The 4/09 Shingle Gauge measures the thickness of a shingle, and based on analyses made by Haag, correlates that thickness to a **level. Knowing a **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. Haag created the 4/09 Shingle Gauge by testing asphalt-based composition shingles..
In the spring of 2012, Haag Engineering released a redesigned Shingle Gauge. Why was the 1/12 Shingle Gauge created, and why does it not include Laminated Shingles? In early 2011, most asphalt shingle manufacturers introduced "lifetime" limited warranties for their products. Haag responded by acquiring 76 models of these shingles from every U.S. manufacturer to measure shingle thicknesses and to compare against their warranties. The testing concluded laminated shingles could not be separated by thickness into **categories. The thicknesses of new "lifetime" warrantied shingles varied dramatically. Whats more, many manufacturers limit "lifetime" warranties to residential installations and use a year designation for commercial-use installations. Without a strong relationship between **and thickness, we could not create an updated Gauge which includes Laminated Shingles. Thus, the 1/12 Shingle Gauge measures the thickness of 3-Tab shingles, and based on analyses made by Haag, correlates that thickness to a **range.
Why is the "4/09" Shingle Gauge still available? Since Haags "4/09" Shingle Gauge remains accurate on roofs installed before January 2011.
Is there any type of shingle the Shingle Gauge cannot measure? Yes. Any type of shingle (3-Tab or Laminated) made with modified asphalt ( "impact resistant") does not conform to the 4/09 or the 1/12 Shingle Gauge.