GAF Materials Corporation, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, today confirms that every shingle it manufactures now passes the two toughest wind tests in the roofing industry: ASTM D3161 Class F 110 mph and ASTM D7158 Class H 150 mph. Roofing contractors in the U.S. can now install any GAF-Elk shingle in any area without concern about whether they comply with national or local wind speed requirements. To its knowledge, GAF may be the only shingle manufacturer that can make this claim.
In order to pass these arduous ASTM tests, the shingles were first subjected to 110 mph winds using ASTM’s testing protocol. Not only did the GAF-Elk shingles pass, but they exceeded the test requirements by enduring the test conditions for a full two hours, showing no damage. They were then tested using the 150 mph wind test protocol, and passed again, thanks to GAF-Elk’s DuraGrip® adhesive’s tight seal.
In case some contractors think that wind may not be a major concern outside of obvious coastal areas, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (who develop wind guidelines for construction in the U.S.), the lowest wind speed that home designers should plan for is 85 miles per hour. In fact, for about 110 million people in the United States from Maine to Texas, codes require 110 mph or greater ASTM classifications. Further, high winds are not just a concern for coastal regions, as local geography can cause high winds at peaks, mountain passes, or large water bodies.
The threat is real. According to The Institute for Business and Home Safety, more than 60% of all homes in the U.S. are vulnerable to damage from high winds generated by storms and heavy rains. Blown-off shingles can leave a home vulnerable to water damage, mildew, and mold and damaged roofs are expensive to repair. As part of its continuing effort to provide the highest quality shingles to homeowners, GAF-Elk submitted to ASTM’s severe testing regimen and successfully proved the quality and reliability of its shingles for use in any market in the U.S.
Brochures detailing these tests are available to contractors to use in educating homeowners.
About GAF Materials Corporation
GAF Materials Corporation is the largest roofing and ventilation manufacturer in North America, with sales of nearly $3 billion annually. The company's products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope roofing systems (marketed under the GAF-Elk brand) and low-slope roofing systems (marketed under the GAF brand), which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by a commitment to provide property owners and specifiers with the best and safest choice in roofing and by helping supportive contractors and distributors to build their businesses and avoid hassles.
With a focus on social responsibility, GAF-Elk has developed Advanced Protection shingle technology, which provides superior durability and wind resistance, while reducing the use of scarce natural resources.
The Company also supports the industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 100,000 professionals. CARE's mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel.
For more information contact:
Alyssa Hall, Corporate Communications Mgr.
973-628-3301
ahall@gaf.com