Checking Asphalt Composition Shingle Thickness

 

FIELD-CHECKING SHINGLE THICKNESS

The quality of asphalt shingles is generally reflected in the length of the warranty. You can get a good idea of the length of the warranty of strip shingles by checking the shingle thickness using a shingle gauge.

This device has a tapered slot lined with calibration marks that show the warranty connected with the shingles thickness. You won’t be able to positively identify the warranty of the roof, but using the gauge allows you to get a good estimate.

Here’s how you use it on a three-tab shingle.

When you use the gauge on laminated shingles, you need to use it on a portion that’s only one layer thick. Shingle gauges are less accurate on laminated shingles.

Checking the shingle is fast and easy, and allows you with valuable information at little cost to yourself.

Understand that you are not certifying the roof or confirming a warranty on the roof, or implying that it’s covered by a warranty. That by measuring the thickness of the shingle will identify the approximate length of the warranty, but does not accurately reflect the length of its expected service life.

A warranty for shingles is a marketing tool, since the warranty seldom reflects the shingle’s actual lifespan. A warranty offers a way to roughly compare the expected service life of different asphalt shingles.

Shingles may have one warranty, two warranties, or no warranty at all.

A warranty may transfer once with the sale of the home, or it may transfer as a limited warranty, or it may transfer fully.