CertainTeed Introduces Impact Resistant Class Shingle with New Landmark 40 IR.

Business Editors

VALLEY FORGE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 2004

Building products manufacturer CertainTeed Corporation unveils its latest innovation in roofing: Landmark(TM) 40 IR. CertainTeed has taken its highly popular Landmark(TM) laminated shingle and improved it to be compliant with UL 2218 - Impact Resistance of Prepared Roof Covering Materials, meeting the highest test rating for impact resistance - Class 4.

Landmark 40 IR is engineered with a unique fiber glass scrim on the back surface, which increases the shingle's durability against impact. Landmark 40 IR also features a wider 1-1/2" nailing area - the all-new WideTrack QB(TM) feature, which CertainTeed recently introduced to its Landmark series for greater installation accuracy.

"Demand for impact-resistant products is increasing among building professionals, homeowners and insurers, particularly in the Central United States," says Rick Brinton, Director of National Accounts for CertainTeed's Roofing Products Group. "Because Landmark 40 IR is compliant with UL 2218, homeowners may be eligible for insurance premium reductions depending on the location of their property and their insurer."

In addition to its impact-resistance capabilities, Landmark 40 IR features the look of hand-split wood shakes and displays a soft shadow line that lends its shingles a smooth, refined look. Landmark 40 IR is available in five color blends including Weathered Wood, Moire Black, Burnt Sienna, Resawn Shake and Colonial Slate.

Landmark 40 IR weighs 260 pounds per square, is algae resistant and comes with a 40-year limited transferable warranty, including five-year protection against winds up to 80 mph (upgradeable to 90 mph. with 6 nails) and five-year SureStart(TM) coverage, for protection in the early years following installation in the unlikely event a manufacturing defect should occur. The new shingle is manufactured in Ennis, Texas. For more information contact CertainTeed at 1-800-233-8990 or go to www.certainteed.com.

About CertainTeed Corporation

In 1904, George Brown founded the General Roofing Manufacturing Company in East St. Louis, Illinois. A decade later, the company slogan, 'Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed' became the inspiration for the CertainTeed name.

Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American manufacturer of vinyl and fiber cement siding; vinyl and composite decking, railing and fencing; vinyl windows and patio doors; residential, commercial and mechanical insulation; residential and commercial roofing; pipe; and foundation systems. Homeowners and building professionals across the nation have grown to rely on CertainTeed for innovative, high-quality, high-performance products.

From its humble beginnings in East St. Louis, CertainTeed has become one of the nation's largest and most well-respected manufacturers of building products. CertainTeed celebrates 100 years of leading the building products industry with creative advancements, insightful solutions and unparalleled dedication to service. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com.