Premium Roof Replacement for CertainTeed Horizon® Shingles

What Were CertainTeed Horizon “Shangles” and Why Were They Defective?

The CertainTeed Horizon shingle – sometimes marketed as a “Shangle” (shingle + shake) – was a popular organic-based roofing product used on homes primarily between the 1980s and early 2000s. These shingles were designed to mimic the look of wood shakes while offering asphalt shingle durability.

Unfortunately, Horizon “Shangles” suffered from premature cracking, blistering, curling, and granule loss – all signs of material failure. The issue was so widespread that homeowners across the U.S. began experiencing roof deterioration well before the expected lifespan, which should have been 25–30 years.

In response to mounting complaints, CertainTeed faced a nationwide class action lawsuit (Carlson v. CertainTeed Corp.) alleging that the shingles were defective and didn’t perform as promised. Rather than take every case to trial, CertainTeed agreed to a nationwide settlement.

Key points from the settlement:

• Covers CertainTeed organic shingles (including Horizon, Hallmark, Independence, etc.)
• Homeowners with eligible shingles could file for monetary compensation for:
  • Material costs
  • Labor costs (in some cases)
  • Other related roofing expenses
• Payout amounts depend on how much of the roof has failed and the age of the shingles

How to File a CertainTeed Horizon Shingle Claim

Even though the deadline for the original class action may have passed for some, CertainTeed still honors warranty claims on defective shingles in many cases.

Steps to get money back:

1. Inspect your shingles – Look for curling, cracking, or discoloration.
2. Gather documentation:
   • Proof of purchase or installation date
   • Pictures of the damaged shingles
   • Estimates for repair or replacement
3. Contact CertainTeed’s warranty department or visit www.certainteedshinglesettlement.com
4. File a warranty or supplemental claim if still eligible

If you’re unsure about the eligibility, a licensed roofing contractor can help verify the product and condition.

Only One Shingle Damaged? You May Be Entitled to a Full Roof Replacement

Here’s where insurance comes in. In many cases, if your roof has discontinued shingles – such as CertainTeed Horizon – and even just one is damaged, your insurance company may owe for a complete roof replacement.

Why?

Most policies contain a matching provision or refer to “like kind and quality” repairs. If the damaged shingle can’t be matched due to it being:

• Discontinued
• Out of production
• A different texture, color, or shape

…then a partial repair isn’t possible, and a full replacement is owed.

This principle is supported by:

• State insurance regulations that require uniform appearance
• Case law and industry standards (ISO HO-3 policies)
• Roofing manufacturer specs that prohibit mixing old and new

What to Tell Your Insurance Company

• If you have just one damaged CertainTeed Horizon shingle:
• File a storm damage claim (hail or wind)
• Provide documentation proving the shingles are Horizon and discontinued
• Insist that a repair is not feasible due to product unavailability
• Reference the matching clause in your homeowner’s policy
• Ask the insurer to provide in writing a source for matching shingles — they won’t be able to

If denied, request a copy of the matching regulation your policy uses and demand a written explanation justifying a repair over replacement. Many adjusters back down once they realize the material is obsolete.

Pro Tip: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Many homeowners never realize they have defective or discontinued shingles until it’s too late. A licensed roofing contractor can:

• Confirm whether you have Horizon “Shangles”
• Document damage in a way that satisfies insurance carriers
• Help you file both warranty and insurance claims

Final Thoughts

The CertainTeed Horizon “Shangle” situation is a textbook case of a popular product failing prematurely and leaving homeowners vulnerable. The settlement and warranty programs offer financial relief, and insurance companies are often legally required to replace your entire roof — not just a section — when matching becomes impossible.

If you suspect your roof may be affected or you see even a single cracked shingle, don’t wait. You could be entitled to thousands in compensation or a full roof paid for by insurance.