What do you get when you replace a roof? Other than the obvious better protection for your home’s structure, most home and business owners also see a decent return on investment (ROI).
Your return on investment depends on several factors— where you live, the materials you choose, and the quality of the roof installation, to name a few. If you decide to do a roof replacement this year, you could see an ROI of roughly 60 percent.
This article will explore one option for roof materials— TruDefinition Duration Series shingles. Take a few minutes and find out what makes this Owens Corning roofing product so popular.
Why Choose Owens Corning Roofing Products?
Part of planning home improvement projects is research. It’s vital that you know everything possible about the products you invest in, including information about the manufacturer.
You’ve likely heard of Owens Corning. They supply all kinds of building materials, including siding, insulation, and roofing.
In the building materials business since 1938, this company has earned its reputation as an industry leader. They’ve also earned multiple awards. In 2022, they won their fifth consecutive Women’s Choice Award.
When you buy Owens Corning shingles, you can buy with the confidence that you’re getting a top-quality roofing product. TruDefinition shingles are one of their highest-quality and most popular roofing materials.
What Are TruDefinition Shingles?
Around 70-80 percent of homeowners choose asphalt shingles when installing a new roof. If you observe the roofs in your neighborhood, you’ll likely notice the majority of your neighbors chose this type of roofing material.
There are three main types of asphalt shingles:
3-Tab
- A single, flat layer
- Paper-based mat
- Three tabs are placed evenly apart
- Tabs fit together puzzle pieces
- Also called organic asphalt shingles
Fiberglass
- Look identical to organic asphalt shingles
- Fiberglass-based mat
- Less asphalt
- Lighter weight
Architectural
- Most durable
- Sculpted look
- An extra layer of laminate
- Last longer
Architectural shingles are also called dimensional shingles. After installation, they look thicker, fuller, and more three-dimensional than either organic asphalt or fiberglass shingles.
TruDefinition shingles are architectural shingles.
Multiple Options With TruDefinition
The Duration Series includes:
- Duration®
- Duration® Designer
- Duration® MAX®
- Duration® Premium
- Duration® FLEX®
- Duration® STORM®
- Duration® COOL Plus
- Duration® COOL
You’ll find Duration and Duration Designer nationwide. The others are regional products, so you’ll need to check with your roofing contractor about availability.
A Few TruDefinition Technical Details
When you buy shingles, you need to know what comes in the box—or the bundle. Here are some of the most pertinent details for TruDefinition shingles:
- Shingles per square – 64
- Bundles per square – 3
- Coverage per square – 98.4 sq. ft.
- Size – 13 ¼” x 39 3/8″
- Exposure – 5 5/8″
These shingles can resist winds up to 130 MPH. Depending on which single you choose, they’re also algae resistant.
Like most architectural shingles, Owens Corning offers a limited lifetime warranty. We’ll talk more about warranties later in the article.
Tip: When researching shingles, you can view each product’s datasheet and find a wealth of information, including the details listed above.
Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
What makes asphalt shingles so popular among homeowners and roofing contractors? Let’s look at the benefits of covering your roof with TruDefinition Duration Series shingles.
First, asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective when you compare them to other roofing options, such as slate, wood, metal, and tile. Even when you buy the more expensive dimensional shingles, you won’t pay as much as you would for most other roofing materials.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance roof covering, it’s asphalt shingles. They can also be easily repaired.
Asphalt shingles are versatile. They work wonderfully on roofs with various shapes, forms, and angles. It doesn’t matter if you have a Dutch gable or a cross-hipped roof. These shingles will cover well.
You won’t find a roofing product with more diversity than asphalt as far as style. As you’ll see later in this article, you’ll find a wide range of colors that will coordinate with any design.
Asphalt shingles are easy to recycle, making them an environmentally friendly roofing option. These shingles are safe. Nearly all of them have a Class A fire rating. While these benefits describe all asphalt shingles, the TruDefinition Duration Series offers additional benefits.
Unique Benefits of TruDefinition Shingles
When you look at the roof systems in a neighborhood, it’s tempting to think that all asphalt shingles are the same. They’re not! TruDefinition Duration shingles offer several unique benefits you won’t find with other brands. Those benefits include:
Superior Warranty. With these shingles, you’ll get a Limited Lifetime Warranty. You’ll have it for as long as you own your home. We go a little further into warranty specifics later.
