F Wave Shingles – An Expert Analysis of Their Benefits and Limitations
Homeowners today experience trepidation when selecting which material is best for their roof. With several great options available, deciding which material you prefer presents a unique challenge. In order to minimize the stress of this decision-making process, we will be taking an in-depth look over the next several weeks at different material options for your roof installation and their pros and cons. Last week we reviewed the pros and cons of metal roofing. Today, our experts discuss the pros and cons of F Wave Shingles. To check out popular roofing material around Colorado Springs read more here.
What Are F Wave Shingles Made Of?
F Wave Shingles are made of Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO). This is a single-ply roofing membrane that covers the entire roof. While plastic is in the name, it’s actually not a part of the product. TPO is one of a few different types of rubber, usually a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber.
F Wave Shingles Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Class 4 Impact Resistance | Expensive initial investment |
| Low Maintenance | New Product To The Market |
| UV and Weather Resistance | Limited (But Growing) Design Options |
| Warranties |
Pros of F Wave Shingles
1.) Class 4 Impact Resistance
F Wave shingles earned a class 4 impact resistance rating during testing. The test requires a shingle to show no damage after a 2-inch steel ball impacts it from a height of 20 feet, twice. F Wave’s synthetic TPO make-up means no granules exist on the shingles. Furthermore, instead of having multiple layers, F Wave shingles are a single consistent layer of material. They withstand not only hail but small branches and other hard debris without any sign of damage.
2.) Low Maintenance
F Wave designed their product with the homeowner’s needs in mind. This means minimal maintenance and upkeep throughout the roof’s life. While minimal maintenance is still required, F Wave shingle roofs last longer than asphalt shingle roofs with less maintenance over the course of their life. They also create less mess because storms and UV exposure don’t cause granules to fall from your roof because there are no granules on F Wave Shingles.
3.) UV and Weather Resistance
Asphalt shingles require a special UV coating to keep them from absorbing radiant heat from UV rays. F Wave shingles reflect the heat from the sun by design right out of the box. This keeps temperatures consistent throughout the home and ultimately saves on energy costs.
4.) Warranties
F Wave roofing materials have industry-leading warranties when installed by a professional roofer. In the roofing industry, they are known for being “a true 50-year roof”. F Wave even offers a full 50-year warranty on their roofs. A five-year hail damage guarantee further strengthens the warranty option for homeowners. Learn more about F Wave warranties HERE.
Cons of F Wave Shingles
1.) Expensive Initial Investment
F Wave roofing material regularly costs double the price of an asphalt shingle roof. Furthermore, the specialized tools, training, and equipment required for F Wave roofing necessitate a higher installation cost. We believe these costs are worth it over the life of the roof, however. We actually anticipate your F Wave roof being cheaper in the long run than an asphalt shingle roof.
2.) New Product To The Market
We have to say “anticipate” in the previous point because the product is so new to the industry. While it has been extensively tested and engineered to meet all homeowner needs, F Wave shingles only hit the market in 2015. While we believe in the product and the F Wave team, we must be clear that the oldest of these roofs is only five years old at the time of this writing. We will also note that they still look great after five years and expect these roofs to last over 50 years as the manufacturer states.
3.) Limited (But Growing) Design Options
The F Wave team continues to add great design options to their catalog of roofing options. However, at the time of this writing, only three categories exist with a fourth on the way in 2021. While each of these categories offers a few color options, homeowners looking to fully customize the look of their roof will find more options with other roofing material options.
Hennessey Roofing in Colorado Springs
When choosing a material for your roof, it’s important to look at the pros and cons of the many options available to you. F Wave shingles offer many benefits and are changing the roofing landscape across the building industry.
