Designing a safer, stronger future

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how CertainTeed designs innovative products that push the roofing industry to higher levels of safety, performance and quality! 

CertainTeed’s mission is to “transform the world into a better, more sustainable home through an ever-evolving range of groundbreaking building solutions.” They work towards this goal by intentionally designing and creating systems and solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics and safety into a high-quality product that is prepared to not only address current needs but also future challenges. Recently, Frank DeFrancisco, the product manager in CertainTeed’s Roofing Division that covers their premium product lines, stopped by The Coffee Shops™ to talk about some of the work behind the scenes to make incredible products, like their Landmark® PRO shingles. 

Frank emphasized that safety and quality are at the heart of all of CertainTeed’s product development. He explained, “We have prided ourselves on our quality for years and years and that's what is going to take us into the future as well. Any individual that's at CertainTeed knows that safety and quality are always at the forefront of everybody's mind.” As a result of this common goal, CertainTeed was able to push their reliable Landmark shingle further for the premium PRO product. This designer roof shingle contains a multitude of benefits, including a 15-year, 110 mph wind warranty, maximum definition color blend technology and the CertainTeed NailTrak® feature to create a vibrant, high-performance product. 

One of the biggest improvements is the Class 3 UL2218 impact rating the Landmark PRO shingles boast. This rating comes from an independent lab which tests products and their ability to withstand damage like hail or debris. Frank explained a bit of what this looks like, saying, “For the company that we use to test this, they drop a steel ball on the product. To get tested for Class 3 impact.” 

Not only does having this high rating make your roof safer and better protect those beneath it, it also can save you some money. This is because a more durable roof will last longer with fewer repairs and because insurance carriers have begun to favor those with higher-impact rated roofs. Frank explained, “As of the last decade or so, there's a very big push from insurance companies to offer some type of incentive for having an impact resistant roof and that starts with Class 3.” These savings can be anything from 5% to 25% depending on insurance carriers and location. 

Learn more about CertainTeed; their emphasis on quality and safety; and what their products can do for your business on their Coffee Shops directory!