Roofing materials installation is critical to the looks and performance of the system. Atlas recommends professional installation by a carefully chosen installer.

Yes. Atlas requires the use of an approved underlayment with all our shingle product applications. Felt provides several functions. Although not water proof, felt is water resistant and acts as a secondary protection against wind driven rain. Felt also protects the shingles from resins from roof decking materials, and felt is a required component in meeting Class A or Class C fire ratings.

Atlas requires that your attic ventilation meet FHA and HUD Minimum Property Standards or a minimum of one (1) square foot net free venting area per 150 square feet of attic floor area, whichever provides the most ventilation. The ventilation area should be provided at both the eave and ridge area equally.

Yes, as dirt and debris (leaves, pine straw, limbs etc.) can hold moisture on the roof, you need to periodically check the roof and remove any buildup of debris, being careful not to damage the granule surface of the shingle. If left to build up on the roof, this debris can cause leaking and premature aging of the shingles.

No. Even in the winter, there is a need for proper airflow. Although the winter temperatures do not create heat build-up in the attic space, there is a need to rid the attic of excess moisture and reduce condensation.

No, this protective release tape you are referring to is placed on the back of each shingle to keep it from sticking to the shingle beneath while in the bundle during shipping and storage. This tape does not come in contact with the sealant during and after application. It does not affect the product performance after installation.

"Architectural" generally means the shingle has a three dimensional design and construction. I.E. - more than one thickness to provide enhanced aesthetic appeal.

"Metric" refers to the width of the shingle, i.e. 13 1/8" equals 1/3 meter. Shingles are generally either "imperial" (12" x 36") or "metric" (13 1/8" x 38 13/16").

A square is construction terminology for 100 square feet of coverage. (10´ x 10´)

Yes, Atlas does offer several roofing shingles which provide reliable Algae Resistance to ensure the beauty of the roof. For information regarding a specific shingle's Algae Resistance, please contact your Atlas Sales Representative.

A "Peel and Stick” underlayment is a self-adhering underlayment sheet used to waterproof critical areas on the roof deck. For example, the Atlas WeatherMaster line of peel and stick underlayments are all self-adhering and seal around all the fasteners driven through during the completion of the roof covering installation – kind of like a “drive flat tire” – as the self sealing feature does it’s job.

A synthetic underlayment is a fully man-made category of roof covering underlayments. The primary advantages of a product like the Atlas Summit Synthetic underlayment are that it can be left exposed to the elements for up to 6 months, it is much stronger to resist wind effects during the exposure time, has great walking traction and holds the fasteners very well to prevent slipping on the roof deck.

Impact resistant shingles can withstand impacts from flying objects to a much greater extent than a common asphalt shingle. The impact resistant rating system ranks shingles’ resistance to impact into 4 levels – 1 through 4, with Class 4 as the highest rating level to impact resistance. The Atlas StormMaster series of asphalt shingles are rated as a Class 4 per the ASTM D2218 Test Standard and insurance companies in many parts of the US actually discount premiums when the StormMaster shingles are installed in place of regular asphalt shingles.

Wind Warranty coverage states the wind speed level to which shingles are exposed to high winds and are covered in the Atlas Shingle Limited Warranty to perform as designed.

Wind Testing refers to the actual levels of wind speeds which Atlas’ asphalt shingles have been exposed to during certified testing procedures in certified testing laboratories – such as Underwriter’s Laboratories. All Atlas asphalt shingles have been for wind performance to both the ASTM D3161, at 110 mph, Class F and the ASTM D7158, Class H at 150 mph. testing protocols. Local building codes dictate at what levels of wind test performance the testing credentials must indicate their for local compliance.

Atlas does not manufacture any shingles that currently qualify for the energy tax credit. Atlas continues to explore cool roof technologies as they relate to asphalt shingles; however our current product offerings do not provide a solution that will qualify under the current energy tax credit requirements.