Roofing Granules
3M 9300 White Vs. Natural Select Roofing Granules
3M 9300 White and Natural Select roofing granules represent two different material categories. One uses a manufactured ceramic color coating and a defined product reference. The other uses processed natural mineral aggregate with natural color variation. Both may be useful in commercial roofing, but neither should be selected without the requirements of the actual roof system and project.
01
Understand The 3M 9300 White Option
3M 9300 White is a ceramic coated #11 roofing granule with a defined manufacturer and color reference. That identity can be useful when a specification or accepted submittal names the product. Its bright white appearance can also support a project design that calls for a white surfaced finish, subject to the performance and application requirements of the complete approved assembly.
Confirm the current product data, color reference, package format and application instructions before ordering. A familiar product name does not replace system approval, and it does not make every white or ceramic coated granule equivalent.
02
Understand The Natural Select Option
Natural Select roofing granules use processed natural mineral aggregate. SchabelTech lists washed, dried and demagnetized options in grades that may include #6/10 and #8/16. The selected grade should come from the accepted project requirements because particle size can affect broadcast, embedment, texture, coverage and material demand.
Natural aggregate can display reasonable color variation. Review a representative sample in the intended setting, and document how appearance will be accepted across lots or phases. The natural finish may fit projects where its characteristics, grade and commercial advantages align with the approved system.
03
Compare Approval Before Appearance
Begin with the roofing specification, system literature, warranty conditions and accepted submittals. Identify the approved material type, grade, product code and application rate. If the project names 3M 9300 White, do not substitute a natural option solely because both can be used as roofing aggregate. If the documents permit multiple categories, record who has authority to approve the final selection.
SchabelTech can provide current product and commercial information to support that review. Compatibility, application, code, warranty and finished system performance remain the responsibility of the manufacturer, designer, consultant or other designated authority.
- Confirm the named product or accepted category
- Record the approved grade, color and application rate
- Review current technical and safety documents
- Identify the responsible approval authority
- Keep the accepted reference with the purchase order
04
Review Samples In The Right Context
Compare more than two loose samples under office lighting. Consider the coating color, finished texture, viewing distance, surrounding roof surfaces and expected natural variation. For appearance sensitive work, an approved mockup or documented sample can give the contractor, owner and supplier a common reference.
Keep the accepted product name or sample reference with the quote, purchase order and receiving documents. When material is delivered, inspect labels and packaging before moving it into roof zones.
05
Calculate The Actual Order
Use the approved application rate and measured roof area to estimate required pounds. Add a job specific allowance for broadcast loss, transitions, touch up and separate work areas. Do not assume 3M 9300 White and a Natural Select grade have identical coverage or packaging.
The SchabelTech roofing granule calculator can produce a preliminary pounds and pallet estimate. Confirm the current bag or bucket weight, units per pallet, pallet weight and minimum order for the selected item before releasing the purchase order.
- Measured area by roof zone
- Approved application rate for the selected material
- Project specific waste and touch up allowance
- Confirmed package weight and pallet count
- Order quantity reconciled to staging and storage
06
Compare Delivered Cost And Handling
Material price alone does not show the complete commercial difference. Review package size, pallet configuration, shipment weight, freight equipment, unloading needs and handling time. A package that is convenient for the crew or a mixed load that combines compatible products may change the practical result.
SchabelTech can evaluate commercial freight options after the product, quantity, destination, receiving conditions and requested schedule are known. Current availability and timing should be confirmed for the actual order rather than inferred from a previous project.
07
Ask SchabelTech To Build The Comparison
Send SchabelTech the approved roof system, named product or acceptable category, grade, color objective, area, application rate, destination and schedule. The team can help compare current 3M 9300 White and Natural Select information, translate estimated pounds into order units and coordinate a practical shipment plan.
Call (440) 462-1500 or request product information to discuss the work. SchabelTech also provides a broader natural and ceramic granule guide, dedicated 3M and Natural Select product information, a roofing granule calculator and commercial roofing FAQs.