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The Backbone of Roofing: Rigorous Testing
Not all roofing shingles are the same, which is why the roofing industry tests them. And why we make ours the way we do. Tested Tough!
Testing: The Core of Roofing Excellence
Testing Makes Shingles Reliable
Shingles are put through a range of evaluations to measure their strength and reliability, including tests for fire resistance, impact durability, tear strength, and nail pull-through resistance. These assessments are carried out by respected organizations like ASTM International and Underwriters Laboratories to ensure each product meets strict standards for safety and performance.
Range of Tests
Industry Rain Test
Roofing shingles undergo various tests to evaluate their performance against rain, particularly wind-driven rain tests, which assess how well they prevent water penetration under high wind conditions. These tests help ensure that shingles can withstand severe weather and protect homes from water damage.
Industry Wind Test
The wind test for roofing shingles typically involves standards like ASTM D3161 and ASTM D7158, which evaluate the shingles’ resistance to wind uplift. These tests classify shingles based on their ability to withstand specific wind speeds, with higher classifications indicating better performance against strong winds.
Industry Ice Ball Test
The ice ball test for roofing shingles evaluates their resistance to hail damage by propelling ice balls at the shingles to simulate the impact of falling hailstones. This method helps determine how well different roofing materials can withstand hail impacts, which is important for assessing their durability and performance.
Industry Steel Ball Test
The steel ball test for roofing shingles, developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), evaluates the impact resistance of shingles by dropping a steel ball from a specific height to simulate hail impact. Shingles are rated on a scale from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the most resistant, indicating they can withstand the highest impact energy without cracking.
Industry Spread of Flame Test
The spread of flame test for roofing shingles evaluates how quickly flames can spread across the surface of the material when exposed to fire. This test is part of the ASTM E108 and UL 790 standards, which classify roofing materials into fire ratings such as Class A, B, or C based on their resistance to fire.
Industry Intermittent Flame Test
The intermittent flame test for roofing shingles evaluates how well the material withstands repeated exposure to flames. During the test, flames are applied to the roofing material for specific durations, followed by cooling periods, to observe any signs of ignition or damage.
Industry Burning Brand Test
This test evaluates the fire resistance of roofing shingles by applying a measured burning brand to the material to assess its ability to withstand direct flame exposure without igniting or collapsing. This test is part of a series of evaluations that determine the fire classification of roofing materials, which can be rated as Class A, B, or C based on their performance.
Industry Granule Adhesion Test
This test for roofing shingles, specifically ASTM D4977, measures how well the granules adhere to the asphalt surface of shingles. This test helps determine the quality and durability of the shingles, ensuring they can withstand weather conditions without losing granules.
Industry Tensile Strength Test
This test for roofing shingles measures the maximum amount of tensile (pulling) force that a shingle can withstand before breaking. This test helps determine the durability and strength of the shingles, which is crucial for their performance in various weather conditions.
Testing & Certification: Oversight by UL, ASTM, & Local Authorities
Roof shingle testing is overseen by organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which tests and certifies shingles to ensure they meet specific performance standards, and ASTM International, which develops standards for various roofing materials. Additionally, the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) in a specific area, often the local building department, may also play a role in determining compliance with these standards.