If you have visible, non-weather-related damage to your roof, you most likely have defective shingles. There are currently thousands of roofs with CertainTeed shingles that are deteriorating at a much quicker pace than the industry standard. This is due to a manufacturer defect. This defect was so widespread that many lawsuits were filed against CertainTeed over the past few years — lawsuits that eventually became one large class-action lawsuit.
In February of 2010, CertainTeed entered into a settlement agreement for a class-action suit. The allegations were for CertainTeed’s organic asphalt shingles, manufactured from July 1, 1987, through 2005, which were subject to premature failure. Please be aware that this defective roof shingle issue also looks like the manufacturer ATLAS’ Chalet Shingles and its Class Action Law Suit. Here is a link for more information about ATLAS Defective Shingles.
What Does This Defect Look Like?
The defective shingles deteriorate in similar patterns, including cracking, curling, pitting, blistering, balding and degranulation. These organic shingles were made with recycled paper materials as their base — different from the fiberglass base used in today’s shingles. Once the shingles experience granular loss, the UV rays from the sun deteriorate the paper materials rapidly. The recycled paper-based organic shingles were designed to be a “green” product, as they would break down more quickly once they made it to our area landfills.
What Specific Shingles Are Involved?
The settlement includes organic shingle brands Hallmark, Independence, Horizon, Custom Sealdon, Sealdon, Hearthstead, Solid Slab and Master Slab, among others. The settlement covers a wide swath of class members throughout the U.S. and Canada. Most of the defective organic shingles were sold in the upper Midwest.
Are CertainTeed Shingles Dangerous?
Defective shingles can be dangerous. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, protecting you from high winds, storms and heavy rains. But defective shingles break down easily and don’t defend well against these natural occurrences, leaving you liable to even more problems, including:
- Leaking: When shingles crack and blister, they create more ways for water to get in. With heavy rains, this water can seep through the cracks of your defective shingles. This issue could lead to a greater breakdown of your roof and leaking inside your home.
- Mold: Moisture, dirt and miscellaneous debris can all collect and provide conditions sustainable for mold. Mold can be potentially dangerous and fast-growing, so you’ll want to take care of this issue quickly before it gets into your home.
- Poorer insulation: With the breakdown of shingles, you lose a key use of your roof — insulation. Without sturdy shingles, you may find your house getting colder in the winter and hotter in the summer as air from outside seeps in through cracks or damaged shingles. This problem could also lead to a rise in your energy bill.
How to Identify If You Have CertainTeed Shingles
It can be challenging to determine if you have CertainTeed shingles, as you probably won’t want to actually get on your roof to examine for cracking and blistering. But these tips can give you some easier options:
- Check for purchase or repair documents: If you’ve recently had a repair or have a record of installation, check through those documents. They should tell you if you have CertainTeed shingles.
- Ask your contractor: Your contractor can usually determine what shingles were installed. If you still have their contact information, you could give them a call and see if you have CertainTeed defective shingles.
- Consult with a trusted service: A reliable service like Scro’s Roofing Company can inspect your roof for any damage and determine if you have defective shingles. This is an easy, thorough way of determining your shingles’ quality and longevity.
What Type of Financial Settlement Should a Qualified Applicant Expect?
A qualified applicant who purchased these defective shingles could receive compensation. The amount of compensation they receive depends on several factors:
- If the claimant purchased the shingles (or purchased the home within 5 years)
- Warranty terms
- Amount of damaged shingles
- Age of the shingles
- Type of damage
- How the damage was caused
- If the warranty was already settled
What Should You Do If You Have Defective Shingles?
If you think you may have defective shingles, you have several options. You can contact the manufacturer of the shingles or consult with your insurance company. Sometimes these avenues create their own issues, however — this is why it’s important to get a professional eye on your roof to know exactly what your situation is.
If you have CertainTeed defective shingles or think your shingles might be naturally breaking down, Scro’s Roofing Company can provide you with a thorough inspection. You don’t have to be the victim of a manufacturer’s defective shingles. We serve many different areas in North Carolina, such as Raleigh, for defective shingle repairs and replacements.
At Scro’s Roofing Company, we highly suggest you get your roof inspected or hire our roofing services to determine if your roof has this issue. You can call our office for more details regarding this issue at (919) 551-5104
*Last updated 12/23/2021