Pabco’s Premier series delivers what Montana contractors need — 110 mph standard wind rating, upgradeable to 130 mph with proper nailing. The 30-year fully transferable warranty matches how long most folks stay in their homes around here. At 65-72.5 pounds per bundle, they’re right in the weight range contractors expect for architectural shingles.
Performance Specs That Matter
The Premier series has a generally positive reputation for ease of installation and aesthetic appeal. But reputation doesn’t keep shingles on the roof during a chinook. Here’s what does:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Wind Rating (Standard) | 110 mph |
| Wind Rating (High-Wind Application) | 130 mph |
| Fire Rating | UL 790 Class A |
| Impact Rating | UL 2218 Class 3 |
| Dimensions | 40” × 13¼” |
| Exposure | 5⅝” |
| Bundles per Square | 4 |
The ASTM D3161 Class F and D7158 Class H certifications back up those wind ratings. For Montana’s variable conditions — calm one day, 60 mph gusts the next — that high-wind option matters. Standard 4-nail pattern gets you 110 mph protection. Go with 6 nails for steep slopes or high-wind zones to hit that 130 mph rating.
Algae Defender Worth the Upgrade
Algae Defender protection is available (SKU-dependent), and in Montana’s humid valleys, it’s worth specifying. The 20-year non-prorated Algae Defender warranty covers those black streaks that show up on north-facing slopes. Copper granules do the work — no annual treatments, no homeowner maintenance.
The 15-year non-prorated period on the main warranty means real coverage when problems typically show up. After year 15, you’re into prorated territory, but by then you’ve gotten honest service from the shingles.
Installation Requirements
Requires Pabco Universal Starter or approved alternative — don’t try to save a few bucks skipping the starter strip. Specific valley instructions for closed-cut, woven, or open valleys come from the manufacturer. Pick your valley method based on the roof, not what’s fastest.
Shadow Cap Wide ridge caps finish the system in matching colors. The accessories matter as much as the field shingles — mismatched ridge caps look amateur and compromise wind resistance at the most vulnerable point of the roof.
The Bottom Line
Premier shingles fit between Pabco’s other product lines. Prestige runs heavier with a 40-year transferable warranty. Paramount goes triple-laminated with a 50-year transferable warranty. Premier gives you 30 years of coverage for most residential jobs.
They’re not trying to be the cheapest or the fanciest. They’re engineered to handle real weather conditions, install without surprises, and last long enough to matter. For Montana contractors who need dependable architectural shingles that won’t blow off or streak up, Premier delivers what it promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the weight difference between Pabco Premier and their other shingle lines?
Pabco Premier shingles weigh 65-72.5 pounds per bundle. Prestige is a heavier weight laminated shingle compared to Premier, though specific Prestige weights aren’t provided.
Q: Can Pabco Premier shingles handle Montana wind conditions?
Yes, Pabco Premier shingles carry a standard 110 mph wind rating, upgradeable to 130 mph with high-wind application using a 6-nail pattern instead of the standard 4-nail pattern. Both ratings are backed by ASTM D3161 Class F and ASTM D7158 Class H certifications.
Q: What’s the actual warranty coverage on Pabco Premier shingles?
Pabco Premier shingles come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that’s fully transferable for 30 years. The warranty includes a 15-year non-prorated period, after which coverage becomes prorated.
Q: Do all Pabco Premier shingles include algae protection?
No, Algae Defender protection is SKU-dependent on Pabco Premier shingles. When included, it provides a 20-year non-prorated warranty against black algae streaks.
Q: What accessories do I need for a complete Pabco Premier installation?
Pabco Premier requires Pabco Universal Starter strips or an approved alternative, plus Shadow Cap hip and ridge shingles for a complete system. The manufacturer provides specific instructions for closed-cut, woven, or open valley installations.
Q: How much coverage do I get per bundle of Pabco Premier?
Pabco Premier shingles require 4 bundles to cover one square (100 square feet), with each shingle measuring 40” × 13¼” and providing 5⅝” of exposure.
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