Minnesota GAF Master Elite Contractor Minneapolis MN

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 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.

GAF Shingles Now Pass Two Toughest ASTM Wind Test

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 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’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 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.

GAF Offers Unmatched Protection For Your Investment

The bottom line is: More homeowners, property owners, and townhouse associations choose GAF for their roofing project—why trust your most valuable asset to anyone else? Because of GAF’s stringent standards, only the top 3% of all roofing contractors have qualified as Master Elite contractors! Choosing a GAF Master Elite contractor is your assurance that you’ll be dealing with a quality, reputable, and dependable professional contractor — not some “fly-by-nighter.”

Source: www.gaf.com