"rudimentary guideline of quality and durability" Wow - I didn't know that.  I've never taken it literally, but this puts it in clearer perspective. Thanks!

"rudimentary guideline of quality and durability" Wow - I didn't know that.  I've never taken it literally, but this puts it in clearer perspective. Thanks!

Marlene, I probably should clarify that statement. It might not have come across exactly the way I meant it. I am not saying that the manufacturers are shirking their responsibility. I mean that so many people put shingles on and then forget about them. The roof is then covered with moss or limbs scrape on the surface. These people, if asked, really think their shingles have 15 years left because they are 30 year shingles and have only been on the roof for 15 years. Fact is, they are already dead at that point -- half life. As for the warranty, there is lots of detail and manufacturer's requirements as to how the shingles must be put on and if those guidelines are not met precisely, the manufacturer has an opportunity to walk. And, if you have a moss covered roof, that has been abused, and call the manufacturer to send someone to look at it, you are hooped because they are not going to pay on a roof that was so neglected. Now, on the other hand, if the shingles were applied correctly, are maintained and they still fail prematurely , then the manufacturer would probably pay something against the warranty but it will be pro-rated. The other fact is that, after a few years, the majority of homeowners have misplaced the warranty or sales receipt for the shingles anyway. So that makes it tough to collect too.