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ROOFING INSPECTION & REPAIR

ALUMINUM ROOFING
AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING
ATTIC VENTILATION

BEST ROOFING PRACTICES
BUILT UP ROOFS

CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION
CEMWOOD ROOFING
CERTIFICATIONS for ROOFING CONTRACTORS
CHIMNEY FLASHING Mistakes & Leaks
COLD WEATHER ROOF TROUBLE

DECKS, ROOFTOP CONSTRUCTION

EPDM, RUBBER, PVC ROOFING
EXTRACTIVE BLEEDING on SHINGLES

FIRE RETARDANT PLYWOOD
FLASHING on BUILDINGS
FLAT ROOF MOISTURE & CONDENSATION

Green House or Solarium Roof Leaks

HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams

ICE DAM PREVENTION

MASONITE WOODRUF FIBERBOARD ROOFING

NOISE CONTROL for ROOFS

PLASTIC ROOFING TYPES
PVC, EPDM, RUBBER ROOFING

ROOF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - PHOTO GUIDE
ROOF CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
ROOF COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS
ROOF DORMER TYPES - PHOTO GUIDE
ROOF INSPECTION SAFETY & LIMITS
ROOF JOB PROBLEMS, RESOLVING
ROOF LEAK DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION
ROOF REPLACEMENT SNAFUs
ROOFING FELT UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS
ROOFING MATERIALS, Age, Types
ROOFING TILE SHAPES & PROFILES
ROOFING UNDERLAYMENT BEST PRACTICES

SADDLE CONSTRUCTION at CHIMNEYS
SNOW GUARDS & SNOW BRAKES
STANDARDS for ROOFING
STRESS SKIN INSULATED PANELS

TEST LABS - ROOF SHINGLE
TREES & SHRUBS, TRIM OFF BUILDING
TRUSSES, Floor & Roof

UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS on ROOFS

VENTILATION in BUILDINGS

WALK-ON ROOF SURFACES
WARRANTIES for ROOF SHINGLES
WORKMANSHIP & ROOF DAMAGE
ZINC METAL ROOFING

More Information

Thermal splitting of fiberglass-based asphalt roof shingles was particularly common for product manufactured in the early 1990's. Asphalt Roof Shingle Warranties, Shingle Failure Claims
Roof Shingle Class Actions, Claim Forms, Warranty Claims Assistance
     

  • WARRANTIES for ROOF SHINGLES -How to evaluate roofing shingle warranties
    • SHINGLE WARRANTY EVALUATION
    • SHINGLE CLASS ACTION & CONTACT INFO
    • REPORTING SHINGLE FAILURES
    • ROOF FAILURE REPORT FORM
    • ROOFING COMPANIES CONTACT INFO
    • Contact information for roof warranties, roofing manufacturers, shingle failure claims & class action lawsuit
    • Roof warranty claim advice and assistance
  • ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOFING - separate article
  • CEMWOOD ROOFING - separate article
  • MASONITE WOODRUF FIBERBOARD ROOFING - separate article
  • Questions & Answers about roof shingle warranties: coverages, how to file a claim, roof inspections
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES - home
  • ASPHALT SHINGLE DEFINITIONS
  • ASPHALT SHINGLE FAILURE TYPES
  • ASPHALT SHINGLE INSTALLATION
  • ASPHALT SHINGLE LIFE / WEAR FACTORS
  • ASPHALT SHINGLE PROPERTIES
  • ASPHALT SHINGLE RE-ROOF GUIDE
  • ASPHALT SHINGLE UNDERLAYMENT SPECS
  • ASPHALT SHINGLE VALLEY FLASHING
  • ASPHALT SHINGLES on VERY STEEP ROOFS
  • ALGAE STAINS ON ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES
  • ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS on SHINGLES
  • BEST ROOFING PRACTICES
  • BLACK STAIN REMOVAL & PREVENTION
  • BLISTERS on ASPHALT SHINGLES
  • CELLOPHANE STRIP REMOVAL?
  • CRACKS in FIBERGLASS SHINGLES
  • CUPPING ASPHALT SHINGLES
  • CURLING ASPHALT SHINGLES
  • DEBRIS STAINING on ROOFS
  • EARLY ASPHALT SHINGLE FAILURE
  • EXTRACTIVE BLEEDING on SHINGLES
  • FELT UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS
  • FIRE RATINGS for ROOF SURFACES
  • FISHMOUTHING ASPHALT SHINGLES 
  • FLASHING ROOFS, SIDEWALLS & PENETRATIONS
  • GRANULE LOSS from SHINGLES
  • HAIL DAMAGED SHINGLES
  • ICE DAM PREVENTION
  • LADDERING & STAIR STEPPING SHINGLES
  • LEAKY ROOF DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
  • LIFE / WEAR FACTORS in SHINGLES
  • MECHANICAL DAMAGE of SHINGLES
  • MOSS & LICHENS on SHINGLES
  • ORGANIC FELT SHINGLE DEFECTS
  • ROLL ROOFING, ASPHALT
  • ROOF SLOPE DEFINITIONS
  • ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
  • SPLICE DEFECTS on ASPHALT SHINGLES
  • STAINS on ROOF SHINGLES
  • UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS on ROOFS
  • WHAT ARE ASPHALT SHINGLES
  • WIND DAMAGE to ROOFS
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

This document assists readers who have had an asphalt shingle roof failure or defect and who need to know how to obtain asphalt roofing shingle failure warranty claims assistance.

