Owens Corning Duration Installation Guide for Roofing Contractors
Owens Corning Duration shingles represent a premium architectural product line that demands specific knowledge for proper installation documentation and insurance claim management. Understanding the nuances of this product will improve your estimates, streamline adjuster negotiations, and ensure proper compensation for your work.
Product-Specific Installation Requirements
Owens Corning Duration shingles are laminated architectural products available in multiple color options and come with a limited lifetime warranty for original owners. These shingles require standard nailing patterns—typically four nails per shingle in normal wind zones and six nails in high-wind areas. Critical to insurance documentation is that Duration shingles must be installed with Owens Corning-approved underlayment and ventilation systems to maintain warranty coverage. When preparing estimates, specify the exact Duration series (e.g., Duration, Duration Storm, Berkshire, Chateau) as pricing variations are significant. The shingles feature proprietary color-blending technology and SureNail technology, which should be highlighted in damage documentation to justify replacement over alternatives.
Xactimate Coding for Owens Corning Duration
Utilize line item code "RFGA-Asphalt Shingles-Architectural" for Duration products. For pricing, input "Owens Corning Duration" as the specific product with square footage calculations. When itemizing, use separate line items for: tearoff (RFGA-Tearoff), underlayment (RFGA-Underlayment), and installation labor (RFGA-Installation). For supplemental work, code drip edge replacement separately (RFGA-Drip Edge) and specify gauge thickness. Flashing work should be itemized individually using appropriate code sequences. Include ATP (Attic Ventilation Products) when applicable, as Duration installations often require ventilation upgrades to meet current codes. Always input the specific Duration color variant in the description field to prevent adjuster substitutions with builder-grade alternatives.
Addressing Common Adjuster Pushback
Adjusters frequently attempt to substitute Duration shingles with lower-grade products, citing minimal aesthetic differences. Counter this by documenting the specific series' enhanced wind resistance ratings (typically 130 mph for Duration Storm versus 90 mph for standard three-tab). Emphasize the laminated construction's superior impact resistance and the proprietary SureNail positioning system, which reduces installation errors. When adjusters challenge replacement necessity, provide photos demonstrating granule loss patterns specific to architectural shingles, which differ from standard products. If adjusters attempt depreciation on architectural shingles, reference Owens Corning's warranty coverage structure—the limited lifetime warranty applies only to original installations with matching products, making partial replacements problematic and justifying full-roof replacement.
Documentation Best Practices for Duration Damage
Photograph each shingle type present on the roof before removal, establishing the original product. Document granule loss using close-up imagery showing the distinctive three-dimensional patterns of architectural shingles. For wind damage, photograph nail line exposure and separation patterns consistent with laminated construction. If hail damage is present, measure and photograph individual impact locations; Duration shingles' thicker composition may show damage differently than standard shingles. Always photograph the roof plane, gutters, and surrounding areas for granule accumulation and debris patterns. Create a written inventory noting the exact Duration series, color, and year of original installation if available from building permits or prior documentation.
Supplement Tracking and Management
Maintain a dedicated spreadsheet for Owens Corning Duration projects tracking: initial estimate total, line items, initial adjuster depreciation amounts, and supplement submissions. Document all adjuster comments regarding product substitution attempts or depreciation challenges. Create separate supplement submissions for structural issues discovered during tearoff (substrate replacement, decking repair) rather than bundling with roofing material supplements. When supplementing, resubmit original photographs with annotations highlighting specific Duration product features justifying full replacement. Maintain correspondence copies showing adjuster resistance to premium product coverage—this documentation supports appeals and regulatory complaints if necessary. Track approval timelines to identify patterns in adjuster behavior specific to this product line within your market.
```