The 4/09 Shingle Gaugeâ„¢ measures the thickness of a shingle, and based on analyses made by Haag, correlates that thickness to a warranty level. Knowing a warranty level can be important in determining what a comparable replacement shingle might be. While the Shingle Gaugeâ„¢ was designed with the strictest analytical tolerances possible, we still consider it an estimating tool due to a small number of shingles which do not conform to the gauge. Haag created the 4/09 Shingle Gaugeâ„¢ by testing asphalt-based composition shingles. Modified asphalt shingles (commonly called "impact resistant") were not included in our testing and are not applicable to the 4/09 Shingle Gaugeâ„¢.

In the spring of 2012, Haag Engineering released a redesigned Shingle Gaugeâ„¢. Why was the 1/12 Shingle Gaugeâ„¢ created, and why does it not include Laminated Shingles? In early 2011, most asphalt shingle manufacturers introduced "lifetime" limited warranties for their products. Haag responded by acquiring 76 models of these shingles from every U.S. manufacturer to measure shingle thicknesses and to compare against their warranties. The testing concluded laminated shingles could not be separated by thickness into warranty categories. The thicknesses of new "lifetime" warrantied shingles varied dramatically. What's more, many manufacturers limit "lifetime" warranties to residential installations and use a year designation for commercial-use installations. Without a strong relationship between warranty and thickness, we could not create an updated Gauge which includes Laminated Shingles. Thus, the 1/12 Shingle Gaugeâ„¢ measures the thickness of 3-Tab shingles, and based on analyses made by Haag, correlates that thickness to a warranty range.

Why is the "4/09" Shingle Gaugeâ„¢ still available?

Since Haag's "4/09" Shingle Gaugeâ„¢ remains accurate on roofs installed before January 2011, we will continue to sell this version for the foreseeable future.