Roofing systems play a crucial role in protecting homes from environmental damage, and the selection of high-quality materials such as Owens Corning Duration® shingles is a key decision in ensuring long-term durability and performance. The Duration® series is engineered to deliver enhanced wind resistance, impact resistance, and aesthetic versatility, making it a popular choice for residential roofing applications. For homeowners and contractors, understanding the technical specifications, warranty details, and proper installation procedures is essential to maximize the product's benefits and ensure compliance with manufacturer guidelines.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Owens Corning Duration® shingles, focusing on installation instructions, technical characteristics, warranty coverage, and relevant comparisons with other roofing materials. The information is derived exclusively from official documentation and technical resources provided by Owens Corning and other roofing manufacturers, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Technical Overview of Owens Corning Duration® Shingles
Owens Corning’s Duration® shingles are part of the company's premium architectural shingle lineup, designed to offer long-term performance and visual appeal. These shingles are manufactured using advanced laminated technology, which combines multiple layers to enhance strength, durability, and resistance to weathering. The product is available in a range of colors and textures, allowing for a high degree of customization to suit various architectural styles.
Key technical attributes include:
- Material Composition: The shingles are made from asphalt-based laminates, which are reinforced with a fiberglass mat for added strength and dimensional stability.
- Thickness and Tear Resistance: The thickness of the shingles contributes to their durability, while the tear strength is enhanced compared to standard asphalt shingles, as measured by ASTM D3462.
- Impact Resistance: Duration® shingles are tested and certified to meet UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance standards, indicating their ability to withstand significant impacts from hail or other debris.
- Fire Rating: The product is rated for ASTM E108 Class A fire resistance, the highest level of fire protection available for roofing materials.
- Wind Resistance: The shingles are designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 130 mph (209 kph), as indicated in their enhanced wind warranty.
These technical features are supported by official documentation and are consistent with the general characteristics of high-performance roofing materials in the U.S. market.
Installation Instructions for Owens Corning Duration® Shingles
Proper installation is critical to the long-term performance of any roofing system. Owens Corning provides detailed installation guidelines to ensure that contractors and DIY installers follow best practices and meet all required standards.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before beginning the installation process, several key steps must be completed:
- Roof Preparation: The existing roof must be inspected for structural integrity, moisture issues, and debris. If the roof is being re-roofed, all previous roofing materials must be removed and properly disposed of.
- Underlayment Installation: A synthetic underlayment is recommended for improved water resistance and durability. This underlayment should be installed over the roof deck before applying the shingles.
- Ventilation Assessment: Proper attic ventilation is essential for managing temperature and moisture levels within the roof cavity. Contractors should ensure that the ventilation system meets local building codes and manufacturer recommendations.
Shingle Installation Process
The installation of Owens Corning Duration® shingles follows a standard procedure for architectural shingles but includes additional considerations due to the product's design and performance characteristics.
- Starting Point: Installation should begin at the eaves of the roof and proceed upward. The first course of shingles should be aligned with the edge of the roof and nailed securely.
- Nailing Pattern: Owens Corning recommends a nailing pattern that ensures full coverage and proper adhesion. The nailing zone should be consistent across all courses, with nails placed in the designated area to avoid weakening the shingle structure.
- Sealing Techniques: The shingles are designed with self-sealing strip adhesives that bond adjacent shingles together when exposed to heat. These strips should be positioned correctly during installation to ensure a secure and weather-tight seal.
- Overlap and Alignment: Each course of shingles should be overlapped by the recommended exposure width to prevent water infiltration. The alignment of the shingles should be checked regularly to maintain a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Hip and Ridge Installation: Specialized hip and ridge shingles should be used for these areas to ensure a proper fit and additional wind resistance.
Throughout the installation process, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and local building codes. Contractors should also be aware of any special requirements or recommendations for specific roof designs or climate conditions.
Warranty Coverage and Extended Benefits
Owens Corning offers a limited lifetime warranty for its Duration® shingles, which covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is non-prorated for the first 10 years, meaning that the full cost of replacement materials and labor will be covered if a defect is found during this period. After the 10-year non-prorated period, the warranty becomes prorated, and the coverage will be based on the remaining useful life of the shingles.
