Discontinued Roof Shingles: What Maryland Homeowners Need to Know About Horizon, Tiger Stripe, Atlas Chalet, and More
Millions of homes in the United States still have discontinued shingles installed on the roof right now. If your Maryland home was built or re-roofed between the late 1980s and 2010, there is a real chance you are living under one of these products.
Discontinued shingles are not just a nuisance. Many of the products that were pulled from the market failed earlier than promised, produced documented defects, and generated class action lawsuits. They also create a specific insurance problem: when they are damaged, they cannot be matched or repaired. In many cases, that means a full roof replacement is the only path forward.
This guide breaks down the most common discontinued shingle lines affecting Maryland homeowners, the years they were installed, the reasons they were pulled, and what your options are today.
Why Shingles Get Discontinued
Shingles are discontinued for several reasons. Sometimes a product line is simply retired in favor of a newer, better version. Other times, a shingle is pulled because it failed to perform as advertised, and the manufacturer faced mounting warranty claims, consumer complaints, or litigation.
In the cases covered below, the discontinuation was not routine. These products were pulled after widespread reports of premature cracking, blistering, granule loss, and moisture intrusion. Several led to formal class action lawsuits. Understanding which category your shingles fall into matters, because it affects your warranty rights, your insurance options, and the urgency of replacement.
It is also important to note that discontinuation creates a permanent repair problem. Once a shingle is no longer manufactured, there is no matching product available. Partial repairs become impossible because new shingles will not align with or resemble the old ones. This is particularly significant for insurance claims, which we cover below.
CertainTeed Horizon Shingles: Installed Between 1987 and 2010
The CertainTeed Horizon shingle is one of the most widely discussed discontinued products in the roofing industry. CertainTeed introduced the organic version in 1987. It was marketed as a cost-effective alternative to true architectural shingles, using an organic paper mat as the base rather than fiberglass. The company later transitioned to a fiberglass version in the mid-1990s to address known issues with the paper mat formulation.
Neither version held up as expected.
The Organic Horizon Shangle (1987 to 2005)
The organic Horizon shingle used a paper mat that proved vulnerable to moisture absorption and thermal blistering. When granules were dislodged by normal weather exposure, the mat beneath was exposed to sunlight, accelerating deterioration far ahead of the product's rated lifespan. CertainTeed manufactured the organic Horizon shingle from July 1, 1987 through 2005.
A class action lawsuit, Carlson v. CertainTeed Corp., resulted in a settlement that covered organic Horizon shingles and related products installed during this period. If your home was roofed between 1987 and 2005 with CertainTeed Horizon shingles and you have experienced qualifying damage, the class action settlement may still apply. The claim filing deadline under this settlement extends to March 2, 2030.
The Fiberglass Horizon Shangle (1996 to 2010)
The fiberglass replacement version of the Horizon shingle was manufactured from approximately 1996 through 2009 or 2010, when CertainTeed pulled it from the market entirely. Despite the change in base material, the fiberglass Horizon shingle continued to generate complaints of cracking, fishmouthing, curling, and premature granule loss.
A second class action lawsuit, Segebarth et al. v. CertainTeed LLC (Case No. 2:19-cv-05500-PD, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania), reached a settlement in late 2022. The settlement covers property owners whose buildings had Horizon fiberglass shingles installed between 1995 and 2010. Key terms include:
If your Maryland home was roofed with CertainTeed Horizon shingles at any point between 1995 and 2010, a professional roof inspection is a reasonable first step to determine whether you have a qualifying claim. A licensed roofing contractor can help you document current shingle condition for that process.
Common signs that Horizon shingles are failing include visible surface cracking, significant granule accumulation in gutters, shingle edges that are curling or lifting, and areas where the shingle surface appears blistered or pocked.
CertainTeed Hallmark Shingles: The Shingle Known as the "Tiger Stripe" (Installed 1987 to 2010)
The CertainTeed Hallmark shingle is closely related to the Horizon line and is frequently called the "Tiger Stripe" shingle in the field. The nickname comes from the product's distinctive alternating dark and light granule pattern, which gives the shingle a visually striking striped appearance compared to standard three-tab products.
Like the Horizon, the Hallmark was a "Shangle" -- a term used by inspectors to describe this category of CertainTeed three-tab shingles with an additional layer of granules laminated on top to mimic the dimensional appearance of an architectural shingle. The Hallmark was manufactured in both organic and fiberglass versions following the same timeline as the Horizon line.
The organic Hallmark Shangle was covered under the same class action settlement as the organic Horizon, with a manufacturing period of July 1, 1987 through 2005. The fiberglass version was phased out by approximately 2010.
If you are a homeowner inspector or buyer seeing a roof with an unusual alternating stripe pattern on what appear to be three-tab shingles, there is a strong chance you are looking at a CertainTeed Hallmark. From the street, these roofs can be mistaken for dimensional architectural shingles, which sometimes delays homeowner awareness that they have a discontinued product.