We include articles on how to identify common asphalt roof shingle failures, manufacturing defects, and other damage. Readers are also invited contribute roof failure information to the web author for research purposes. Also see CRACKS in FIBERGLASS SHINGLES and ASPHALT SHINGLE FAILURE TYPES and also WIND DAMAGE to ROOFS.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Roofing Warranties - Valuable or Sales Tool?

As stated in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction:

Shingle warranties run from 20 to over 50 years. Although products with longer warranties are usually of higher quality, in some cases, the longer warranties are more of a marketing strategy than an accurate predictor of shingle life.

While the specific terms of the warranty are important, more important is the manufacturer’s reputation for warranty service in the local area. All manufacturers retain the right to void the warranty if installation instructions are not closely followed, and they can often find a way to avoid honoring a claim if so inclined.

Background about roof warranties: Asphalt roof shingles are the most common covering used on residential properties in North America. Early shingles were made by saturating rag-felts with asphalt and by coating each side of the saturated felt with an asphalt-mineral filler-coat, covering the top surface of the shingle with mineral granules (sunlight and weather resistance) and coating the bottom surface with a material to prevent shingles from sticking together in storage or shipment.

Beginning in the 1940's the felt mat was changed to a zero rag-content using wood fibers and cellulose (newspaper). More recently many manufacturers began producing shingles using a fiberglass mat to replace the felt. The fiberglass mat was thought to have good tear resistance, possibly slightly better fire resistance, and as the mat was generally thinner than the felt mat, we believe that there were also economic advantages for both the manufacturer (less asphalt used in the mat) and the roofing installer (lighter material, easier to install).

In certain instances specific roofing products have shown common early failure, failing in a characteristic pattern which is easily identified (such as the thermal splitting defect. Some manufacturers offer limited warranty coverage of their product. Many roofers also guarantee their work to be free from leaks, but usually for a time period substantially shorter than the manufacturer's rated life of the roof material.

In cases which we've handled in the 1990's to about 2004 and involving thermal splitting or tearing of fiberglass-based asphalt shingles, some manufacturers (such as GAF) offer a limited product warranty.

Following a fairly involved claims procedure requiring documentation, photographs, and a sample of damaged material the manufacturer may elect to warrant the roofing material on a pro-rated basis depending on the age of the roof and its warranted life. Sometimes the manufacturer's warranty covers only material cost, not installation cost (labor, demolition, removal of old materials) unless the roofing contractor chooses to extend such coverage.

The cost of roofing material is not the main ingredient in roofing cost. Labor and possibly disposal of old roofing material are significant costs. Out of concern for future roof life, some roofers are reluctant to install new roofing atop failed material even where additional layers of roofing are permitted by local codes.

Some homeowners are reluctant to install as new roofing the same product which failed early in the first place. Manufacturers might have changed the formulation of the product to improve durability, but they are understandably reluctant to say so, out of concern for increasing product liability.

Without assurance from the manufacturer that a product which failed early has been modified to correct the problem, we advise our clients to consider using alternative products with design and performance expectations having a better track record.

Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction lists several key issues to consider in evaluating a roof shingle warranty:

    • Is the warranty prorated from the date of installation, or is there an introductory term of 5 to 10 years when the full value can be recovered?
    • How long are warranties valid against wind damage, algae growth, or other types of damage?
    • Does the warranty cover a portion of the labor costs of tear-off, disposal, and installation, or does it cover materials only?
    • Is the warranty transferable?
    • Perhaps most importantly, does the manufacturer have a strong reputation for warranty service in the local area?
    • When buying clay roof tiles, look for at least a 50-year warranty on both durability and fading.

-- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction.

Roofing Manufacturer Contact Information

  • American Cemwood: fiber cement roof shake failures, class action litigation - see AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING for details, claims forms, contact information.
  • Atlas Roofing contact information, fiberglass and organic roof shingles. You can also send written correspondence and completed warranty registration cards to the Consumer Services Department at: Atlas Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims, ATTN: Consumer Services, 802 Highway 19 N, Ste. 190, Meridian MS 39307 (800) 478-0258 (consumer services) or 601-484-8900. The company's website is at http://www.atlasroofing.com/

    For questions regarding the ACFoam® Limited Warranty, Pending Claims, or a Potential Product Defect for polyiso insulation, please contact us by phone, toll free at: Commercial Technical Services: (800) 388-6134 - You can also send written correspondence and completed warranty registration cards to the Commercial Technical Services at: Atlas Roofing Corporation, Attn: Commercial Technical Services, 2000 RiverEdge Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328

    Litigation: a lawsuit was filed against Atlas in September, 2005. Hilton v. Atlas Roofing Corporation of Mississippi, No. 05-4204, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The plaintiff has asked the Court to make it a class action. If you could be a member of that class (if the class is/was certified), you may have the right to nullify your settlement with Atlas.