StreakGuard Protection. TruDefinition Duration offers a 10-year algae resistance warranty on certain products.
SureNail Technology. Roof installers use this technology to gauge where to place nails. It also enhances the strength and durability of the shingles.
Amazing Wind Resistance. Several features work in tandem to provide wind resistance protection up to 130 MPH—triple-layer protection, proprietary sealant on the nailing strip, and extra-wide adhesive bands. With these shingles, you’re protected from wind events and shingle loss.
Comparing TruDefinition Duration Shingles to Organic Asphalt Shingles
You already know that asphalt shingles are the choice for around 70-80 percent of Americans. Before you decide which type of asphalt shingle best suits your needs, it’s helpful to compare organic asphalt and architectural shingles.
Remember, TruDefinition shingles are part of the architectural shingle category.
Organic asphalt shingles come in a single, flat layer. Architectural shingles have multiple layers, so they’re thicker. The extra thickness adds weight, which gives them tear-off resistance during high wind events.
The mat base of organic shingles tends to absorb moisture. The shingles may warp over time. Architectural shingles have a fiberglass base, which does much better at sealing against moisture.
The 3-tab design of organic asphalt shingles forms cutouts on the shingle’s bottom edge. This makes it look like each shingle is in three pieces once installed.
There are no cutouts on architectural shingles. Instead, they have a strip.
The strip is laminated with an additional asphalt layer. Using an asphalt sealant, the strip bonds each line of shingles together. This feature creates the dimensional look of the shingle but also helps with waterproofing.
Another significant difference between the two shingles is cost. Architectural shingles cost more than their 3-tab cousins.
Wind Resistance and Why It Matters
Some parts of the country—mainly coastal areas—are more prone to high winds than others. However, you don’t need to live in a hurricane zone or Tornado Alley to think about the wind resistance of your shingles.
Anywhere you live can experience a high wind event.
Whether it’s climate or stricter building codes, you want a shingle that’s effective against high-speed winds. Shingle manufacturers have made significant strides in creating wind-resistant shingles.
This is partly due to using stronger adhesives and more substantial mat materials.
If you install shingles with a high wind resistance rating, your roof will last longer under normal weather conditions. That roof is also more likely to hold up in severe storms.
A reputable roofing company should always advise homeowners to purchase wind-resistant shingles. They know that building a solid, durable roof costs less than repairing a wind-damaged roof after every severe weather event.
All TruDefinition Duration Series shingles have a wind rating of 130 MPH.
If you live in an area where you experience frequent high winds, you can increase the wind rating on these shingles with enhanced installation. Ask your roofing service for more details.
Wind Resistance and SureNail Technology
A major concern for most homeowners is wind damage. You won’t need to lose sleep over that with these shingles.
TruDefinition Duration shingles have such a high wind rating because Owens Corning uses proprietary technology. It’s called SureNail® Technology, and it’s only available on Duration Series shingles.
Here’s how it works:
It’s a nailing zone. It is made from a sturdy strip of fabric. This gives the roof installer an obvious target that ensures consistency when nailing.
SureNail, combined with another proprietary product called Tru-Bond, gives these shingles gripping power not seen on other architectural shingles. The reinforced nailing strip keeps the shingle lying flat, which helps prevent deformation.
TruDefinition Duration shingles only need four nails to meet the conditions of the Owens Corning warranty. Using fewer nails than required can result in fewer nail penetrations on the roof deck. Fewer nail penetrations mean less chance for leaks.
The innovative SureNail strip allows installation in areas prone to frequent storms and hurricane-level winds.
Impact Resistance and TruDefinition
Over the last ten years, more homeowners suffered losses due to hail damage than ever. According to a research study conducted at the University of Albany, many areas in the United States are experiencing an increase in conditions that produce golf ball-sized (or larger) hail.
As you can imagine, this means more homeowners submitting claims for hail damage on roofs.
It’s not only the insurance claims that pose a problem. When the roofing industry experiences significant increases in requests for roofing services, it can create chaos. It becomes challenging to keep up, which can mean a homeowner has to wait for a roof repair or replacement.
