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 1. What does the Shingle Gauge™ measure?
The Shingle Gauge™ measures the thickness of a shingle, and based on analyses made by Haag, correlates that thickness to a warranty level. Knowing a warranty level can be important in determining what a comparable replacement shingle might be. While the Shingle Gauge™ was designed with the strictest analytical tolerances possible, we still consider it an estimating tool due to a small number of shingles which do not conform to the gauge.
2. How do you use the Shingle Gauge™?
 To use the Shingle Gauge™, you will first need to know which kind of shingle you're measuring. (See question #4 below.) Locate the appropriate shingle type on the Gauge (3-tab fiberglass, 3-tab organic, or laminated), and use that part of the Gauge to take your measurement. Gently lift a shingle tab and slide the Gauge onto the butt end of the tab, stopping when you feel the slightest resistance. Be sure to measure a single layer of shingle. The depth of the shingle in the slot of the Gauge corresponds to the shingle's warranty level, indicated by the gray bars above. Also, be sure to avoid areas of sealant strips, as they could alter the thickness and measurement read by the Shingle Gauge™.
3. How was the Shingle Gauge™ created?
The Research/Testing department of Haag Engineering created the Shingle Gauge™ with thousands of measurements of shingles, and correlated these with shingle warranties. Our Shingle Gauge™ is applicable to 94% of composition shingles sold in the United States in 2009. The Shingle Gauge was created in 2004, re-tested in 2006, and tested and re-calibrated in 2009. Look for “4/09” below the words “Shingle Gauge™” on the current version.
 4. How do you tell the difference between 3-tab fiberglass, 3-tab organic, and laminated shingles?
Organic and fiberglass shingles look similar from a distance. However, when you closely examine the edges you will see either clear or white fibers of glass (fiberglass) or brownish paper fibers (organic, also sometimes just called "paper") that look like the torn edge on piece of cardboard. If you can't see the fibers, you can tear a corner or edge and expose the fibers for examination. Remember that about 90+% of the market is dominated by fiberglass.
 Organic shingles are used more commonly in the north. Their increased weight and stiffness helps hold them down in the wind when there isn't enough heat to activate the sealant strips. Organic shingles are less common.
Laminated shingles (also called architectural or dimensional shingles), are two thicknesses of shingle bonded together. The overlying piece normally has extra "teeth" or tabs with wider spaces between them, making them easily distinguishable from 3-tab shingles. These are very popular, and usually a little more expensive.
5. Does weathering of a shingle over time affect the thickness, and therefore the measurement, given by the Shingle Gauge™?
Yes, as granules wear away and asphalt deteriorates due to weathering over time, the thickness of the shingle is affected. Variables such as local climate (heat, UV exposure, and moisture), foot traffic, and algae or lichen growth, all effect how quickly a shingle will deteriorate on the roof. While there is no reliable scientific way to account for all these variables, we recommend using the Shingle Gauge™ on the least weathered part of the roof for the most accurate reading. An extremely weathered roof’s age should be considered along with the Shingle Gauge’s measurement.
6. Does the “Laminated” side of Haag’s Shingle Gauge™ include both fiberglass and organic laminated shingles?
 No. There are very few organic laminated shingles on the market, so we concentrated on the fiberglass shingles, which make up the majority of laminated shingles sold. Remember to always use the Shingle Gauge™ on a single (one-ply) thickness area of the laminated shingle you’re inspecting.
7. What about Laminated shingles which have two or more full layers or which are too thick to fit on the gauge?
Laminated shingles with two or more full layers, or laminated shingles which are too thick to fit on the Shingle Gauge™, are considered to be “50+ yrs”.
8. Haag’s new Shingle Gauge™ has changed to conform to 2009 warranty levels. Is there any part of the Shingle Gauge™ which has not changed?
Yes, the “3-Tab Organic” measurement bars have not changed. Product lines and warranties for this category remain static.
9. Is there any type of composition shingle the Shingle Gauge™ cannot measure?
Yes. Composition shingles manufactured with “polymer-modified” asphalt do not conform to the Shingle Gauge™. “Modified” asphalt has plastic or rubber added, and changes the thickness of a shingle. You can identify a shingle with modified asphalt by the rubbery or springy feel, rather than the rigid, brittle feel of asphalt.
10. Do you update the Shingle Gauge™?
 Yes we do. We are constantly monitoring manufacturing and warranty trends and available product lines within the industry. When necessary, we go back into the lab to re-test and recalculate the particulars of the gauge. Any adjustments or changes will be publicized, and incorporated into new gauges. We re-test the Shingle Gauge™ every 3-4 years, and plan to do so again in 2012-2013, barring any unforeseen industry changes.
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