If you're looking for a roof that can in fact handle a beating, the owens corning duration flex shingle is most likely currently on your radar. Most homeowners just want something that looks decent and doesn't leak, yet if you reside somewhere where the weather conditions likes to toss a tantrum, a person need to look a bit deeper into what's really protecting your house. These aren't your run-of-the-mill shingles; they're a bit associated with a hybrid that bridges the gap between standard concrete and something much more heavy-duty.
What Exactly Is a "Flex" Shingle?
Most people hear "asphalt shingle" and think associated with those stiff, sandy rectangles which have been upon houses for many years. The "Flex" in the owens corning duration flex shingle originates from the material called SBS modified bitumen. Now, that seems like the bunch of biochemistry jargon, but it basically just means the asphalt is blended with a specialized rubber plastic.
Believe about the distinction between a dry cracker and a piece of high-quality fruit leather. If you consider to bend the particular cracker, it snaps immediately. In case you flex the fruit leather, it gives, stretches, after which returns to its original form. That's the primary philosophy here. By having that rubberized high quality, Owens Corning developed shingle that doesn't get brittle as it ages. It stays pliable, which is usually a massive benefit when you're coping with extreme temp swings.
Precisely why the Impact Ranking Matters
In case you've ever dealt with a hail surprise, you know the particular sinking feeling of looking at your roof and wondering when it's full of openings. The owens corning duration flex shingle carries a Class four Impact Resistance ranking , which is definitely the highest rating you can get with this kind of item.
In order to get that ranking, researchers literally drop heavy steel balls onto the shingles from significant heights to see if they crack or rip. Standard shingles generally fail this test pretty quickly. Due to that "flex" element we talked regarding earlier, these shingles can absorb the particular energy of the hailstone and recover rather than shattering.
Aside through the peace of mind, there's a financial perk here too. A lot of insurance companies provide discounts on your premiums in case you install a Class four rated roof. It's worth a fast call to your agent to see in the event that the savings may help offset the somewhat higher upfront price of the materials.
Tackling the Wind with SureNail Technologies
It doesn't matter how tough the shingle materials is if the particular wind just peels it off your own roof. This is how Owens Corning usually benefits people over with their SureNail Technology . If you appear at one of these shingles, you'll view a really visible, tough material strip right within the nailing zone.
This particular isn't just intended for show. It works like a reinforcement, making it very much more difficult for a nail go to pull by means of the shingle during a high-wind occasion. Most standard shingles just have a printed line where the roofer is usually supposed in order to nail, however the SureNail strip offers a "triple layer" of protection where the shingles overlap.
When you mix the grip of that fabric strip with the versatility of the Flex line, you obtain a roof that's rated for 130-mph winds. That's fundamentally a Category several hurricane. While nobody wants to test that out in actual life, knowing the particular roof can hold the own during a nasty summer thunderstorm is a big relief.
The Frosty Weather Advantage
If you've ever seen a roof crew working in the middle of November or March within a northern environment, you might have seen them battling. Standard shingles get incredibly stiff when the temperature drops. If a roofer tries to bend a cold shingle over the ridge vent out or into the valley, it can crack right then and there, compromising the particular roof before it's even finished.
The owens corning duration flex shingle is a favorite among contractors with regard to this exact reason. Because of that will rubberized asphalt, these shingles stay flexible even when it's freezing outside. They're easier to install in winter without the particular risk of "thermal cracking. " Regarding homeowners, this means a much better install quality no matter what time associated with year you decide to replace your roof.
Granule Retention and Looks
One of the biggest signs of a failing roofing is seeing the pile of little bit of colored rocks inside your gutters. That's granule loss. Those granules aren't just right now there to look fairly; they protect the particular underlying asphalt through the sun's UV rays. Once the granules go, the asphalt bakes, dries away, and starts in order to fail.
The SBS modified bitumen in the Flex line is normally "stickier" than standard asphalt. This indicates the granules are usually held in place much more tightly. When you appear at an owens corning duration flex shingle over time, this usually looks significantly "fuller" than a standard shingle that's been shedding its coating every time this rains.
Aesthetically, they have that classic architectural appearance. They're thick, these people have deep darkness lines, and they come in a variety of colors such as Summerwood, Storm Cloud, and Estate Grey. They don't look like "rubber" roofs—they look like high-end traditional shingles, simply with much much better performance specs.
Is the Extra Cost Worth It?
Let's be true: these shingles price more than the standard Duration line. In the event that you're on the very tight budget or you're thinking about promoting the house within six months, you might be enticed to go along with the cheaper option.
However, if you program on living within your home for that next decade or even more, the investment generally pays for alone. You're getting: * Much longer lifespan: They don't dry out and crack as fast. * Much better protection: High hail and wind resistance. * Potential insurance savings: Because of that will Class 4 rating. * Algae resistance: They consist of StreakGuard technology in order to prevent those ugly black streaks through forming.
It's one of these "buy once, cry once" scenarios. Having to pay 15-20% more today can save a person the headache associated with a full alternative or major repairs five years down the road right after a bad storm.
Choosing the best Tech
Even the greatest shingle on the planet won't do its job if it's set up poorly. Since the owens corning duration flex shingle is a high quality product, you need to create sure your roofing company knows how in order to handle it.
Ask your contractor if they are an "Owens Corning Platinum Favored Contractor. " This isn't just an extravagant badge; it indicates the particular manufacturer has vetted them, and it usually allows all of them to offer very much better warranties than a guy with a truck and a ladder who just buys whatever will be on sale at the local supply store.
Final Ideas
The owens corning duration flex shingle actually sits in that will "sweet spot" for homeowners who desire the particular best of both worlds. You get the look of the traditional shingle yet the performance of a high-tech material. Whether or not you're dealing with scorching summers, getting stuck winters, or the particular occasional hail thunderstorm, it's a great option that stands up below pressure.
It's not usually that the "boring" house improvement like roof gets people thrilled, but when a person realize you may never have to consider your roof once again, that's a very great feeling. When you're getting quotes for a new roof, definitely inquire about the Flex line—it's a massive stage up that the long term self will probably give thanks to you for.