    For further information about these cases, you can read the Second Amended Complaint document concerning this Atlas Roofing class action lawsuit (PDF file) and the Answer and Affirmative Defense Response document (PDF).

    Another potential class action lawsuit based on similar allegations was filed and was (and may be) pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana: Sewell vs. Atlas Roofing Corp., No. 06-577.

    Further information is at http://www.laed.uscourts.gov/HiltonvAtlas/05cv4204.htm

    Do not contact the Court with questions regarding your potential claim or whether you would be a member of any class action, if certified. Judicial employees, including the Clerk's Office staff, are prohibited by the Code of Judicial Conduct from providing legal advice of any kind.

  • Bird Inc. contact information, for Bird Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims (obs. address: 1077 Pleasant St., Norwood MA 02062 617-5551-0656) is - an affiliate of CertainTeed Corporation - so try contacting CertainTeed: P.O. Box 860, 750 East Swedesford Road, Valley Forge, PA 19482 USA Phone: (610) 341-7000 Fax: (610) 341-7113 E-mail: corporate@certainteed.com
  • Brookline School District v. Bird, Inc.
  • BPCO Roofing contact information, 9510 St. Patrick, LaSalle, P! H*R 1R9 Canada 514-364-0161
  • Cal-Shake® Roofing contact information, Class Action Lawsuit - 1986-1995 Roofs

    How To Identify Cal-Shake Shakes (Cal-Shake, Cal-Slate, Cal-Clay Roofing)

    Cal-Shake Shakes are a fiber cement roofing product made to look like wood shakes. Cal-Shake Inc. also manufactured Cal-Slate and Cal-Clay, both of which are included in this settlement. Cal-Shake Shakes were manufactured as shakes and distributed between 1980 and 1995. Please review the information below to see if you have Cal-Shake Shakes installed on your roof. If you take the steps suggested below and are still having trouble determining whether you have a Cal-Shake Shake Roof, please call 1-866-844-0600. Here is a Cal_Shake Claims Form.

    • Ask the roofer who installed your roof.
    • Review any invoices, statements, or warranty information that the roofer provided you when the roof was installed or may have been provided to you at the time of purchase by the previous owners of the home.
    • Review any home-inspection report you may have received upon purchase of your house, which may contain information on the type of roof installed.
    • Look for broken shakes to see whether the logo "Cal-Shake" is embossed on the top half of the shake.

    You do not have a Cal-Shake Shake Roof if:

    The shakes on your roof are made of wood The cement composite shakes on your roof were manufactured by: American Cemwood, NatureGuard, Terra Shake, FireFree®, Hardie Shake, Monier, Owens Corning Mira Vista, Protex.

    To be a member of the New Cal-Shake Settlement Class, your Cal-Shake roof must have been manufactured between February 1, 1986 and March 31, 1995. The date of manufacture is not marked on the Shake, but if your roof was installed within this period you are probably a member of the New Cal-Shake Settlement Class. People whose roofs were installed very early in this time period might have Old Cal-Shake roofs.

    - Web Search 07/12/2010, original source http://www.calshakeclassaction.com/ProductIDnew.html

  • Celotex Corporation contact information, for Celotex Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims, 4010 Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa FL 33607-5750 813-873-1700
  • Cemwood Roof Shakes: Information about American Cemwood roofing shakes and related products is found here in our article at AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING. Contact information is at: American Cemwood - imitation wood shakes crack, swell and discolor. The American Cemwood roofing settlement includes Cemwood Shakes, Permatek Shakes, Permatek and Permatek II. Cascade Shake, Trieste Tile, Pacific Slate, Permatek II and Royal Shake. Class action settlement site: www.cemwoodclaims.com or for help identifying Cemwood or Permatek shakes on a roof see http://www.cemwoodclaims.com/identify.html
  • CertainTeed Corporation contact information, for CertainTeed Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims, (some folks spell it Certain Teed or Certainteed Roofing), Technical Service Department, 1400 Union Meeting Road, PO Box 1100, Blue Bell, PA 19422 - 1-800-345-1145 or 610-341-6212 FAX, Website: www.certainteed.com

    CertainTeed Notice of Settlement, U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Notice of Settlement for Qualifying Owners of Property on Which Certain Organic Asphalt Shingles Manufactured by CertainTeed Corporation Are or Have Been Installed: You Could Get a Payment From A Class Action Settlement.

    Certainteed Organic [Roof] Shingles Class Action Settlement Standard Claim Form - Instructions

    Completed claims forms for CertainTeed organic roof shingles should be mailed to
    CertainTeed Shingle
    Settlement Claims Administrator
    1400 Union Meeting Road
    Blue Bell, PA 19422-0761

    Above forms are provided by the CertainTeed Single Settlement website http://www.certainteedshinglesettlement.com/
    Web search 10/27/2010 original source: http://www.certainteedshinglesettlement.com/casedocuments.cfm

    Watch out: be sure that your roof shingle warranty claim are filed with the roofing manufacturer following the company's procedures and within the time limits provided by the roofing manufacturer's warranty. Otherwise you can expect a response such as this one sent to us by reader Nancy Lescarbeau:

    • At the end of June 2009, I tore off and replaced the shingles on my roof and opened a claim to CertainTeed. I took 40 some pictures and typed up detailed information for each. I sent in a sample of the bad shingles like Certain Teed asked on their roof warranty claims form. But I never sent in the claim till the winter months, and I received the answer back that states:

      "....The warranty may be enforced only by the original homeowner/consumer who purchased the shingles or by an individual who had transferred the warranty during the allowable time period. " (which is two years) ".. CertainTeed Corporation, therefore, is excluded from any liability or obligations to you under the terms of the warranty since you are not the original homeowner/consumer..."

