(PRWEB) April 24, 2006 –- Haag Engineering, a respected leader in the analysis of failure and damage, has announced the release of a revised second generation Shingle Gauge™. This popular tool is a unique Haag invention used by residential roofing inspectors and insurance adjusters to measure the approximate warranty of 3-tab organic, 3-tab fiberglass or laminated asphalt composition shingles. The device, similar to a metal ruler, provides measurements useful in specifying the warranty range of replacement shingles.
“ Recent changes in the shingle industry have required us to revise the second generation gauge to help inspectors determine the warranty for asphalt composition shingle... ”
Haag Engineering has sold more than 5,000 new gauges since introducing the updated version in March 2006. The original second generation gauge was first released in October 2004. Scott Morrison, P.E., Research & Testing Director for Haag Engineering, said “Recent changes in the shingle industry have required us to revise the second generation gauge to help inspectors determine the warranty for asphalt composition shingles.”
Over the past few years, roofing manufacturers have increased the warranty on laminated shingles by five years or more. The latest revision of the second generation Shingle Gauge™ is updated to reflect the current base warranty level of 30 years for laminated shingles compared to the previous 25 year level. Updates to the tool do not affect the 3-tab organic or 3-tab fiberglass side of the gauge, which is still in alignment with current warranties.
According to Morrison, owners of the previous release of the second generation Shingle Gauge™ (October 2004 – February 2006) can still use their existing gauge to get correct measurements by making a few minor adjustments. A replacement Shingle Gauge™ is not needed. “The adjustments affect the laminated side of the gauge only. Measurements taken can be adjusted by simply increasing the warranty reading to reflect current limits if the shingle is at least two years old. Replacement shingles—although identical in dimension and quality to the original—would likely have a longer warranty,” said Morrison.
The company plans to publish a frequently asked questions document (F.A.Q.) for owners of the first release of the second generation Shingle Gauge™ who may have questions about its use amid changes in industry standards. “With 85 years of experience, our company is committed to monitoring industry trends and standards to provide up to date products and services to our customers,” said Morrison.
About Haag Engineering:
Since 1924, Haag Engineering Company has been providing worldwide engineering consulting services related to failure and damage in civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical and chemical systems. The company has a staff of engineers with extensive education and professional experience covering a wide range of engineering and scientific disciplines. Haag Engineering also provides a wide variety of damage assessment training seminars, educational materials and other products. On the web:
www.haagengineering.com
