CertainTeed Demonstrates the Flexibility and Resiliency of its NorthGate® Shingle Line

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

RCS Partner Heidi J. Ellsworth toured the CertainTeed booth at the Western Roofing Expo this summer to learn what’s new.

The Western Roofing Expo is packed with the latest products and innovations that roofing contractors want to know about. Maybe you missed this year’s show or ran out of time to visit all the booths. Well, don’t worry because we are sharing what we learned at the CertainTeed booth about their newest innovation in shingles – the NorthGate line.

In the booth, Heidi visited with Alex Pecora, Director of Residential Product Management at CertainTeed, who demonstrated the strength, flexibility and resiliency of the shingles. NorthGate is an SBS-modified asphalt shingle that is unmatched by standard asphalt shingles. The rubberizing aspect of SBS allows greater flexibility, so the shingles resist cracking even in extreme cold weather, allowing for year-round application.

At the booth, Pecora had traditional asphalt shingles and NorthGate shingles in a freezer that was set to 20 degrees. When Pecora removed the standard asphalt shingle and bent it to determine flexibility, it cracked in two due to the cold temperature. When he tried the same with the NorthGate shingle it was flexible and able to bend without cracking. Another key benefit of NorthGate is how it stands up to hail. Because of its rubberized material, hail stones tend to bounce off the roof, rather than dent the shingle. SBS also offers superior granule adhesion, which is one of the key components in protecting the shingle against the elements.

Pecora said the NorthGate shingle has been rigorously tested by third parties and passed the Class 4 impact resistant testing by Underwriters Laboratories (UL 2218 Impact Test). Interest in the shingle is high and Pecora thinks this will be the technology of the future.

Learn more about the NorthGate shingle and its outstanding performance.