TAMKO HERITAGE SHINGLES ON THE GULF COAST: WHAT HOMEOWNERS, BUYERS, AND SELLERS NEED TO KNOW
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon
Between 2015 and 2020, Tamko Heritage shingles were commonly installed on both new construction homes and roof replacements throughout the Gulf Coast, including Orange Beach, Ono Island, and neighboring communities. If your home—or the home you're considering buying—has a roof from that timeframe, there are important details you need to know that could impact everything from resale value to insurance savings.
What’s Going On with Tamko Heritage Shingles?
Many Tamko Heritage shingles installed between 2015 and 2020 have shown signs of adhesive failure, leading to problems like:
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Excessive granule loss
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Slipping or shifting shingles
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Leaks on relatively new roofs
These issues often begin subtly and may not be detected during standard home inspections—especially if only drone photos are taken or the inspector is unfamiliar with the problem.
Homeowners began filing claims in late 2024 after noticing premature wear, and many homes in Gulf Coast communities are now undergoing roof replacements as a result.
Common Builders That Used These Shingles
Several production builders used Tamko Heritage shingles during this period, including:
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DR Horton
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DSLD Homes
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Truland Homes
If you’re living in, selling, or buying a home built by one of these companies—or any production builder during those years—it’s worth taking a closer look at the roof.
How to File a Warranty Claim with Tamko
If you're the original homeowner, you may be eligible to have your roof replaced at little to no cost under Tamko’s warranty process. Here’s how it works:
Start here: Tamko Warranty Center
Email: Warranty@TAMKO.com
Phone: 1-800-641-4691
Steps to File a Claim:
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Visit Tamko’s warranty site or contact them directly.
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A licensed roofer must take shingle samples and provide a measurement of the roof area (not the home’s square footage).
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Tamko will send a sample kit and instructions.
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Submit proof of ownership and residency.
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If approved, Tamko sends a check directly to the homeowner.
Important: Only original owners qualify. If the home has changed hands, the warranty had to be transferred within 30 days of closing—a detail often overlooked, especially on resale or model homes.
Buying or Selling a Home with Tamko Shingles?
If you're buying a home:
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Ask about the roof—brand, age, and warranty status.
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Have your inspector conduct a physical inspection of the roof, not just aerial images.
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Watch for signs like granules in gutters, slipping shingles, or neighborhoods where other roofs are being replaced early.
If you're selling a home:
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If you're the original owner, you may qualify for a roof replacement before listing—an upgrade that could make your property more attractive and help preserve your FORTIFIED Roof certificate, which adds resale value and insurance savings.
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If the home was built between 2015 and 2020 and hasn’t had a roof replacement yet, it's worth checking the shingles and seeing if a claim is possible.
Why FORTIFIED Roofs Matter on the Gulf Coast
FORTIFIED Roofs are a smart investment here on the Gulf Coast, where hurricanes and severe storms are part of the landscape. These roofs are built to higher standards and can:
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Lower homeowner insurance premiums by up to 45%
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Increase the home's value
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Protect your investment long-term
If you're replacing your roof due to Tamko issues, this is the perfect time to upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof—but it must be built to those specs from the beginning of the project.
What You Should Watch For
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Neighbors replacing roofs under 10 years old
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Increased presence of roofing companies in the neighborhood
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Shingle debris, curling, slipping, or signs of leaks
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Model homes or resales without proper warranty transfer
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Insurance costs jumping after losing a FORTIFIED certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a Tamko recall?
A: No recall has been issued. However, many roofs are being approved for replacement through the warranty process.
Q: Who qualifies for a warranty claim?
A: Only the original homeowner—unless the warranty was officially transferred within 30 days of closing.
Q: How long does the claim process take?
A: Tamko is reportedly efficient once all required documentation and samples are submitted.
Q: How much does a FORTIFIED roof cost?
A: Typically $1,500 to $3,000 more than a standard roof—but the insurance savings and resale value can more than make up for it.
Q: Can a roof be upgraded to FORTIFIED after installation?
A: No. You must start the process before installation, including proper inspections and certifications.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re buying or selling a home on the Gulf Coast, it pays to know about Tamko Heritage shingles and the value of FORTIFIED roofing. This knowledge can protect your investment, save a deal, or help you access insurance discounts that many homeowners overlook.
If you're unsure whether your home—or a home you’re considering—may be affected, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to connect you with trusted roofers and walk you through the process.
Visit www.searchthegulf.com to explore available homes, find local real estate insights, or get in touch about navigating the Gulf Coast market with confidence.
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