What discontinued shingles mean for your roof

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Learn what homeowners should consider when roof damage makes repairs or replacement necessary. 

Homeowners whose houses were built in the late 1990s or early 2000s may have CertainTeed Independence shingles on their roofs. Although the product was popular for many years, it has since been discontinued, which means it is no longer manufactured. 

According to this article by O'Donnell Roofing, discontinuation does not mean a roof has failed. Many Independence shingle roofs continue to provide years of protection. However, the lack of matching replacement shingles can create challenges when storm damage or other problems require repairs. 

A professional evaluation can help determine the most practical approach. Important considerations include the roof’s age, the overall condition of the roofing system, the extent and location of the damage and the availability of compatible materials. A targeted repair may be appropriate in some cases, while an older roof’s condition may make replacement a better long-term investment. 

Experience is especially important when dealing with discontinued materials. An improper repair could affect the roof’s appearance, create additional issues, lead to unnecessary replacement work or complicate a future insurance claim. A qualified roofing professional should assess whether a repair is feasible and explain the available options before work begins. 

On a recent project, O’Donnell Roofing evaluated a home with Independence shingles. After reviewing the roof and discussing the available options, the homeowner chose to replace it with CertainTeed Belmont shingles. Belmont offers a dimensional appearance similar in character to Independence and is part of a current manufacturing line, providing continued product availability and manufacturer support. 

Homeowners with Independence shingles do not need to be concerned solely because the product is discontinued. Keeping a record of the installed material and consulting an experienced roofing professional when questions arise can support more informed repair and replacement decisions. 

Consult an experienced roofing professional to learn more about discontinued roofing materials.