      The original owner installed the new CertainTeed roof two years before selling the home to me in 1999. So, even if he had transferred the roof shingle warrantee, the time limit still exceeded CertainTeed's transfer warranty provisions. At the time of my roofing shingle claim (or the claim I wanted to submit), my roof was 12 years old not 10. And not covered by a warranty at all.


A CertainTeed Roofing Product warranty claim form in .pdf form can be found below and also at http://www.certainteed.com/NR/rdonlyres/93C5F27C-E0CC-4284-84CB-89DDCF39457E/0/internetclaimform71504.pdf and a second .pdf document is a FAQ or question and answer sheet about how to make a shingle or roofing product warranty claim to the CertainTeed Corporation - see http://www.certainteed.com/NR/rdonlyres/3564FD08-0533-4BA6-9B75-6AFE5832A145/0/WarrantyFAQs_2_.pdf .
[Original CertainTeed Roofing address we had on file was: 750 E. Swedesford Rd., Box 860, Valley Forge PA 19482 610-341-7000]

  • Elk Corporation contact information, for
    Elk Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims,
    14643 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 1000,
    Dallas TX 75240-8871
    214-851-0400.
    Website: www.elkcorp.com
  • FireFree Roof Shakes: Re-Con roof tiles composed of 2/3 Portland Cement and 1/3 wood cellulose fiber crack, swell and discolor. Cass action settlement site: www.firefreeclaims.com. Details are discussed at MASONITE WOODRUF FIBERBOARD ROOFING
  • GAF contact information, for
    GAF roofing shingle warranty claims,
    1361 Alps Rd.,
    Wayne NJ 07470
    201-628-3000 - Technical Services & Guarantee Status Office 1-800-ROOF-411
    GAF class action settlement - call 800-414-4370 for more information or see the GAF Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Website. Here are other GAF Roofing information links provided by GAF Corporation:
    • GAF.com HomePage (still the same):
      http://www.gaf.com
    • GAF Steep-Slope Roofing:
      http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential-Roofing/Roofing-Products/Shingles-Styles-Shingle-Colors/Shingle-Colors-Shingle-Styles.asp
    • GAF Low-Slope Roofing:
      http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Commercial-Roofing/Commercial-Grade-Roofing-Products/Commercial-Grade-Roofing-Products.asp
    • GAF Decking & Railing:
      http://www.gaf.com/Decking/Decking.asp
    • Other GAF Building Products:
      http://www.gaf.com/Other-Building-Products/Other-Building-Products.asp
    • GAF Information for Building Professionals:
      http://www.gaf.com/Building-Professionals/Building-Professionals.asp
  • Georgia-Pacific Corp. contact information, fiberglass and organic felt shingles.
    Website: www.gp.com/build
  • Globe Building Materials contact information, for
    Globe Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims,
    2230 Indianapolis Blvd,
    Whiting IN 46394
    219-473-4500;

    Globe Shingle appears to have disappeared from the roofing world before 2005; we have not had reports of successful warranty claims since that time; however if your roofer knowingly installed Globe™ shingles after the company's shingle failure was well known, you might ask him/her what he/she is willing offer when re-roofing is needed. Some contractors will re-roof for the cost of the materials alone if they accept responsibility for the Globe shingle roof failure. Also if the shingles were installed on a new home, depending on the U.S. state where the home is located, a new home warranty provision may apply.

    Globe Building Materials, Inc. was manufacturer of asphalt and laminated roofing shingles from about 1934 to 2001. In 2000 the company suffered financial difficulties and in January of 2001, Globe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In April 2001, Globe filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The lender was left with a large inventory of finished shingles as well as other assets and liabilities.

    ARG, a company that assists corporations in financial trouble, assisted in closing out the bankruptcy, including managing the sale of more than 750,000 bundles (250,000 squares - a square is 100 sq. ft. of coverage) of Globe shingles. However before, during, and after that time we and other researchers heard recurrent reports of Globe shingle defects and early product failures. While ARG considers the Globe shingle merchandising a financial success, it may be that that activity also dates the last sales of Globe roofing shingles to roughly 2001.

  • Hardi-Shake Roofing Class Action Lawsuit & Settlement contact information,

    HardiShake©, MaxiShake©, and Cemwood© produced by James Hardie Building Products (JHBP) and sold as lifetime roofing, were subject of a class action lawsuit for early roof wear or failures that appeared as softening, breaking, chipping, cracking, delaminating, or color changes. This product series was made of a composite fiber cement shingle designed as a mixture of cement, sand, and wood-cellulose fibers.

    On February 14, 2002, the Court granted final approval of the Settlement.

