The roofing industry is being redefined by forces few manufacturers can ignore. The rise of extreme weather, the push for environmental responsibility, and the demand for longer-lasting materials are putting unprecedented pressure on brands to evolve. For TAMKO Building Products, however, this evolution isn’t a scramble to catch up—it’s an extension of a commitment the company has been refining for decades.

As homes face harsher conditions and communities demand more sustainable choices, TAMKO has transformed roofing into a science-driven field, treating innovation and environmental responsibility as core pillars of its mission. The result is a company building more than shingles—it is building trust, longevity, and a path toward a more resilient future. As Christopher Freeborg, TAMKO’s VP & Chief Marketing, Communications & Product Development Officer puts it, “For us, durability isn’t a catchphrase—it’s a responsibility. We invest heavily in ensuring our shingles perform exactly the way we promise, because that credibility defines who we are.”

Durability as the First Step Toward Sustainability 

Many conversations about sustainability begin with recycling or waste reduction. TAMKO begins with something more fundamental: preventing unnecessary waste in the first place. The company believes that truly sustainable roofing starts with a product that performs longer, withstands more, and requires fewer replacements over its lifetime. This philosophy forms the foundation of TAMKO’s technology. Instead of creating shingles that merely meet industry standards, the company pursues materials engineered to thrive in environments marked by extreme heat, heavy rain, freezing cold, persistent winds, and relentless UV exposure. Their goal is straightforward but ambitious: ensure shingles last as long as possible so less roofing material enters landfills. It is an approach rooted not in marketing language, but in research and rigorous testing. TAMKO’s engineering teams expose shingles to simulations of rooftop oxidation, UV erosion, moisture infiltration, and constant hot-cold cycling. These variables are carefully analyzed because they represent the most common and destructive forces acting on real homes. Weatherability isn’t just a desirable characteristic—it is the company’s primary sustainability strategy. The longer a roof lasts, the more environmentally responsible it becomes.

TAMKO’s commitment to performance comes to life in its TriShield^TM technology, a foundational system that reinforces three critical components of the shingle: the advanced asphalt blend, the proprietary sealant, and the structural core. Each layer plays a specific role, engineered through precise material science. Contractors instinctively test granules, sealant strength, and core durability when evaluating a shingle. The TriShield^TM technology enhances each of these elements by ensuring the asphalt blend resists brittleness, granules stay anchored, and structural integrity remains intact across decades of exposure. The asphalt formulation, in particular, undergoes extensive testing to prevent cracking, erosion, and premature aging.

TAMKO’s rigorous approach to roof science becomes even more apparent when examining its sealant development. The company’s proprietary bonding technology is formulated to grip in both extreme heat and extreme cold, addressing a real pain point for contractors who often must complete installations in unpredictable conditions. In regions where winter brings sudden leaks, waiting for temperatures to rise is not an option. The TriShield^TM technology allows sealant to bond at lower temperatures than traditional materials, allowing roofing work to proceed reliably when cold-weather installation is necessary. It is an engineering advantage with very real consequences for homeowners seeking urgent repairs.

A New Standard for Polymer-Modified Roofing 

While TriShield^TM technology forms the backbone of TAMKO’s durability, StormFighter FLEX^® shingles represents the company’s bold step into next-level resilience. StormFighter FLEX^® shingles are more than a product upgrade—they are the result of rethinking polymer-modified roofing from the ground up. “When we built the StormFighter FLEX^® shingle, we didn’t settle for improving what existed—we redesigned the entire architecture to be fundamentally better,” adds Freeborg.

Unlike traditional polymer-modified shingles, StormFighter FLEX^® shingles use a different asphalt engineered to resist brittleness and cracking. Its polymer component remains stable at temperatures far higher than conventional formulations. And a proprietary additive enhances flexibility even in extreme cold, enabling installation in conditions as low as 25 degrees*—lower than any other competitor in the industry. A field test in Joplin, Missouri during a sub-zero cold snap demonstrated StormFighter FLEX^® shingles’ capability in dramatic fashion. TAMKO engineers installed StormFighter FLEX^® shingles at negative two degrees Fahrenheit, monitored their bonding as temperatures slowly rose, and confirmed the shingles held tight through a subsequent storm.^† This real-world trial cemented TAMKO’s confidence in StormFighter FLEX^® shingles and showcased the extraordinary durability the material provides. The StormFighter FLEX^® shingle line also carries industry-leading impact and wind performance ratings, offering homeowners a product designed to withstand hail and high wind storms—two of the most significant drivers of roof replacements nationwide.*

Closing the Loop Through Advanced Recycling Partnerships 

Durability is only part of TAMKO’s environmental stewardship. The company is also working to reshape how roofing waste is handled, partnering with Northstar Clean Technologies to bring high-efficiency shingle recycling into the mainstream. Northstar’s technology breaks down post-manufacturing waste and old tear-off shingles into their original components—asphalt, granules, and fiberglass mats—materials that can return to manufacturing instead of heading straight to landfills. With Northstar’s first pilot plant in Canada now operational, TAMKO is preparing to co-locate the first U.S. facility at one of its sites, targeted for launch in 2027. “This partnership allows us to recycle not only our internal material but also shingles coming off rooftops. It’s a major step toward reducing landfill burden across the country,” Freeborg points.

This facility alone is expected to process approximately 80,000 tons of material annually, with future expansions planned to handle even greater volumes. For an industry often criticized for waste, the TAMKO–Northstar collaboration represents a significant step toward a more sustainable future. Beyond this partnership, TAMKO actively works with raw material suppliers and research institutions to push the boundaries of recycled material science. These collaborations often lead to the development of new materials that perform as well as—or better than—virgin alternatives, further reducing environmental impact.

TAMKO’s innovation isn’t limited to sustainability goals. The company also focuses on addressing the practical challenges faced by contractors operating in increasingly volatile weather conditions. High winds, hail, heavy snowfall, and sudden temperature shifts are now common across many regions. TAMKO’s 160 mph wind-rated Proline^® products and Class 4 impact ratings** on StormFighter FLEX^® shingles give contractors the tools to provide more durable installations and reduce callbacks. For homeowners, this can mean fewer repairs, fewer replacements, and greater long-term peace of mind.

The company’s emphasis on year-round installation—made possible by advanced sealant technology—also benefits contractors facing time-sensitive repairs in cold climates. TAMKO’s focus is always on delivering practical, real-world advantages that make life easier for both the professionals who install the products and the homeowners who rely on them.

A Culture of Responsibility and Community Engagement 

Behind the science and technology lies a culture deeply rooted in responsibility, service, and community connection. TAMKO regularly participates in environmental and community programs, including recent tree-planting initiatives in Dallas led by members of its communications and plant teams. The company’s leaders emphasize that sustainability must extend beyond manufacturing plants and product lines. It must also reflect how a business supports and uplifts the communities where it operates. Freeborg extols, “We look for opportunities to elevate not only the industry, but also the neighborhoods we’re part of. Sustainability is a shared effort, and we take that seriously.”

The Future of Roofing, Engineered Today 

TAMKO’s next chapter is shaped by a combination of long-standing expertise and a forward-looking vision. Its engineers are continuously refining formulas, deepening research collaborations, and expanding recycling capabilities. Every improvement reinforces the company’s core identity: innovation, high performance, and a promise of credibility. Freeborg concludes, “When we build shingles, we build them with the mindset that we’d put them on our own homes. That level of trust is what we expect—and what we aim to deliver.”