​Weakening the re-roofing industry: Cheap, inferior Chinese shingles.

In the reno industry, China is known for its toxic knock-off drywall that carries with it an odour that is offensive. It shouldn’t surprise anyone because they are known for a multitude of knock-offs, from watches, to cars to just about anything.  But, unfortunately, they have entered the roofing shingle world with sub-standard products that are sure to last half the time that a quality Canadian made shingle will which follows the CSA standards for manufacture.                               

Canadian standards stipulate that shingles must be made and constructed in such a way as to survive our harsh winters and sometimes scorching summers. Additionally, bundles should weigh in at about 79 pounds which illustrates durability, but guess what?  Chinese shingles come in at a whopping 50 something pounds and give new meaning to impostor  products. 
 
What is strange about this is that it was not long ago that we saw massive failures of domestically produced shingles that led to class action law suits as shingles peeled away soon after installation. So, after rectifying the situation, we must now watch as these pirates bring in their shingles, undercut the market and leave the customer high and dry with next to zero chance to collect on any probable failure in the near future.
 
The failure is in the codes where only new homes require and must have CSA approved shingles, where re-roofing and renovations can utilize these sub-standard pieces of garbage. New roofs seem to be an area that many home-owners will compromise for a price.  Unfortunately, the savings are more than eaten up by early failure of the roof and expensive replacement.

Residential shingle roof protection

Now, what makes it even more difficult to combat, and to protect consumers, is the packaging, it  appears to be authentic, CSA approved product, just like the GUCCI watch or the purses with reputable names emblazoned on the wrap.  There is no watch dog and these installers don’t seem to shoulder any shame in pushing the bogus products.  Chinese installers buy these products for $4-5 a bundle, while quality Canadian bundles sell for $20 bundle to contractors.  We think it can be called a scam.
 
If you are wondering if you are being sold a bill of goods that are sub-standard and where a warranty likely won’t be honoured, here’s how to tell.  If the price is thousands below another authentic quote, you’re probably getting the garbage.  Cheap Price. Cheap Job!