    If you own or owned a home or structure with JHBP Roof Shakes, you may be entitled to file a claim for monetary compensation.

    A proposed settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit concerning roofing products manufactured or distributed by James Hardie Building Products, Inc. ("JHBP") under brand names such as HardiShake and HardiSlate, among others. The settlement establishes a program by which claimants can recover the cost of roof replacement, under the terms of the Settlement Agreement. Please read the Court Ordered Notice and other materials available at this site explaining your rights including how to register to receive a Claim Form.

    If you have additional questions, you may call 1-888-780-8579 or email hardieclaims@gardencitygroup.com

    - Web Search 07/12/2010, original source http://www.hardieroofingclaims.com/

  • IKO contact information, Chicago, Inc., for IKO Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims,
    IKO Roof Shingle Warranty Claims
    6600 South Central Ave.,
    Bedford Pk,
    IL 60638 7
    08-496-2800. Website: www.iko.com
    Here is IKO's roofing shingle warranty and shingle damage claims document http://www.iko.com/shared/residential/warranties/USManWarr.pdf
    We recommend first contacting the IKO company directly to ask for assistance and to give IKO an opportunity to respond if you believe that your shingles are defective.

    At the Halunen & Associates law Firm website - http://www.ikoshingleslawsuit.com/ - is information about a class action filed against Iko in Michigan, New York, and New Jersey in 2009. We quote from their website:

    "Halunen & Associates and partner law firms have initiated a class action lawsuit against IKO Manufacturing on behalf of consumers who have been affected by deteriorating, curling, or otherwise defective IKO shingles made by the company. This case involves anyone who has previously owned, or currently owns, a home or other structure from 1987 through the present on which IKO Manufacturing shingles were installed. We are seeking recovery of material costs and labor costs for the tear-off, removal and re-application of shingles for each member of the class. Our intent is to file this class action lawsuit, state by state, on an ongoing basis. We are still looking for plaintiffs from across the country to strengthen the case against IKO Manufacturing."
  • Malarkey Roofing contact information, 3131 N. Columbia Blvd., Portland OR 97217 503-283-1191
  • Masonite™ Woodruf Roofing Failures & Claims: See MASONITE WOODRUF FIBERBOARD ROOFING for details. And see Masonite Woodruf® Roofing or Masonite OmniWood® Siding Lawsuit Settlement Notice - PDF file
  • Owens-Corning Fiberglas contact information, for Owens Corning Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims, Fiberglass Tower, Toledo OH 43659 419-248-8000. To begin a roof shingle claim procedure, call 1-800-ROOFING, or visit the Owens Corning Website at www.owenscorning.com
  • PABCO Roofing contact information, for PABCO Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims, 1715 Thorne Rd., Tacoma WA 98241 206-272-0374
  • TAMKO Roofing contact information, for TAMCO Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims, 220 W. Fourth St., Joplin MO 64802 417-624-6644. Website: www.tamko.com
  • Intec/Permaglas contact information, for Intec Shingle roofing shingle warranty claims (some spelled it Intek Shingles), POB 2845, Port Arthur TX 77643 404-724-7024
  • NOTE: Some manufacturers may consolidate with others or may have ceased operation.
  • Woodruf® Roofing or Masonite OmniWood® Siding Lawsuit Settlement Notice - PDF file and see our article and photographs at MASONITE WOODRUF FIBERBOARD ROOFING for details
  • Also see Warranty & Class Actions, Fiber Cement Shingles

Where to Report a Failing Asphalt Shingle Roof

If you have a roof failure that appears to be due to a defective product, first try:
  • Contact the installing roofer for assistance - s/he may be able to assist with a claim and certainly should want to know if you're having a problem with the roof.
  • Contact the building supply company who provided your shingles - they may be able to assist with a claim.
  • Contact the roofing manufacturer directly
  • For large roofing warranty claims you may need assistance from an independent roofing consultant who can prepare failed-shingle samples, provide photographic and written documentation, and assist you with your claim.
  • Roofing material test laboratories can also provide assistance in evaluating damaged roof material but usually this service is too costly for a small residential claim. Beware: there are some excellent independent roofing material test laboratories but if you find a company whose primary customer is the roofing manufacturer they may have a conflict of interest when testing for a supplier, installer, or private building owner.

Roof Shingle Algae Stains and Roof Warranties

Watch out: Algae resistance provisions of asphalt roof shingle warranties are limited in coverage and scope. Also see STAINS on ROOF SHINGLES and  ALGAE STAINS ON ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES for details.

Using first a 2001 vintage Owens Corning Roof Shingle Warranty as an example, note that [quoting]

Roof Shingle Warranty Exclusions [include the following]
Discoloration caused by algae, fungi, lichens or cyanobacteria (unless covered under the section “What About Algae Resistance” that follows)

What About Algae Resistance
If the Shingles that you purchased were not specifically labeled as “Algae Resistant” (“AR”), then
any discoloration caused by algae is not covered by this warranty as explained in the section
above “What is Not Covered.” However, if you did purchase AR shingles, they are covered under
this warranty for a period of five (5) years commencing on the date of installation (“AR Warranty
Period”) against discoloration caused by algal, fungal, lichen, or cyanobacterial growth (“Algae
Growth”). If such discoloration occurs during the AR
[Algae Resistant] Warranty Period, you will be entitled to
the following remedy:

Remedy for Algae Growth – Should the AR Shingles exhibit discoloration due solely to
algal, fungal, lichen, or cyanobacterial growth during the AR Warranty Period, your sole and
exclusive remedy, and Owens Corning’s sole obligation, shall be for Owens Corning to pay you
an amount equal to the reasonable cost of cleaning such growth off of the affected AR Shingles.