How your roof holds up in a hailstorm is at least partially dependent on the impact resistance rating of the shingles.
The industry rates shingles on a scale from 1 to 4, and they put shingles to the test using the UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test, a.k.a. the steel ball test.
To earn a Class 4 rating, a shingle needs to be tough. It must withstand a pounding from a 2-inch steel ball dropped on it repeatedly from a height of 20 feet. The shingle cannot crack!
The steel ball test replicates the impact of 2-inch hailstones hitting your roof.
TruDefinition Duration Flex and Duration Storm shingles have a Class 4 rating. Choosing these shingles provides a solid layer of protection for your home. It may also help you secure a discount from your homeowner insurance provider.
One more thing to keep in mind about impact resistance rating—to date, industry tests only measure up to 2-inch hail. They haven’t developed a test or standards for shingle performance under giant hail (2 ¾ inches or larger) conditions.
What About Fire Resistance?
Fire resistance is another factor you should take into consideration when selecting shingles. Underwriters’ Laboratories uses a test for rating fire resistance on shingles. There are three ratings – Class A, B, and C.
Class A
These shingles offer maximum fire resistance. Asphalt shingles consist of fire-resistant materials, and most of them fall into the Class A rating.
Class B
A Class B rating indicates a shingle can resist moderate fire exposure. Pressure-treated wood roofing products typically fall into this class.
Class C
Untreated organic materials, such as cedar shake, are combustible, putting them in the lowest range of fire resistance. These shingles provide only a small degree of protection to the roof deck.
When you look at the datasheet and see this code — ASTM E108/UL 790—it indicates a shingle with a Class A fire-resistance rating.
Some products in the TruDefinition Duration Series carry a Class A rating. You’ll want to verify with your contractor regarding specifics.
Ever Heard of Algae Resistant Shingles?
While it doesn’t happen everywhere, algae can grow on your roof if you live in a humid, hot climate.
How do you know you have an algae problem? Look for black streaks on your shingles. The streaks might look dirty or slimy, and you may notice streaks running down the side of your house, where it sticks to siding and trim.
The most common form of algae found on roofs is Blue-green algae. Algae isn’t harmful to the roof or your home’s structure. Instead, the black streaks give your roof a dirty appearance.
TruDefinition Duration, Duration Designer, Duration Flex, and Duration Storm shingles come with StreakGuard Algae resistance protection. It helps inhibit blue-green algae growth. You won’t need to worry about those ugly black streaks!
Next, we’ll look at energy efficiency and how the right shingle can help you save money on your energy bills.
Are Tru-Definition Duration Shingles Energy-Efficient?
When the sun beats down on your roof day after day, it absorbs a lot of heat and transfers it into your home’s interior. You likely bought an energy-efficient heating and cooling system with the idea that it would help keep your energy bills reasonable.
Your roof can also help save money on heating and cooling. Two shingles in the Duration Series—Duration Cool and Duration Cool Plus come with an ENERGY STAR® rating.
These shingles help reflect the sun’s energy, which reduces heat transfer. This means less of your conditioned air will escape. Your AC won’t need to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Keep in mind any energy savings will depend on several factors, including your location, the quality of the shingle installation, and the condition of your heating and cooling system.
Using the U.S. Department of Energy’s Cool Roof Calculator can help you determine your potential energy savings when installing a non-black roof.
How Long Do Owens Corning Duration Shingles Last?
The average service life of an asphalt shingle roof is 20 years. You may get up to 50 years of service from a new roof with a quality professional installation and regular maintenance.
We’ve already talked about the SureNail technology nailing target strip. Its design adds gripping power to each shingle. That means you get a more substantial, more durable shingle than you’ll find in most other brands.
The Tru-Bond sealant is another feature that enhances longevity. It offers a tighter grip on the underlayer and keeps the shingles securely laminated together.
How long your roof will last depends on several factors, but it’s easier to maximize service life if you begin with a great shingle. After that, climate plays a role, and so does paying attention to maintenance.
According to InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, architectural asphalt roofing shingles like TruDefinition Duration should last 30 years with proper maintenance. Three-tab asphalt shingles last 20 years with the same attention to care.
