What Could Be So Confusing About Shingles?
25 vs. 30 vs. 35 vs. 40 vs. 50 vs. Lifetime vs. 20
There is a lot of confusion arising from shingle warranties. This certainly has the consumer losing lots of money in equity (value) off their roof. To explain this better one must understand how shingle manufacturers labeled their products from 1981 to 2001, and then the changes that were made from 2001 to present.
Important: shingle weight types are more important than manufacturer's warranties as the weights have remained relatively unchanged while the warranties have been arbitrarily reassigned.
| 1981 - 2001 OLD Warranty | Weight (approximate) | 2003 NEW Warranty |
| 20-year (3-tab variety) | 210-200 pounds | 20-year |
| 25-year (3-tab variety) | unspecified | 25-year |
| 25-year (dimensional variety) | 240-pounds | 30-year |
| 30-year Atlas product | 240-250 pounds | 35-year |
| 30-year (other than Atlas) | 300-pound | 300-pound |
| 40-year | 350+ pound | 50-year & Lifetime |
This is by no means a comprehensive list as there are additional products that carry 50-year and/or Lifetime warranties that are of various weights (i.e., CertainTeed's Presidential TL is 480-pounds, the impact resistant shingles vary in weight, etc.). There are also other 30-year and 40-year products that have varying weights as well.
The best way to prove what type of shingles you have (by weight, not years) is to have proof of shingle type from previous installation or to have the shingles measured for thickness with a micrometer. A professional roofer can assist you in this manner. For replacement purposes, previous warranty length is not necessarily relevant. Make sure you are receiving the proper estimate from your insurance company so you do not sacrifice any of the value in your current roof.
Commercial Roofing
Arlington, Texas 76013
Office 817.274.6777
Fax 817.274.7025