Purchasing Asphalt Shingles

Purchasing Asphalt Shingles

Perhaps the most important thing to look for when shopping for shingles is a passing grade on an independent test. The folks at the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) have developed a test for asphalt shingles. The test checks the composition, dimensions and performance of asphalt shingles. One of the key issues is tear resistance from wind and mechanical forces. This is important as you don't want your shingles to tear away from the nails in a wind storm. This test is ASTM D3462, "Standard Specification for Asphalt Shingles Made from Glass Felt and Surfaced with Mineral Granules".

Do not buy any shingle that has not passed this test - plain and simple. This information is readily available in written form from the manufacturers. Those that test, will readily give you the proof. Those that don't, will readily give you excuses.

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