Are TruDefinition Shingles Low Maintenance?
One mistake most people make when making decisions about roofing materials is misunderstanding the level of maintenance needed to maximize the roof’s lifespan.
While premium shingles may require a lower level of maintenance than a more inferior quality product, that doesn’t equate to no maintenance.
These shingles have built-in features like SureNail, Tru-Bond, and StreakGuard technology that help extend the roof’s life. Beyond that, you’ll still need a maintenance program.
Homeowners who don’t maintain their roofs get about half the service life. It’s like any other primary home system. Imagine how long your furnace would last if you never changed the filter or had a tune-up.
Roof maintenance should include routine inspections, periodic cleaning, and quick attention to minor repairs. It’s best if you contact a qualified roofing contractor for the inspections.
A Few Essential Details About Underlayment
The purpose of underlayment is to protect your roof against the elements. Severe weather, including heavy rain and snow, can negatively impact a roof without adequate underlayment.
In most cases, a roof replacement includes new underlayment. Depending on the roof’s age, you may notice a lot of wear and tear on your current underlayment.
Your options for underlayment include:
- Asphalt-saturated felt
- Rubberized asphalt
- Synthetic underlayment
In the past, roofers preferred felt, but synthetics replaced it. It’s still available but not most roofer’s first choice. Rubberized asphalt creates a 100% waterproof seal. Unfortunately, that seal comes with a relatively steep price.
Made with an asphalt-saturated base, fortified with fiberglass, synthetic underlayment offers superb water resistance and durability, and it’s also tear-resistant.
In some areas, building codes make underlayment mandatory. Even if it’s not a requirement in your area, it’s wise to have it installed with your new roof.
When you go over the estimate with your roofing contractor, discuss which underlayment option will best suit your needs.
Understanding Your Warranty
Before you invest in a roof replacement, it’s wise to research the warranties available for your roofing materials.
Owens Corning offers a generous standard product warranty that covers the shingles and all other Owens Corning roof system components. This warranty contains several different provisions, including materials and blow-off coverage.
Their standard product warranty does not cover workmanship issues. That doesn’t mean you don’t have coverage for issues caused by poor installation. Most roofing companies guarantee the installation for a specific length of time after completing the project.
After the standard product warranty, Owens Corning offers three levels of extended warranty coverage. A stipulation for their extended warranty programs is that the roofing materials must be installed by an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum or Preferred Contractor.
Your roofing company will also offer warranties, so make sure you have that conversation when you go over your estimate.
What Colors Are Available?
If you think shingle colors are dull, you haven’t met TruDefinition. You’ll have many color options to choose from—a stunning assortment of grays, browns, and an array of earth tones.
One thing that sets these shingles apart is their color formulation. Multiple-granule colors and shadowing create rich, vibrant colors. No matter what home style you have, you’ll find a shingle color that compliments it perfectly.
Here are a few of the colors offered in this line:
- Aged Copper
- Merlot
- Pacific Wave
- Sand Dune
- Sedona Canyon
- Storm Cloud
- Summer Harvest
Who could resist a shingle with an elegant name? Even the less exciting colors use enticing words in their descriptions. Onyx Black, Quarry Gray, Harbor Blue, Estate Gray, and Shasta White. Any of these colors will be easy on the eyes and give your home a timeless touch of style.
Owens Corning makes it easy if you’re nervous about choosing a shingle color to match your home. They offer an app that allows you to install TruDefinition Duration Shingles on a photo of your home. No more guesswork!
Tips on Choosing the Best TruDefinition Shingle Color
Although you’ll have access to an app that allows you to preview the shingles virtually, most homeowners appreciate a few tips on selecting the best color.
Here are a few things you can do before meeting with your roofing contractor.
Observe shingle colors on your neighbors’ homes. Take note of how the colors interact with their siding and trim. If you’re drawn to specific colors, jot them down.
If you don’t see anything that impresses you, your roofing company will have brochures and color samples. They may even offer physical samples you can take home.
Your location matters when it comes to choosing shingle colors. Here in Boise, we have hot, dry summers. Lighter-colored shingles help reflect the solar energy from the sun, which can help keep your cooling bills down.
