What is the composition of a Ce·DUR Shake?
The Ce·DUR Shake is made of DURATHON™, a proven and patented hybrid rigid foam composed primarily of polyurethane, PVC, and recycled glass. Other trade secret components are added to enhance these underlying materials characteristics.Do I need to worry about the structural capability of my roof and/or framing when I re-roof
with Ce·DUR Shakes?
The Ce·DUR Shake 1” butt design weighs approximately 210 pounds per square (100 square feet) of roof coverage, slightly more than dimensionally similar cedar shakes, and far less than cement-based tile roof covering. Since DURATHON absorbs essentially no water, the material weighs the same wet or dry (unlike many other premium roof coverings), so there should be minimal structural concerns if the existing building structure and roof deck are sound.
Ce·DUR Shakes are “self-healing” after hail damage? How is this possible? Yes, Ce·DUR Shakes repair themselves of hail impact indentations during a few sunny summer days. The DURATHON material is a closed-cell material that compresses at impact. As heat is applied by normal sun exposure, the material "relaxes" and the cell structure returns to its original state, repairing any dents. This same closed-cell impact resistant quality provides in excess of 500 pounds per square inch of compressive walk-on strength.
How long has Ce·DUR Shake been on the market? ENDUR•ALL’s first two Ce·DUR Shake installations were completed in November 1997 in Evergreen and Boulder, Colorado, and are performing beautifully. For a list of Denver metro area Ce·DUR Shake installations to drive by, call 303-670-0774, or fax us at 303-674-0798.
What is the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) 2218 impact test, and what is the
Ce·DUR Shakes rating?
The UL 2218 test involves dropping increasingly heavier steel balls from increasing heights (12-20 feet) at six of the most vulnerable locations on a representative flat test roof, and then measuring resultant product damage. Four impact resistance ratings (1 to 4) are available through this testing. Class 4 is the highest/best. The Ce·DUR Shake is currently UL Classified as a Class 3 roofing material. ENDUR•ALL has internally tested Ce·DUR to a Class 4 rating, but must accomplish that same rating at a UL testing facility with product from each ENDUR•ALL plant. We therefore expect Class 4 certification for Ce·DUR Shakes in 2005.What is the warranty on the Ce·DUR Shakes? ENDUR•ALL offers a limited, one time transferable, 50-year warranty. Labor and material are covered during the first year (including a separate hail and wind warranty) thereafter the warranty provides for replacement material in proportion to the remainder of the life of the warranty.
Is the Ce·DUR Shake environmentally “friendly”? Yes, the DURATHON material from which Ce·DUR is produced:
√ Consumes no trees/wood or lumber by-products
√ Has the same insulating qualities/values as wood
√ Contains a significant portion of recycled glass
√ Is recyclable and can be reused in new product manufacturing
√ Does not burn and is highly chemically inert
√ Is extremely light weight and easily handled and transported
√ Provides extremely long product life
√ Is safely disposed in landfill.
Frequent Questions
Technical- Application - InstallationWhat is a Class A fire rating and what is the best rating? Fire ratings (under UL 790 testing protocol) are granted at one of three levels: Class A, Class B and Class C. In some cases, products are not fire rated, as they cannot meet even Class C criteria. Class A is the highest rating a product can receive. Testing is accomplished by measuring the resistance to penetration and spread of flame on a representative test deck of Ce·DUR roofing. The Class A rating indicates that the product has equaled the testing industry’s most stringent fire resistance standard, a measure of how the roof will perform in severe fire conditions.
What is a Ce·DUR shake roof‘s fire rating? How can I get a Class A fire rated roof? The current Ce·DUR listing from Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is a Class A fire rating when the product is installed to ENDUR•ALL guidelines. The Ce·DUR Shake Class A system rating is accomplished through the use of fire resistant underlayment, the best being Ce·DUR Shield (a private label roll-on product weighing 42 pounds per 100 square feet) when installed to ENDUR•ALL specifications. This system, Ce·DUR Shakes over Ce·DUR Shield, has been tested and rated under UL standard 790 as a Class A system. Other acceptable fire resistant underlayments are Georgia-Pacific’s ¼ inch Dens-Deck® (110 pounds per 100 square feet, in addition to the weight of the necessary roofing felt), and ½ inch Type X fire rated gypsum board (220 pounds per 100 square feet, in addition to the weight of the necessary roofing felt). These products, when used in conjunction with Ce·DUR Shakes, also provide a Class A rated roof system.
Are specially trained/certified contractors necessary for Ce·DUR shake installations? No. Ce·DUR Shakes are designed to replicate traditional wood shakes in methods of installation as well as appearance. No special installation tools or techniques are required. Any contractor experienced with wood shakes should be capable of installing Ce·DUR Shakes.
May Ce·DUR Shakes be installed over old wood shakes? Over old asphalt singles? The Ce·DUR Shake generally provides a long life (50 year warranty) roof surface. It is vital that the underlying roof decking and building structure are sound and able to support the protection provided by new underlayment and Ce·DUR Shakes. Tearing off the existing roofing is the only way to ensure this.
Even if the roof structure and roof deck are sufficiently sound, old underlayment and old wood shakes do not provide a good surface over which to install Ce·DUR Shakes. An irregular substrate, in conjunction with DURATHON’s thermoplastic behavior, may ultimately result in an unsatisfactory roof appearance. This overlay installation would also increase fire danger from below the new roof surface, thereby reducing the exemplary fire resistance provided by a properly installed Ce·DUR roof. Overlay installation of Ce·DUR will void the ENDUR•ALL warranty.
Older asphalt shingles generally provide a smooth surface over which to install the Ce·DUR Shake, however ENDUR•ALL does not recommend this installation for the same reasons. This installation will also void the Ce·DUR warranty.
