SBS Shingle Technology High-Resistance Architectural Shingle Options
Premier Roofing & Exteriors recently completed this SBS Shingle Roof in Grand Rapids, MI using CertainTeed’s new Northgate product, which is impact-resistant and an excellent choice for cold weather application for durability.
Premier Roofing and Exteriors knows that West Michigan weather can be rough on asphalt shingles. That’s because our rapid response team is often first on the scene to repair storm-damaged roofs in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.
We’re excited to share the latest roofing technology to combat hailstones and high winds. You may have heard about SBS Shingle technology, but are wondering if it’s the right choice for your home. Here’s a review of the manufacturing process, plus two of our favorite high-resistance architectural shingle options.
What Is SBS Shingle?
SBS stands for styrene-butadiene-styrene shingle, which means the asphalt is blended with polymer, creating a more flexible, thermal-resistant, and crack-resistant product. The (SBS) polymers add rubber-like characteristics. The end result is more flexible, can be installed in lower temperatures, and retains surface granules better than standard shingles.
Although SBS has been used in commercial roofing for many years, its use in residential shingles is a relatively new trend, prompted in part by promotion from insurers together with homeowners seeking greater longevity in roofing materials. One manufacturer, CertainTeed, for example, estimates the SBS adds 10-years of lifespan to the average roof. Atlas’ StormMaster has been around since the early 90s. But many viewed these as niche products. That’s changing. SBS Shingle has been enjoying a surge of popularity, with new manufacturers entering the game in recent years.
This expansion of the premier shingle lines throughout the industry means more choice and style options for homeowners. SBS Shingle is a perfect candidate for West Michigan roofs that endure extremes in temperatures and stormy weather. And now it’s available in beautiful, designer styles such as shake and slate look-alikes.
Atlas StormMaster Shingles
Atlas StormMaster® shingles are designed to resist the harshest weather conditions including high wind, pounding rain, and destructive hail. StormMaster® shingles are made with a rubberized polymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), specifically designed to make the shingles flexible, strong, and durable. SBS modified asphalt shingles deliver unique benefits like superior impact, wind, and water resistance.
During the manufacturing process, the SBS bonds to other raw materials in the shingle, creating an elastic network that behaves like rubber, allowing it to flex when impacted. StormMaster Shake & Slate Class 4 Impact-rated shingles from Atlas are not warranted against hail, but they will better resist the damaging impact that comes with hail when compared to standard asphalt shingles.
In addition to impact resistance, StormMaster® shingles feature Scotchgard™ Protector from 3M, which helps prevent the appearance of black streaks caused by algae. Additionally, StormMaster shingles are built with HP Technology, featuring a 130 mph wind limited warranty.
Ed Todd, Director of Product Management for Atlas Roofing, says their SBS-modified shingles resist cracking and shrinking in both hot and cold weather climates.
“SBS causes our shingles to withstand weathering longer,” says Todd. “We use SBS in our StormMaster line because the SBS provides better adhesion to hold the surface granules better, and it also causes them to weather longer. The granules stay on the shingle longer than with conventional blown asphalt.”
In one of the required ASTM tests, the fan-driven wind is blown at 110 mph onto the shingles for two hours straight in an attempt to blow the shingles apart. In another ASTM test, wind gusts are blown onto the shingles to replicate wind storms of up to 150 mph. In hail storm tests, Atlass drops steel balls up to 2″ in diameter from 20 feet above the shingle to try and crack it.
CertainTeed Northgate SBS Shingle
This year, popular manufacturer CertainTeed came out with its version of an SBS modified asphalt shingle. The rubberizing aspect of SBS allows greater flexibility so the shingles resist cracking even in extremely cold weather, allowing for year-round application. SBS also offers superior granule adhesion which is one of the key components in protecting the shingle against the elements.
Features & Benefits
- Class IV Impact Resistant, the highest rating available
- Greater cold-weather flexibility
- Increased ductile properties and granule adhesion
- Enhanced crack resistance
- Better weatherability
- Shrink resistance
Both products are great options to create beautiful, storm and wind-resistant roofs that will last longer in West Michigan weather. Talk to one of our estimators for samples and recommendations specific to your home by filling out our FREE ESTIMATE form.