architectural grade shingles...or not?

**John Dirks Jr** · 07-13-2009, 07:14 PM

What do you think of these faux architectural grade shingles? They look like the real thing from a distance. Today was the first time I have seen them. I didn't know they even existed.

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Richard Moore · 07-13-2009, 07:36 PM

Any signs of them cracking or crazing? The reason I ask is that they look like the Pabco Horizon shingles that were involved in a class action settlement. See... PABCO HO-25/HZ-25 Roof Shingle Class Action Settlement Website

I've seen them maybe half a dozen times, and each time they have had major problems.

Richard Moore · 07-13-2009, 07:46 PM

Here's a couple of examples from different homes...

**John Dirks Jr** · 07-13-2009, 08:18 PM

Richard,

This is new construction so I can't see how they would be associated with that particular suit. The sell dates listed there end in 1997.

I am curious if the builder is calling them architectural grade when they are not. I mentioned it to the client and suggested that they ask the builder for information about the shingles.

Richard Moore · 07-13-2009, 08:54 PM

Yep, unlikely in new construction unless they bought them on E-bay. I did a quick check of the major manufacturers and couldn't find any other 3-tab, fake laminated shingles. If you do find out who made them, post it.

**John Dirks Jr** · 07-14-2009, 08:00 PM

Richard,

According to the builder, this is the product. See the attachment.

Stephen Meyer · 07-17-2009, 10:03 PM

what is architectural grade????not familiar with that term

**Scott Patterson** · 07-18-2009, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by Stephen Meyer

what is architectural grade????not familiar with that term

It is a laminated shingle. It is a heaver longer lasting shingle and is a higher quality product. Many have a 30-40 year life warranty.

This is a link to the GAF Timberline:

GAF Materials Corp - Residential and Commercial Roofing

**Dom D'Agostino** · 07-18-2009, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

It is a laminated shingle. It is a heaver longer lasting shingle and is a higher quality product.

That's quite a description, Scott.

Many laminated shingles have the same warranty as a standard 3-tab product, and in our Southern climate, some can fail in almost the same amount of time as a bargain basement shingle. Lamination does not necessarily equal longer shingle life.

Dom.

**Jerry Peck** · 07-18-2009, 01:41 PM

You really cannot go by description of "architectural grade" as that term is way over used.

IT USED TO mean higher grade, higher cost, better, longer lasting, etc., whatever, but now it simply is in the description of the product.

If the product is named or listed as "architectural grade" ... it is, whether it really is or not, which is a shame.