Both Shasta White and Sierra Gray would make an excellent color choice if you’re concerned about reflecting the sun’s heat.
One mistake many homeowners make is attempting to match shingles to the exterior colors. The roof color should coordinate but not match siding, trim, and brick.
The bottom line when choosing shingle color is that you want the color to blend with your home’s architectural style and the other exterior elements.
How Much Do Owens Corning Duration Shingles Cost?
Pricing out a roof replacement can feel confusing, especially if you’re not a roofing contractor or have never replaced a roof. Shingle prices vary depending on quality and features.
You’d expect a high-quality shingle to come with a high price tag. You may be pleasantly surprised at the cost of TruDefinition Duration shingles.
While you can check out the prices at a local home improvement store, why pay full retail? Most roofing contractors offer ways to save on high-quality shingles, which can mean you’ll pay a bit less.
The average cost to replace a roof is $5,960 – $12,740.
These shingles are mid-range priced, making them an excellent investment. You’ll get a high-quality shingle manufactured by one of the best shingle suppliers in the country.
Since a roof replacement doesn’t always come at a convenient time, you may be able to finance the project. Check with your roofing contractor to discuss financing options if necessary.
How Roofing Contractors Price Roof Replacements
Replacing a roof is a significant financial investment. Knowing how a roofing company comes up with a price is helpful when planning your roofing project.
When you decide on TruDefinition Duration shingles, your roofing company will start with a roof inspection followed by an estimate. Here are the factors included in most estimates for roof replacements:
- Size
- Slope
- Roof complexity
- Existing layers
- Debris removal
- Materials
- Roof underlayment
- Ventilation
- Labor costs
When you go over the estimate with your contractor, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Unless you’re in the roofing business, you may not understand all the jargon.
For example, most homeowners are familiar with standard felt or tar paper underlayment. You may want one of the more advanced synthetic underlayment products. In some areas, an ice/water shield is a wise investment.
Regarding debris removal, if you’re replacing an asphalt roof, the shingles are considered hazardous waste. You must make arrangements for proper disposal. Make sure that’s addressed in your estimate.
While you can sometimes install new shingles over the existing roof, it’s not recommended. Layering shingles can shorten the life expectancy of your new roof. It may also void your warranty.
Finally, labor costs will vary based on the size and complexity of the job. Your zip code also plays a role as labor costs are not the same throughout the country.
Tip: Many roofing contractors offer various upgrades that can add to your cost, but may enhance your purchase.
Can I Install TruDefinition Shingles Myself?
Many homeowners enjoy spending weekends working on home improvement projects. And it does give a person a sense of accomplishment when they successfully tackle something that makes their home look more attractive.
If you’re wondering about taking on a roof replacement as a DIY project, it’s not a matter of can you, but rather, should you do it yourself.
There are so many reasons why it’s best to hire a roofing company to install your roof. We’ll focus on the one that could impact your warranty.
Depending on the extended coverage you purchase, your shingles must be installed by a certified roofing company.
Most shingle manufacturers certify roofing contractors to install their shingles. It guarantees a proper installation, which results in fewer quality issues and future repairs
Installing the roof yourself may void your warranty, which will likely prevent you from purchasing extended coverage.
Where to Buy TruDefinition Duration Shingles
Most big box home improvement stores carry TruDefinition Duration shingles. However, there’s a catch to buying from a retailer.
You may only find a limited selection of colors. In some markets, every product in the series will not be available.
Of course, buying from a home improvement store puts you in the position of taking on the installation yourself. As discussed earlier, DIY roofing projects have some unique risks.
Buying shingles from a roofing company offers you more freedom and peace of mind. You may even save some money if the contractor is running a special promotion.
Why not go for the total package? Shingles and installation, all from the same place.
Learn More About TruDefinition Duration Series Shingles
With warmer weather comes planning for home improvement projects, especially those that deal with the exterior of your home. If a replacement is on your to-do list this year, TruDefinition Duration Series shingles make an excellent choice.
They’re durable and rated for heavy wind and impact resistance. They come in a dazzling selection of colors. And they’re manufactured by one of the leaders in the roofing industry.
To learn more about these shingles, talk to the experts at Point Roofing & Restoration. Reach out today and schedule a free inspection.