A later 2008 Owens Corning Roof Warranty provided to us by a client whose Owens Corning algae-resistant shingle roof was just two years old when an extensive green algae growth was observed, provides similar constraints as the 2001 warranty above, but extends the warranty period to ten (10) years.

Regarding roof shingle discoloration by algal, fungal, lichen, or cyanobacterial growth, the 2008 warranty provides:

... if you did purchase AR shingles, they are covered under this warranty for a period of ten (10) years (prorated after the first twelve (12) months) following the date of installation ("AR Warranty Period") against discoloration caused by algal, fungal, lichen, or cyanobacterial growth ("Algae Growth"). If such discoloration occurs during the warranty period, you will be entitled to the following remedy:

1. Remedy for Algae Growth - If your shingles are discolored by algae growth during the first twelve (12) months of the AR Warranty Period, we will cover the cost, including labor, (such cost not to exceed the initial cost of the AR shingles plus the initial cost of installation), as reasonably determined by Owens Corning to repair, replace, or recover the affected AR shingles, subject to certain limitations. Specifically, we will not cover any metalwork, flashings, or other related work, and we will not cover the cost to tear off or dispose of your AR shingles. For purposes of this AR shingle warranty, the term "repair" as used above refers to cleaning or otherwise removing any algae growth from the AR shingles. Decisions regarding whether your AR shingles should be repaired, replaced, or recovered will be made solely by Owens Corning.

2. Proration - If your AR shingles have been installed longer than twelve (12) months labor will not be covered and we will prorate the the cost of your coverage to take into account the number of months of use that you have enjoyed through the date of your claim. For example, ...

Watch out: the shingle manufacturer's warranty also requires that you make your claim within 30 days of discovery of the problem. Also, we are not sure how widespread this position will be found to be taken, but an Owens Corning representative informed us (by telephone O.C. to DF, 04/2010) that the algae-resistant portion of an Owens Corning roof shingle warranty is limited to one genera/species of roof algae. It appears that she was describing a more narrow interpretation than the language of the 2008 roof warranties above, as she was excluding green algae staining.

Watch out: don't try cleaning asphalt shingle roofs without checking with the manufacturer about their recommended methods. For example using power washers (not recommended), and some chemicals may damage the shingles and reduce the roof life. Other chemicals such as bleach may also cause staining on other building areas and can be unsafe if not handled properly. To remove and prevent black algae stains on roofs, see BLACK STAIN REMOVAL & PREVENTION.

OPINION: algal growth on asphalt roof shingles, unlike moss and lichens growth (MOSS & LICHENS on SHINGLES), is a cosmetic concern and is not likely to affect roof shingle life. But as the warranty above includes lichens, you should keep an eye on your roof for that more destructive growth.

Also see STAINS on ROOF SHINGLES and  ALGAE STAINS ON ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES for more information about the causes and cures of stains on roof coverings.

Roof failure basic field report information for Research Purposes

For research purposes we would also like to receive your reports of roofing product failures as we are actively researching roof failures, repair alternatives, and warranty claims procedures. We welcome photographs and history reports of examples of failures on asphalt shingle roofs and claims experience in New York Pennsylvania Connecticut New Jersey NY PA CT NJ and in California, Oregon, Washington State CA OR WA, (both fiberglass and or non-fiberglass based shingles, GAF and all other brands).

You can help by providing information. Contact Us to email a description of your roof shingle failure experience as outlined below or if necessary, to arrange for consulting in the NY metropolitan area. Regrettably the volume of web traffic precludes free email, telephone, or other consulting except for the elderly, disabled, and people of limited means.

Roofing Warranty Claim Result Report

Printer friendly PDF form of this table

Roof type: e.g. asphalt shingle, fiberglass-based or asphalt shingle, organic-mat based  
Age of roof: date installed, or approximate age if known, or indicate unknown  
Roof Ventilation: none, ridge, soffit, gable-end, roof vents, power vents, blocked/unblocked at eaves or ridge, unknown.  
Roof shingle brand & model, if known  

Shingle color, weight, rated or claimed life expectancy if known.

 
City and State where building is located  
Describe conditions under which the roof failed, when the failure was first observed, and what related building damage occurred. Photos are helpful.  
Describe the results you obtained when contacting your roofer for assistance.  
Describe the results you obtained when contacting the roofing product manufacturer or local supplier for assistance.  
Other Comments:  
Contact information: Name, telephone, Email. Note: contact information is optional. Our privacy policy: 100% private. Your personal information is released to no one. Period.  
Print, fill-in and email a copy of this report to us for inclusion in our data of roofing warranty claims. (Sorry, we cannot intercede between consumers and the manufacturer in individual warranty claims. See Contact Us for email or U.S. postal mail information.

