Shingles Hidden in Plain Sight: This Owens Corning Secret Ruined So Many Roofs

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:08:28 +0000

Shingles Hidden in Plain Sight: The Owens Corning Secret That Ruined Countless Roofs If you’ve ever walked the length of a neighborhood or examined aging buildings from above, you might have unknowingly passed a silent rogue—something discreet in design, yet devastating in consequence. Known behind facades as Owens Corning shingles, this hidden secret has quietly compromised thousands of roofs across decades, often going undetected until costly damage emerges. ### The Insidious Design That Backfired Owens Corning, a leading name in roofing materials, introduced a wave of shingles celebrated for their durability and aesthetic appeal. But beneath the polished surface lies a critical flaw—one that emerged decades after installation. Certain product lines, particularly older composite fiberglass shingles, exhibited unexpected degradation under prolonged UV exposure and moisture, leading to premature cracking, blistering, and delamination. Unlike obvious failures, this degradation often went unnoticed early on, camouflaged by the roof’s exterior presentation.