Fads aren't always a good thing, and this was proven to be true after the popular Atlas Chalet shingles didn't pan out the way everyone thought they would. Similarly, it was found that CertainTeed Horizon shingles were also found to be a subpar product with a variety of defects. Though shingle roofs are generally expected to last around 25 years, you may experience a shorter life span from these widely used shingles. If you have either Atlas Chalet or CertainTeed Horizon shingles, here is what you need to know about the problems they cause and what you can do about it.
What if I have Atlas Chalet Shingles?
These shingles were all the rage from the 1990s through the early 2000s. Why would a shingle be so popular? The popularity of Atlas Chalet was purely because it was a cheap option that had the appearance of a high-quality architectural shingle. Naturally, everyone wanted to save money while adding expensive-looking shingles to their home. However, when it came to Atlas Chalet shingles, you got what you paid for. They were later found to be easily damaged and tended to crack in hot temperatures, forming gas bubbles when exposed to moisture. Part of the issue with these shingles being discontinued is that even if there is unrelated damage that requires partial shingle replacement, you can't simply replace a few shingles since they are no longer available. Instead, you have to get a whole new roof which obviously isn't a cost-effective solution.
If you think you may have Atlas Chalet shingles, contact us at Trotter Roofing and Gutters for an inspection of your roof. We can identify if you have Atlas Chalet shingles and if there is any damage, we will work with your insurance company in efforts to get your new roof covered.
What if I Have CertainTeed Horizon Shingles?
CertainTeed Horizon shingles were most popular from 1987-1996. Part of the reason these caught the eyes of homeowners was because they were organic shingles. That sounds awesome, doesn't it? Not quite! Since the shingles were organic, they began to break down much faster than regular shingles and also had frequent issues with thermal blistering. Some other defects include:
- Cracking: This is typically caused by heat.
- Fishmouthing: This term refers to when shingles curl up and resemble that of a fish mouth.
- Degranulating: This means that the roof shingle granules are falling out which cause the shingles to no longer be waterproof as well as become a potential home for algae on your roof.
- Premature deterioration: This refers to general damage from natural causes.
When it comes to insurance, it's difficult to determine if roof damage is caused by hail/storm damage or from thermal blistering. This results in insurance companies frequently denying claims on CertainTeed Horizon shingles. Learn more about the CertainTeed Shingle Settlement.
What Next?
If you're curious about what roof you have, you can likely find that information on documentation if it was kept as well as on the packaging if some shingles were left in your garage or basement. You can also check out our blog on Identifying Defective Shingles. If you're still not sure, contact Trotter Roofing and Gutters to have your roof inspected!