The structural and performance issues with the Hallmark mirror those of the Horizon. Roofing inspectors and home inspectors have consistently reported surface cracking on Hallmark shingles, and the same blistering and granule loss problems documented in the Horizon class action appear across Hallmark roofs of similar age. Any Maryland home roofed with CertainTeed Hallmark shingles between 1987 and 2010 should be evaluated by a licensed contractor for current condition and remaining life.
Atlas Chalet Shingles: Installed Between the Late 1990s and 2010
The Atlas Chalet shingle was introduced in the late 1990s and became widely used by new home builders, particularly in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States, because of its low cost and resemblance to architectural shingles. Atlas Roofing Corporation announced the discontinuation of the Chalet line in 2010.
Like the CertainTeed Shangles, the Atlas Chalet was engineered to mimic the look of a dimensional architectural shingle while being built on a three-tab base structure. The additional granules were applied to create shadow lines and the appearance of depth, but the construction method created a fundamental weakness: moisture could intrude into the shingle body, forming gas bubbles that caused blistering and cracking from the inside out.
In 2013, two class action lawsuits were filed against Atlas Roofing Corporation, alleging that the company misleadingly advertised the Chalet as a 30-year shingle when the product was failing within the first few years of installation. Documented failures included:
Atlas Chalet shingles present a specific insurance challenge. Because the product is discontinued and was a uniquely sized three-tab format, there is no like-for-like replacement available anywhere in the market. A licensed contractor cannot match it. This means that even minor storm damage -- a single broken shingle from a hail event or windstorm -- can obligate an insurance carrier to authorize a full roof replacement, because a partial repair is not feasible with no matching material available. Maryland homeowners with Atlas Chalet shingles should document any storm events carefully and contact a licensed roofing contractor for a professional assessment before approaching their insurer.
If your Maryland home was built or re-roofed between the late 1990s and 2010, and you are unsure what shingles are installed, a roofing inspection can identify the product and advise on current condition.
Other Discontinued Products Maryland Homeowners May Encounter
Beyond Horizon, Hallmark, and Atlas Chalet, there are several other discontinued shingle types that appear on Maryland roofs, particularly on older homes.
T-Lock Shingles (Commonly Installed 1930s Through the 1980s)
T-Lock shingles were designed with an interlocking tab system that gave them strong wind resistance for their era. They were widely used from the 1930s through the 1980s and were fully discontinued by the time fiberglass architectural shingles became the residential standard. Any Maryland home still carrying T-Lock shingles is well past the expected lifespan of the product. These roofs are typically beyond the point of repair, and a full replacement is standard practice. T-Lock shingles are also no longer available, making partial replacement impossible regardless of damage scope.
Organic Asphalt Shingles Generally (Manufactured Through 2011)
Organic asphalt shingles as a category, including many standard three-tab products from multiple manufacturers, were phased out of production through the mid-2000s and largely discontinued by 2011. Organic shingles used a paper felt base saturated with asphalt rather than the fiberglass mats used today. They were prone to moisture absorption, swelling, and deterioration, particularly in climates like Maryland where freeze-thaw cycles occur through winter and spring. Any home with a roof that has not been replaced since the early 2000s and was not re-roofed with architectural shingles may still be carrying an organic product. These roofs are approaching or past the end of their serviceable life.
CertainTeed Camelot (Original Line, Discontinued 2014)
The original CertainTeed Camelot was a higher-end shingle that mimicked the look of natural slate. It was available for over 20 years before CertainTeed discontinued the original line in 2014, replacing it with the Camelot II. While not as widely documented for defects as the Horizon or Hallmark lines, the original Camelot is no longer available, and matching it for repair is no longer possible. Homes that received original Camelot shingles in the 1990s through early 2010s are now in a replacement planning window regardless of condition.
How to Tell If Your Maryland Home Has Discontinued Shingles
Identifying whether your home has discontinued shingles is not always straightforward from the ground. A few indicators can prompt you to take a closer look or schedule an inspection.
Check the age of the roof. If your home was built or re-roofed between the late 1980s and 2010 and has never had a full replacement, discontinued shingles are possible. Ask for documentation from the builder or previous owner if available.
Look for the stripe pattern. If your shingles have a visible alternating dark and light stripe pattern across the tabs, you may have CertainTeed Hallmark "Tiger Stripe" shingles. This is one of the more visually distinctive discontinued products.
Look at the shingle tab shape. Horizon and Hallmark Shangles have a specific tab format that distinguishes them from true architectural shingles. They have visible keyways and a laminated granule layer on a three-tab base. From the ground this can look like an architectural shingle, but up close the difference is clear to a trained contractor.
Check your gutters. Excessive granule accumulation in gutters is a common early warning sign of shingle deterioration. If you are scooping granules out of your gutters regularly, the shingles may be failing ahead of schedule.
