Asphalt roofing shingles cover over 95% of residential roofs in New Jersey, and there are five major manufacturers that make up that market share.
Shingle manufacturing is big business and when it comes to big business, large corporations look for ways to save just a few cents on manufacturing products that add up to millions of dollars at the end of the year.
One way to save a few cents is making a shingle a little bit thinner and about a half pound pound less per shingle. Over the last 15 years, we've noticed shingles getting lighter, but prices continue to go higher.
The ongoing debate is whether the heavier shingles are better, or are the lighter shingles designed for performance and weight doesn't matter as much anymore.
With building supplies, thinner products and/or lighter products are generally cheaper products. But with roofing shingles, some of the higher priced shingles are also lighter shingles.
A lot of roofers believe some shingle manufacturers are investing heavily in marketing and saving on manufacturing, by making a thinner, lighter shingle.
Based on the Roofing Insights report, here is a list of the most popular shingles in New Jersey and how they faired with reported weight by the manufacturer reps versus the actual weights when put on the scale...
Claimed and actual weight based on 1 roofing square or 100 square feet of roofing shingles.
GAF Timberline HDZ
Claimed: 210 lbs
Actual Weight: 202 lbs
Tamko Heritage
Claimed: N/A
Actual Weight: 208 lbs
OC Duration
Claimed: 200 lbs
Actual Weight: 206 lbs
IKO Dynasty
Claimed: 230 lbs
Actual Weight: 226 lbs
CertainTeed Landmark
Claimed: 240 lbs
Actual Weight: 231 lbs
Roofing Insights and many other roofing industry professionals do believe that building materials in general should be heavier, and that includes roofing shingles. When we're building or remodeling our homes here in the Northeast to protect us against the elements, thicker and heavier material is normally considered better.
Some siding manufacturers, like James Hardie, specifically design their products based on the climate in different parts of the country. In New Jersey, we get high winds, rain, snow, and really hot temperatures that all take a serious toll on the roofing shingles. Having a thicker and heavier roof naturally feels like a better option when considering the Northeast climate.
Roofing Insights does a roofing shingle test and rates all of the shingles each year and will be adding a new metric to next years testing to help answer the question...
"Does weight really matter when it comes to roofing shingles?"
Is your roof over 20 years old and you're not sure if it will make it through another New Jersey winter? If so, you can learn more about the shingles listed above and find out which manufacturer is best for your home.
Click Here to request your free digital roof report and get a free contact-less roof inspection today.
Not ready for a roof, but still want to learn more about Grapevine Pro...
Grapevine Pro is a highly rated roofing company with locations in Barnegat and Matawan New Jersey. We know that replacing your roof can be stressful. The project managers at Grapevine Pro work with you from the beginning and all the way through installation. Your experience while we're working for you is just as important as the quality of the installation. Don't sacrifice quality when it comes to your home.
Go with a pro... Grapevine Pro.
Grapevine Pro - (732) 335-7770
Barnegat NJ & Matawan NJ
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