List of Fiberboard & Fiber Cement Roof Shingle Warranty Claims Companies & Websites

  • Masonite Woodruf® Roofing or Masonite OmniWood® Siding Lawsuit Settlement Notice - PDF file
  • Masonite fiberboard Roof Shingles & Siding: Information about Masonite roofing products is at MASONITE WOODRUF FIBERBOARD ROOFING. Contact information is at: Chicago, IL, 312-750-0900 . Cass action settlements involving masonite hardboard, omniboard, woodruff shingles. [Watch out: We found the "official" website www.masoniteclaims.com not useful - basically clicking on its links simply present advertisements - web search 09/28/2010]
  • Cemwood Roof Shakes: Information about American Cemwood roofing shakes and related products is at AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING. Contact information is at: American Cemwood - imitation wood shakes crack, swell and discolor. The American Cemwood roofing settlement includes Cemwood Shakes, Permatek Shakes, Permatek and Permatek II. Cascade Shake, Trieste Tile, Pacific Slate, Permatek II and Royal Shake. Class action settlement site: www.cemwoodclaims.com or for help identifying Cemwood or Permatek shakes on a roof see http://www.cemwoodclaims.com/identify.html Claims administrator: 1-800-708-3266.
  • FireFree Plus fiber cement Roof Shakes: Re-Con Building Products roof tiles composed of 2/3 Portland Cement and 1/3 wood cellulose fiber crack, swell and discolor. Cass action settlement site: [Watch out: We found the "official" website www.firefreeclaims.comnot useful - basically clicking on its links simply present advertisements - web search 09/28/2010 & 03/01/2011]
    Re-Con Building Products, Inc., a subsidiary of Stone Mountain Holdings, Inc., went out of business and into receivership in October, 2007.
    Also see Fire Free Plus Roofing, 4850 SW Scholls Ferry Road # 203, Portland, OR 97225-1692, Tel: (205) 879-5420

George Podrug provided Masonite Woodruf™ roofing information for home inspectors in 1999.

Defective Hardboard Siding (similar products): see the detailed articles at SIDING HARDBOARD
 including Louisiana Pacific and other hardboard siding manufacturer claims websites and contact information

Also see SIDING, ASBESTOS FIBER CEMENT and Asbestos Cement and Fiber Cement Siding & Roof Shingles at
and ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOFING

And see Asbestos in Carpet Padding? at CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY for other asbestos materials from Hardie.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Roof Shingle Warranty Claims & How to File a Claiim

Question: Our Globe Roof Shingles (1997) are Leaking

We purchased 20 year warranty Globe shingles for our roof in 1997 and are now having problems in fall 2011 with leaking roof in several places. Shingles have not worn well. I have their address and have sent them a letter, but anything else that I can do to get my warranty? - D.M.

Reply:

Please take a look at the information about Globe shingles in the article above - you'll see that we have not heard of much success with Globe since 2005 but we do offer some advice about pursuing the matter through your roofer.

...

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Questions & answers or comments about roof shingle warranties: coverages, how to file a claim, roof inspections.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. (727) 595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
  • Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN, technical review by Roger Hankey, prior chairman, Standards Committee, American Society of Home Inspectors - ASHI. 952 829-0044 - hankeyandbrown.com
  • Arlene Puentes, a licensed home inspector, educator, and building failures researcher in Kingston, NY
  • ARG Corporation provides contact information at http://www.argrecovery.com/contact/index.html
  • 2001 Owens Corning International Shingle Warranty (PDF) 08/03/2010
  • 2008 Owens Corning Roof Warranty (PDF), thanks to reader Carla Owens, Kent State University, 4/30/2010 for providing case details for a roof shingle stain diagnosed in our lab as green algae.
  • Thanks to reader Nancy Lescarbeau for discussing her experience with CertainTeed roof shingle warranty claims 6/8/2009 & 5/13/2010.
  • Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
  • Masonite Woodruf® Roofing or Masonite OmniWood® Siding Lawsuit Settlement Notice - PDF file

