What Are Shingles Made Of

What Are Fiberglass Roof Shingles Made Of

Fiberglass roof shingles are part of a continuous sheet of fiberglass that stands as the foundation on which the other materials are put together. Glass fibers connect to binders and stable resins onto which a waterproof asphalt coating is placed. On top of that goes a layer of granules that protect the shingle from harmful UV rays. Traditional asphalt shingles can also be reinforced with fiberglass.

What Are The Benefits Of Roof Shingles

Modern bitumen shingles are the perfect example of a roof covering which combines an affordable price, an array of colour options and a number of practical benefits into a single, easy-to-install package for both experienced trade professionals and roofing novices. Here are a few reasons for their undying popularity.

Not All Roof Shingles Are Made Equal: 7 Types To Know

If you are considering a new roof for your home or property, youll need to take some time to learn about your options. There are a wide variety of roof shingle options available on the market. Depending on what type of material you choose, the shingle type will influence the roofs overall durability.

There are seven different types of roof shingles that you need to know about when you consider purchasing your new roof. These seven types of shingles include:

• asphalt shingles
• rubber roof shingles.

Since there isnt much information available on the Internet today about roof shingles, we created this guide to help you. Below well cover the seven different types of roof shingles so that you can make a decision about what type of shingles youd like for your new roof.

Types of Roof Shingles

There are several different types of roof shingles that you can use whenever you are ready to purchase a new roof. Each different kind of shingle offers different

To help you better understand the variety of options, youll have when it comes to roof shingles, well cover your options in a bit more detail below. Youll need to consider a few things while you are in the process of researching your replacement roof. Remember, investing in a newly shingled roof wont be cheap, so youll want to factor in the costs of the different materials, as well as their overall durability and lifespan.

Asphalt Shingles: An Affordable Option

• Architectural style asphalt
• Fiberglass asphalt

Don’t Miss: Does Humana Advantage Cover Shingles Vaccine

In The Absence Of Manufacturing Precision Some Explanation Of Asphalt Shingle Mechanics May Be Helpful

• The key factors are time and temperature.
• The hotter asphalt becomes on your roof and the longer it stays hot, the shorter its useful life will be.
• Even seemingly benign weather will heat up a roof.
• When the air temperature is a mere 75 degrees, the roof surface can easily reach 140 to 160 degrees.
• The heat causes the asphalt to expand the hotter it gets and the longer it stays warm, the longer it will be in a stretched position. When the sun goes down, the asphalt contracts back into its original position.

The UV rays of the sun are problematic as well, attacking the asphalt and causing it to become brittle and cracked. The granulesthose pulverized stones or glazed ceramic pieces that give a shingle its colorfunction as a UV umbrella to shield the asphalt from the sun.

Eventually after several thousand heating and cooling cycles, the asphalt loses its ability to contract back into its original shape, and the granules start to fall out, exposing the asphalt underneath to the sun.

How many years does it take for a roof to look bad? Climate clearly affects low long a given manufacturers 25-year shingle will last so will its color.

Since the staying power of the granules is a critical factor, a quick, but telling test no matter where you live is to run a quarter across the granules on a builders sample. If a lot come off, its not a great shingle, and you should question the quality of the other materials the builder is using.

Mastering Roof Inspections: Asphalt Composition Shingles Part 1

The purpose of the series Mastering Roof Inspections is to teach home inspectors, as well as insurance and roofing professionals, how to recognize proper and improper conditions while inspecting steep-slope, residential roofs. This series covers roof framing, roofing materials, the attic, and the conditions that affect the roofing materials and components, including wind and hail.

Covered here are the standards and best practices related to shingle manufacture and installation, including the different types of shingles and their performance characteristics, and their related components, such as underlayment, flashing and fasteners.

Also covered are the general, industry-accepted methods for installation, where to look for defects, how to recognize them, how to determine how serious they are, and how to tell when shingles are at or near the end of their useful lives. Using a forensic approach to inspecting asphalt shingles, youll learn to compare what you see to what you know. Once youve learned the fundamentals, youll be able to identify all sorts of problems.

ASPHALT SHINGLE COMPONENTS

The terms “asphalt” shingle and “composition” shingle are general terms for the same thing. The term composition is used because the shingles are a composite product made from either a fiberglass or a cellulose mat, and asphalt and minerals, as opposed to a single material, such as wood shingles or clay tiles.

More Resistant to Heat and Humidity

Variations in Performance

Recommended Reading: What To Do When You Get Shingles Rash

Types Of Roofing: Single

Now used in over 90% of new commercial low-slope roof installations, single-ply roofing is a relatively cheap alternative to more traditional types of roofing.

Single-ply roofing is installed in giant sheets, which are seamed together using adhesives, adhesive tape, or hot-air welders.