Can Ce·DUR Shakes be installed in cold weather (during winter)? Yes. Ce·DUR Shake roofs have been installed at temperatures as low as five (5) degrees Fahrenheit. However, ENDUR•ALL highly recommends installation at a minimum of thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit to optimize worker safety, nailing ease and material handling efficiency.
How is the Ce·DUR Shake manufactured? The Ce·DUR Shake is manufactured by a modified reaction injection molding (RIM) system. This system is a proven high quality manufacturing process in the polyurethane technology based automotive and seat cushion industries.
How many colors are Ce·DUR Shakes available in? Currently one. We call it “Weathered Wood”. As with any polyurethane based material, some color change occurs with sun exposure. Knowing that, Ce·DUR was engineered with this “weathered wood” color target in mind. This color change requires approximately 3 to 4 weeks of sun exposure. After this time period, color change is imperceptible. The “weathered wood” look remains for the life of the roof.
How much water does the Ce·DUR Shake absorb? Basically none. When tested through full submersion for 7 days, Ce·DUR Shakes absorb less than one half of one percent water by weight. They essentially weigh the same dry or wet. In fact, Ce·DUR Shakes float on water. This feature also gives the Ce·DUR Shake its superior freeze/thaw performance.
Is Ce·DUR Shake roofing a panel system or individual pieces? The Ce·DUR Shake currently comes in individual pieces in four widths: 5”, 7”, 10" and 12”, all 24” long and all copied after traditional premium wood shake designs. Matching accessories for starter course and ridge cap are available.
How does the Ce·DUR Shake perform in high wind areas? The Ce·DUR Shake, fastened by just two (2) standard roofing nails, has received the highest wind listing possible (110 mph) from Underwriters Laboratories Inc. under testing protocol UL 997. Additional fasteners may be used in very high wind areas, without concern for splitting or breaking a Ce·DUR Shake.
When will the thinner and lighter ⅝” butt design be available? This prototype product is already UL tested and listed for Class A fire rating. The remainder of the UL testing regimen (Impact resistance, wind resistance, aging behavior, etc.) will be completed, and the product appropriately certified or listed soon. For more details and estimate of commercial availability, contact ENDUR•ALL at 303-670-0774. ENDUR•ALL’s current plan is to introduce the ⅝” butt product line during the fourth quarter of 2006.
Why is the Ce·DUR Shake sample I have seen bent or distorted? A key attribute of Ce·DUR’s DURATHON composition is thermoplastic flexibility. At temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit and above (not unusual for a roof surface in the summer sun) DURATHON, becomes pliable enough under its own weight to conform to the underlying roof surface. A distorted sample has likely been stored in a bound and/or twisted manner, and then conformed to that irregular shape. Any distorted sample can easily be reshaped by heating.
How is the cut edge of a Ce·DUR Shake sealed against moisture? DURATHON is a closed-cell foam material that by it's very nature prevents moisture from penetrating the product. No sealant or painting is required on cut surfaces. The Ce·DUR Shake is homogenous material, colored throughout, with no surface coatings to fracture or degrade. No sealing, coating or preventative maintenance is necessary.
Is Ce·DUR resistant to mold and algae fungus growth? Fungus can and does form on accumulations of organic materials on a roof, but not directly within or on the roofing material itself. The build-up results from the combination of minerals, heat, moisture and light, creating a comfortable chamber to support growth, usually on the north-facing surface.
The closed-cell non-organic structure of Ce·DUR will not be damaged by fungal growth, and can be cleaned as needed with a combination of chlorine bleach, scrubbing and/or strong water spray. Unlike roof coverings covered by mineral granules, Ce·DUR has no surface coatings or granules to be washed off.
Is Ce·DUR susceptible to attack and/or damage by insects or other pests?
No, it contains no organic materials, is chemically inert, absorbs practically no water and installs directly on the roof deck, not over batten strips, which provide cavities for debris and pests. Unlike most competitive products of substantial thickness, Ce·DUR Shakes are not hollow-backed to conserve weight and material, and therefore provide no space for insect nesting or accumulation of ice or debris.
Click for greater detail.
Hollow-backed competitive products
I have heard that Ce·DUR Shakes are in short supply. Why? Our production is currently limited by use of slower speed developmental equipment. With rapidly growing demand, our manufacturing is transitioning into state of the science high volume facilities. New high speed manufacturing lines will provide ENDUR•ALL with the ability to meet current and future national demand.
How do I buy Ce·DUR Shakes? How are Ce·DUR Shakes packaged and shipped? How many pieces in a square (100 sq. ft)? How many in a bundle? Ce·DUR Shakes are packaged in bundles and the bundle palletized similarly to traditional wood shakes. A typical installation will require 168 pieces per square. The Ce·DUR bundle (10” and 12”).
How do I get a quotation for the installation of Ce·DUR Shakes on my roofing project? Typically, you will request a bid from your selected roofing contactors, specifying that your product of choice is the Ce·DUR Shake. The contractor will then coordinate with ENDUR•ALL for appropriate material costs, add on their labor expenses and other incidental charges, and provide a total cost of installation. The quote will likely be stated in terms of dollars per square (100 square feet) as installed.
How much do Ce·DUR Shakes cost to install? Typically installed costs range from $420 to $480 per square (including about $60 per square for removal of old roofing material). Factors such as roof design complexity, job logistics, and anticipated weather at installation will affect these prices. Call your preferred roofing contractor for a quotation specific to your installation.
Why hasn’t my preferred contractor or distributor told me about the Ce·DUR Shake before? How do I find an outlet for Ce·DUR Shakes? Ce·DUR is currently produced at one plant and distributed from Denver, Colorado. It is distributed economically within an approximately 700 mile radius of Denver. Contact us if your project lies outside this primary service zone.