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

    Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
  • Asphalt Roofing Residential Manual,
  • Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF] ISBN-10: 0471331724 ISBN-13: 978-0471331728
  • Building Pathology: Principles and Practice, David Watt, Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (March 7, 2008) ISBN-10: 1405161035 ISBN-13: 978-1405161039
  • Built-Up Roof Systems, Manual, C.W. Griffin, Mcgraw-Hill (Tx); 2nd edition (July 1982), ISBN-10: 0070247838, ISBN-13: 978-0070247833
  • Concrete Folded Plate Roofs, C. Wilby PhD BSc CEng FICE FIStructE (Author), Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998, ISBN-10: 0340662662, ISBN-13: 978-0340662663
  • Concrete Shell Roofs, C. Wilby PhD BSc CEng FICE FIStructE (Author),
  • Concrete Dome Roofs (Longman Concrete Design and Construction Series),
  • Concrete Roofing Tile, History of the, Batsford, 1959, AISN B000HLLOUC (availble used)
  • Copper Roofing, by CDA
  • Copper Roofing, Master specifications for copper roofing and sheet metal work in building construction: Institutional, commercial, industrial, I.E. Anderson, 1961 (hard to find)
  • Corrugated Iron, Building on the Frontier, Simon Holloway
  • Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide, Edmund C. Snodgrass, Lucie L. Snodgrass, Timber Press, Incorporated, 2006, ISBN-10: 0881927872, ISBN-13: 978-0881927870. The text covers moisture needs, heat tolerance, hardiness, bloom color, foliage characteristics, and height of 350 species and cultivars.
  • Green Roof Construction and Maintenance, Kelley Luckett, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2009, ISBN-10: 007160880X, ISBN-13: 978-0071608800, quoting: Key questions to ask at each stage of the green building process Tested tips and techniques for successful structural design Construction methods for new and existing buildings Information on insulation, drainage, detailing, irrigation, and plant selection Details on optimal soil formulation Illustrations featuring various stages of construction Best practices for green roof maintenance A survey of environmental benefits, including evapo-transpiration, storm-water management, habitat restoration, and improvement of air quality Tips on the LEED design and certification process Considerations for assessing return on investment Color photographs of successfully installed green roofs Useful checklists, tables, and charts
  • Historic Slate Roofs : With How-to Info and Specifications, Tina Skinner (Ed), Schiffer Publishing, 2008, ISBN-10: 0764330012 , ISBN-13: 978-0764330018
  • Low Slope Roofing, Manual of, 4th Ed., C.W. Griffin, Richard Fricklas, McGraw-Hill Professional; 4 edition, 2006, ISBN-10: 007145828X, ISBN-13: 978-0071458283
    • Roof failure causes in depth (and specific methods for avoiding them)
    • Roof design fundamentals and flourishes, based on voluminous industry research and experience
    • New technologies and materials -- using them safely and correctly
    • Comprehensive coverage of all major roofing systems pecifications, inspection, and maintenance tools for roofing work
  • Metal Roofing, an Illustrated Guide, R.A. Knowlton , [metal shingle roofs],
  • Patio Roofs, how to build, Sunset Books
  • Problems in Roofing Design, B. Harrison McCampbell, Butterworth Heineman, 1991 ISBN 0-7506-9162-X (available used)
  • Roofing The Right Way, Steven Bolt, McGraw-Hill Professional; 3rd Ed (1996), ISBN-10: 0070066507, ISBN-13: 978-0070066502
  • Slate Roofs, National Slate Association, 1926, reprinted 1977 by Vermont Structural Slate Co., Inc., Fair Haven, VT 05743, 802-265-4933/34. (We recommend this book if you can find it. It has gone in and out of print on occasion.)
  • Roof Tiling & Slating, a Practical Guide, Kevin Taylor, Crowood Press (2008), ISBN 978-1847970237,
    If you have never fixed a roof tile or slate before but have wondered how to go about repairing or replacing them, then this is the book for you. Many of the technical books about roof tiling and slating are rather vague and conveniently ignore some of the trickier problems and how they can be resolved. In Roof Tiling and Slating, the author rejects this cautious approach. Kevin Taylor uses both his extensive knowledge of the trade and his ability to explain the subject in easily understandable terms, to demonstrate how to carry out the work safely to a high standard, using tried and tested methods. 
    This clay roof tile guide considers the various types of tiles, slates, and roofing materials on the market as well as their uses, how to estimate the required quantities, and where to buy them. It also discusses how to check and assess a roof and how to identify and rectify problems; describes how to efficiently "set out" roofs from small, simple jobs to larger and more complicated projects, thus making the work quicker, simpler, and neater; examines the correct and the incorrect ways of installing background materials such as underlay, battens, and valley liners; explains how to install interlocking tiles, plain tiles, and artificial and natural slates; covers both modern and traditional methods and skills, including cutting materials by hand without the assistance of power tools; and provides invaluable guidance on repairs and maintenance issues, and highlights common mistakes and how they can be avoided. The author, Kevin Taylor, works for the National Federation of Roofing Contractors as a technical manager presenting technical advice and providing education and training for young roofers.
  • The Slate Roof Bible, Joseph Jenkins, www.jenkinsslate.com, 143 Forest Lane, PO Box 607, Grove City, PA 16127 - 866-641-7141 (We recommend this book).
  • Slate Roofing in Canada (Studi4es in archaeology, architecture, and history),
  • Smart Guide: Roofing: Step-by-Step Projects, Creative Homeowner (Ed), 2004, ISBN-10: 1580111491, ISBN-13: 978-1580111492
  • Solar heating, radiative cooling and thermal movement: Their effects on built-up roofing (United States. National Bureau of Standards. Technical note), William C Cullen, Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Govt. Print. Off (1963), ASIN: B0007FTV2Q
  • Tile Roofs of Alfred: A Clay Tradition in Alfred NY
  • "Weather-Resistive Barriers [copy on file as /interiors/Weather_Resistant_Barriers_DOE.pdf ] - ", how to select and install housewrap and other types of weather resistive barriers, U.S. DOE
  • Wood Shingle Roofs, Care and Maintenance of wood shingle and shake roofs (EC), Stanley S. Niemiec (out of print)
  • ...
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