Educated Inspector’s three step verification practice is meant to help anyone learn how to identify the shingles that they are inspecting and/or replacing without removing the shingle or downloading a complicated app. By combining the width of the shingle, the exposure of the shingle and lastly the design or appearance of the shingle, we are able to confidently verify which product we are dealing with. Their are many manufacturers and they all tend to differ on the size and exposure of the shingle, even if the appearance is similar. Taking the exposure in to consideration is important, just as important is making sure that the shingle you are measuring is not over exposed. Most installers will use the exposure that they are used to when installing a regular three tab or architectural shingle. When it comes to a designer shingle, it is very important to follow the recommended exposure that is documented on each bundle of shingles.
When a manufacturer’s shingle specs refer to the width of a shingle, they are actually referring to the height of the shingle. In our verification practice, the width is referring to the width of the shingle as it lays flat on the roof (from left to right or vise versa). Finally we get the to appearance or design. Most designer shingles are unique in the way that they look and this makes our process very easy most times. Just search for the shingle/shingles that match the appearance of your shingle then compare the width and exposure of the shingles.
- Locate the image the most closely resembles the shingle you are inspecting
- Measure the exposure (make sure the shingle is not over exposed)
- Measure the width of the shingle (left to right)
One shingle manufactured by several manufacturers will look very similar. The CertainTeed Presidential Shake & Presidential Shake TL (The only visible difference is the three layers of the TL shingle that are visible when looking at the thickness of the shingle). These shingles do look similar to a GAF Grand Canyon, Grand Sequoia, IKO Armourshake, and Malarkey Windsor shingles, the easiest way to tell the difference is the exposure. The Presidential Shake Should have a 4″ exposure, the Grand Canyon/ Grand Sequoia should have a 5″ exposure, the Armourshake should have a 5 1/2″ exposure, and the Windsor should have a 5 3/4″ exposure. The Malarkey Windsor is the only one of these shingles that has flat edges on the bottom of the shingle. The rest of the manufacturers use contoured or curved edges on the bottom of the shingle.
CerainTeed Designer Shingles
GAF Designer Shingles
Owens Corning Designer Shingles
Atlas Designer Shingels
Art-Loc Shingles (Atlas)
Art-loc shingles may be the only shingles manufactured specifically for a roofing company. Also know as Sherriff Goslin shingles. These shingles are made by atlas for the sherriff goslin roofing company. Most commonly found in the midwest region.
IKO Designer Shingles
Malarkey Designer Shingles
F Wave Designer Shingles
F Wave shingles are manufactured using polymers and do not have granules