In addition to the standard warranty, Owens Corning provides extended warranty coverage when the shingles are installed by a certified contractor. These extended warranties can include additional benefits such as enhanced wind protection, algae resistance, and impact resistance. The terms and conditions of these extended warranties may vary depending on the specific product and the contractor's qualifications.
It is important to note that the warranty coverage is contingent on proper installation and adherence to manufacturer guidelines. Any deviations from the recommended installation procedures may void the warranty or limit its coverage.
Comparative Analysis with Other Roofing Products
To better understand the advantages of Owens Corning Duration® shingles, it is useful to compare them with other roofing products from leading manufacturers such as Malarkey and CertainTeed. These comparisons can help homeowners and contractors make informed decisions based on performance, cost, and warranty coverage.
Malarkey Roofing Products
Malarkey offers a range of asphalt-based roofing shingles, including the Vista AR series, which is designed for impact resistance and wind protection. The product is available in three performance tiers—Good, Better, and Best—each offering different levels of protection and features.
Key specifications for the Malarkey Vista AR shingles include:
- Impact Rating: The Best tier is rated for UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance, similar to Owens Corning’s Duration® shingles.
- Wind Warranty: The enhanced wind warranty covers wind speeds of up to 130 mph (209 kph), matching the performance of the Duration® series.
- Warranty Period: The standard warranty includes a 15-year non-prorated period and a 20-year limited lifetime warranty for the Best tier.
- Algae Protection: The shingles are treated with Scotchgard™ Protector to provide long-term resistance against algae growth.
While the Malarkey Vista AR shingles offer similar performance metrics, the warranty periods and extended benefits may vary. The use of a certified contractor is also required to qualify for extended warranty coverage.
CertainTeed Roofing Products
CertainTeed provides a range of roofing materials, including architectural shingles with varying warranty options. The company offers both 3-star and 4-star warranty programs, which include extended coverage for materials and labor.
Key features of CertainTeed roofing products include:
- Warranty Structure: The 3-star warranty includes a 50-year non-prorated warranty for the first 10 years, after which the warranty becomes prorated. The 4-star warranty includes a 50-year non-prorated warranty for 20 years.
- Wind Protection: The standard wind warranty covers up to 110 mph (177 kph), with enhanced wind protection available through extended warranty options.
- Installation Requirements: Certified contractors are required to follow specific installation guidelines to ensure warranty compliance.
Compared to Owens Corning’s Duration® shingles, CertainTeed products offer different warranty structures and extended benefits. The choice between these products will depend on the specific needs of the homeowner and the contractor’s experience with the materials.
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
Owens Corning is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility in its product design and manufacturing processes. The company emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient production methods to reduce its environmental impact.
The Duration® shingles are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating features such as:
- Recyclable Materials: The shingles are made from materials that can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their useful life.
- Energy Efficiency: The shingles contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat gain and improving insulation, which can lead to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling.
- Eco-Friendly Installation: The use of synthetic underlayment and self-sealing adhesives reduces the need for additional materials and minimizes waste during installation.
Owens Corning also provides information on the environmental benefits of its products through educational resources and sustainability reports. These resources can help homeowners and contractors make informed decisions that align with their environmental goals.
Conclusion
Owens Corning’s Duration® shingles offer a combination of durability, performance, and aesthetic appeal that makes them a strong choice for residential roofing applications. The product is engineered to meet high standards for wind resistance, impact resistance, and fire protection, ensuring long-term reliability and protection for homes. Proper installation is essential to maximizing the benefits of the product, and following the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial for warranty compliance and optimal performance.
When compared to other roofing products, the Duration® series holds its own in terms of technical specifications, warranty coverage, and environmental considerations. The availability of extended warranty options through certified contractors further enhances the value proposition for homeowners seeking long-term protection and peace of mind.
For contractors and DIY installers, understanding the installation requirements and technical characteristics of the product is essential for ensuring a successful and compliant roofing project. By following best practices and adhering to manufacturer guidelines, homeowners can enjoy the full benefits of Owens Corning’s high-performance roofing solutions for years to come.