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If you're in the market for a new roof, the last thing you want to discover is that the shingles you're considering might have been defective in the past. So defective, in fact, that a class action lawsuit was filed against the shingle brand due to their poor performance.
This can add a lot of stress to an already stressful situation. With 39+ years working with shingle manufacturers and homeowners, we've seen firsthand how talk of lawsuits can steal a homeowner's peace of mind about their roof replacement.
But the reality is – most shingle manufacturers have faced lawsuits at some point. If a roofer tries to convince you to hire them by pointing out flaws in materials other roofers use, they might just be trying to scare you into hiring them. It could also mean they're not fully informed about their own products or that lawsuits are common for all major corporations, including shingle manufacturers.
In this article, we’ll break down what shingle manufacturers have done to stop their mistakes from impacting homeowners. We’ll also look at what these lawsuits entailed and how you can make an informed decision about your roof that goes beyond the headlines.
Which Shingle Brands Have Had Class Action Lawsuits?
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that most brands you buy regularly have undergone a lawsuit or two. While every day people like you and me might find this news salacious, it’s par for the course in the corporate world. In fact, in 2023 61.9% of major companies underwent class action litigation for a variety of reasons. When it comes to shingle brands, you rarely see class action lawsuits filed for anything other than a defect in the product itself. Most of the time, the issues with a product are corrected quickly and the greater majority of consumers never know anything about it.
After some digging, it seems some of the most trusted shingle brands in the US have had class action lawsuits at one point in their history. The information in this table below is dependent on location, as not all areas of the US with these shingles during these dates were impacted by manufacturing defects.
Let’s take a look.
Shingle Manufacturer Class Action Lawsuits
As you can see here, plenty of trusted brands have had class action lawsuits. And while this may look quite concerning, what’s vital is understanding how these brands respond to faulty products. So, how do shingle brands protect their consumers if someone in their organization makes a mistake during production?
How Shingle Brands Own Their Production Mistakes: Roof Warranties
Even when solid processes are put in place, mistakes can still happen. Which is why so many shingle brands offer warranties to cover homeowners in the event that their product has a defect.
For example, at Linta Roofing we install GAF shingles. As GAF Master Elite contractors, GAF has decided to back our work, meaning we can offer warranties that cover both manufacturing and workmanship errors. So, if you have an issue with your shingles and it’s an error on the part of GAF, they will cover the cost to remove and replace the faulty shingles depending on the warranty that you choose.
With intense competition among shingle manufacturers, no one wants to have a bad reputation with roofers or homeowners. Meaning they’ll go to great lengths to correct any issue that might come up. This way they remain relevant and trusted in their industry.
How to Make an Informed Decision in Light of a Lawsuit Against a Shingle Manufacturer
Of course, no homeowner wants to hear that shingles they want installed on their home have failed in the past. Especially due to an error made by the manufacturer in production. It’s no wonder this is a sales tactic some roofers use to sway potential customers’ opinions about certain shingle brands. Because it is very concerning to hear this news.
However, now that you know what shingles have been involved in class action lawsuits and how shingle brands like GAF correct their issues, we hope it eases your mind. Ultimately, shingle brands know that if their name is not reliable, they will lose the business of both roofers and homeowners. For the best protection, be sure to ask roofers in your area about extended manufacturing defect warranties.
A great defense against any roofing issues down the line is to hire a certified roofer. Because even perfect roof shingles can fail when they’re installed incorrectly. And if you have any questions about extended manufacturing warranties, we’re happy to answer them. We’re proud to say that at Linta Roofing we can offer you the best warranties on the market and a high-quality roof replacement that will last for many years to come.