Look for surface cracking, blistering, or curling. These are the most common visible failure modes for both the CertainTeed Shangle products and the Atlas Chalet line. They are not always visible from the street and require a close inspection.
A licensed roofing contractor can identify specific shingle products by visual inspection, manufacturer marks on the shingle back, or records tied to the build or permit history. Scheduling an inspection is the most reliable way to know what is on your roof and what its current condition is.
What Happens When Discontinued Shingles Are Damaged in Maryland
Maryland homeowners with discontinued shingles face a different insurance situation than those with current, in-production products. The reason is straightforward: discontinued shingles cannot be matched.
Standard insurance practice when a covered peril damages a roof is to repair or replace only the damaged area. But when no matching replacement shingle exists, a partial repair leaves the roof with visually inconsistent and structurally mismatched materials. Most licensed contractors will not warranty that kind of repair. Many insurance carriers, when properly presented with documentation of a discontinued product and evidence of covered damage, will authorize a full roof replacement rather than a patch.
This does not mean the process is automatic. Insurance carriers may initially attempt to limit payment to the damaged area. Working with an experienced, licensed roofing contractor who understands how to document and present discontinued shingle claims is important. The contractor can demonstrate that the product cannot be matched and that a full replacement is the only way to restore the roof to a like-and-kind condition.
For homeowners with CertainTeed Horizon fiberglass shingles installed between 1995 and 2010, the active class action settlement may also be a separate avenue for compensation or replacement independent of a homeowner's insurance claim. Both pathways can be explored concurrently.
It is also worth checking with your insurance carrier about whether discontinued shingles affect your coverage eligibility. Some carriers limit or decline new coverage on roofs with discontinued products above a certain age. Knowing where you stand before you need to file a claim is valuable information.
What Maryland Homeowners Should Do Next
If your home falls within the installation windows described in this post, the most useful next step is a professional roof inspection. An inspection by a licensed contractor will tell you:
Waiting until a leak develops is the most expensive path. By the time water is entering the living space, it has typically been working through layers of the roof system for longer than it appears. The earlier a failing roof is identified, the more options a homeowner has in terms of timing, financing, and claims strategy.
At Golden Eagle Roofing, we inspect roofs across Southern Maryland, including St. Mary's, Charles, Calvert, and Anne Arundel counties. We are familiar with the specific shingle products described in this post and experienced in documenting discontinued shingle conditions for insurance and warranty purposes. If you are not sure what is on your roof or whether your shingles fall into any of the categories above, contact us to schedule an inspection.
For related reading, our guides on 5 warning signs your Maryland roof needs repair, roof replacement costs in Maryland, why contractor certification matters for warranty coverage, the Atlas roofing system for Maryland properties, and how to choose a roofing contractor in Maryland cover additional context that may be helpful as you plan your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Discontinued Roof Shingles
How do I know if I have CertainTeed Horizon or Hallmark shingles?
The most reliable method is a close inspection by a licensed contractor. From the ground, these shingles can look like dimensional architectural products. The Hallmark is often identifiable by its distinctive alternating stripe pattern. For Horizon shingles, a contractor can identify product markings on the back of the shingle or assess the tab format and granule application pattern.
Is the CertainTeed Horizon class action settlement still open?
For fiberglass Horizon shingles installed between 1995 and 2010, the settlement reached in 2022 has a claims filing deadline of March 2, 2030. If your home falls within that window and you are experiencing qualifying damage, you may still be eligible to file. Consult with a licensed contractor to document current condition, and review the settlement terms directly through the settlement administrator for eligibility guidance.
Can Atlas Chalet shingles be repaired?
No. Because Atlas Chalet shingles were discontinued and were a uniquely sized product with no available equivalent, they cannot be matched or repaired with any currently manufactured shingle. This means that any damage requiring replacement of individual shingles effectively requires a full roof replacement.
Does my insurance cover a roof with discontinued shingles?
This depends on your specific policy and carrier. Some carriers will cover discontinued shingle roofs with no issues. Others may add conditions or restrictions based on roof age. Importantly, if a covered storm event damages a discontinued shingle roof, many carriers will authorize a full replacement because a partial repair is not possible without matching material. Speak with your carrier and a licensed contractor to understand your specific situation.
What shingles should I replace discontinued products with?
Current architectural (dimensional) shingles from manufacturers like Atlas, GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed represent a significant quality improvement over the discontinued products described in this post. Many come with lifetime limited warranties when installed by a certified contractor. A licensed Maryland roofing contractor can recommend the appropriate product for your roof geometry, local climate conditions, and budget.
Do I need a full replacement if only part of my discontinued shingle roof is damaged?
In most cases, yes. Because discontinued shingles cannot be matched, any damage that requires material replacement effectively makes the entire visible roof surface non-uniform if only a section is replaced. This is the basis on which most insurance carriers and licensed contractors recommend full replacement. The inability to match is a documented position in the industry, not a contractor preference.