that pertain to the application of the packaged shingle at the time of manufacture. Although instructions are similar for many different shingles, important differences occur in nailing patterns, application sequences and patterns. Easy-to-read application instructions are found on all CertainTeed shingle bundle wrappers.

Most warranties require that the installation instructions current at the time of installation be used during application for the warranty to be effective. Contractors are responsible for being expert on the current application instructions for every shingle applied.

UL Labels. The presence of the UL logo and a fire, wind, impact resistance, or other compliance designation indicates that UL has determined that the product has been manufactured to comply with UL requirements through 1) routine UL follow-up inspections at the manufacturing plant; 2) UL obtaining random samples of product; and 3) testing of the samples at UL facilities.

38

Section 8 Packaging

Compliance to ASTM and Other Standards. Having a third-party laboratory providing proof of compliance demonstrates that the manufacturer designs and tests its product to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the standards established by ASTM. ASTM does not certify, inspect, or test for any compliance. This means that the ASTM designation on a wrapper is not a guarantee of compliance with the standard. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) performs periodic compliance testing and Classifies CertainTeeds fiber glass shingles that meet ASTM Standards. This Classification is included inside (not just outside) the UL imprint along with the applicable fire, wind and impact resistance ratings. If the ASTM rating is not listed inside the UL box, then the product has not been UL certified for that particular standard.

PREPARED ROOFING MATERIAL

SHINGLES CLASS A

DEGREE OF RESISTANCE TO EXTERNAL FIRE AND FLAMMABILITY LIMITS

IN ACCORDANCE WITH UL STANDARD 790

DEGREE OF WIND RESISTANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH UL STANDARD 997

WHEN APPLIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THIS ROOFING

CLASSIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM D3462, INCLUDING TEAR RESISTANCE

R-684 ISSUE NO.

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES

LISTEDINC.

UL

39

Section 8 Questions

8-1 The color code printed on the shingle wrapper must be the same for all shingles

used on the same roof.

A. True

B. False

8-2 CertainTeed requires identical date codes on shingles applied to the same roof.

A. True

B. False

8-3 If a shingle wrapper has an ASTM designation, it does not mean that the product

has been certified and inspected for that particular compliance.

A. True

B. False

8-4 If the ASTM D3462 classification is below the UL imprint, you cant be sure that the

shingle meets that standard.

A. True

B. False

8-5 Do not mix labels cannot be ignored since the shingles appearance will

be affected.

A. True

B. False

40

Section 9 Testing and Quality Assurance

Predicting Performance

In the preceding sections we discussed manufacturers warranties, asphalt shingle construction and the components of a fiber glass asphalt shingle in great detail. These elements come together to shape the quality of a shingle product: its level of value, appeal and performance. The raw material and finished product testing programs are critically important to ensure the quality of the finished shingles.

Raw Materials Quality

Each raw material must be tested carefully to insure performance of a properly manufactured shingle. CertainTeed works closely with each raw material supplier to develop specifications that ensure top quality and consistency, from day to day, week to week and year to year. Raw material testing takes place at three levels. First, potential raw materials are screened by R&D to determine if they will perform to produce a product that matches the demand of the marketplace. Second, these raw materials are tested during the supplier selection process for compliance with CertainTeed performance criteria. Finally, they are evaluated when theyre delivered to the plant to assure that each batch meets our requirements.

Finished Product Quality

Finished product testing begins during the manufacturing process. Component materials are under constant scrutiny by manual, visual and electronic means as they are assembled on the production line to form the finished shingle. Computer-controlled evaluation systems adjust mixes, line speeds and other process variables to assure optimal finished quality. The level of automation and the high quality of CertainTeed production teams and management are remarkable in the industry.

The second level of evaluation occurs in the marketplace. Are the shingles consistently the right size? Do the colors match from run to run? Do the shingles resist wind force even when not sealed? Does the sealant perform as promised? If problems arise, our customers can expect a speedy response which may include a visit from a territory manager or technical service representative.

The third level is finished product testing

CertainTeed STM 10th ed

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