The life expectancy, length of available warranties, and the price of these types of roofing materials go up as the thickness of the membrane increases.

Membrane puncture is a common cause of leaks on these types of roofs, so care must be taken when walking or working on them.

Related Pages:

They Easily Tear On Impact

While some asphalt shingles offer a decent amount of durability, they are not indestructible or highly impact resistant. With exposure to the elements, things like hail and wind can have a massive impact on the shingles life expectancy. They can also tear and crack during normal installation, depending on how they are handled and nailed down. This type of damage will mean repairs have to be done or shingles replaced, otherwise, the roof will begin to fail almost immediately.

Polymer Composite shingles are specifically engineered to handle the elements, and the rigors of installation. Unlike asphalt shingles, they offer superior strength and resistance to tearing and cracking. They are also easier to install, so you dont have to worry about granule loss or torn and cracked shingles during the installation process.

You May Like: How Long Can Shingles Pain Last

How Roofing Shingles Are Made

Every day, thousands of tons of raw and manufactured materials are delivered to freight yards and receiving docks at top tier roofing plants across the United States.

These materials will be transformed into high quality durable roofing shingles and specialty products that have earned the respect of countless industry professionals and homeowners.

Shingles made with asphalt as the main ingredient are the most popular shingles sold in the U.S. today, and so the asphalt used at these roofing facilities is processed to meet the stringent quality requirements needed to create strong, yet flexible, shingles.

Limestone rock, which typically arrives at plants by truck or rail car, is processed by crushing mills into a fine limestone powder. This powder is then mixed with the asphalt to make a product called filled coating. On the production line, miles upon miles of rolled fiberglass mat that serves as the backbone of shingles are rolled out and fed into a coater, where the filled coating super-heated to more than 400 degrees Fahrenheit is applied to the top and bottom of the mat to create a base sheet.

Complex cutting machines then slice the base sheet into individual shingles that are stacked and packed into bundles. Finally, the shingle bundles are wrapped in packaging, placed onto palettes, and then transported to warehouses prior to being shipped to homes just like yours all across America!

What Are Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are typically flat, rectangular pieces that are adhered to the roof rafters in overlapping patterns, starting at the bottom of the roof and working upward. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and asphalt. Ceramic roof tiles, which are popular in some countries outside the United States, are typically referred to as roof tiles, rather than shingles.

Roof shingles are used to provide a protective layer on top of buildings. The materials they are made from and the pattern in which they are laid are designed to keep out water from rain and snow and prevent damage to the roof deck and everything beneath it.

Read Also: When Should You Start Getting The Shingles Vaccine

How Thick Are Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles themselves arent very thick. On average, only about 3/16th of an inch. They pack a punch into a small product. You can install a thicker shingle or a heavy duty shingle if you find its necessary or you like the look.

Adding in the felt underlayment and the wood sheathing, and you have a sturdy but relatively thin covering over your home. Asphalt shingle roofs can withstand many years without being more than a couple inches thick.

You May Like: A& a Roofing Fremont Ne

What Do Roof Shingles Do

Roof shingles protect your home from the elements and extreme weather conditions. Roof shingles are overlapped strategically to channel water off the roof and keep it away from the underlayment and other building materials below them. Roof shingles also help to insulate your home, helping to maintain the desired indoor temperature. Your roof can also add to the curb appeal of your home.

Also Check: What To Use For Shingles

What Are Asphalt Shingles Made Of

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing shingle in the US. They are typical components of new roof installations and roof repair, and provide decent protection to your home, at great value for your money. But have you ever wondered what they are made of? These shingles are mostly asphalt, true, but is that all there is to this roofing material? Find out more!

Q: What Were the Original Asphalt Shingles?

The shingles youre using now arent exactly the same as the asphalt shingles used back in the day. These asphalt shingles were made with a core layer of organic materials, such as wood shavings and waste paper. These shingles had more asphalt than todays fiberglass composition shingles do, but they were notoriously more susceptible to fire. Also, there was an issue with the usage of asbestos on these shingles, which eventually led people to look for other roofing materials.

Q: What Are Composition Shingles?

All of this changed with the introduction of the modern fiberglass composite shingle. You might have heard some contractors use the term composition shingles. These and modern asphalt shingles are one and the same thing.

Q: What Are the Layers?

The core of modern asphalt shingles is an interwoven fiberglass mat. This core is what makes the shingles strong enough to resist tearing and thicker cores gives a better tear resistance. The fiberglass mat is saturated with asphalt to make it tougher, before the other layers are applied to the mat.

Skymark Roofing: The Best Quality Roofing Company

Skymark Roofing is a top-rated roofing company with over 35 years of experience in commercial and residential roofing. We offer the best quality architectural and fiberglass shingles, and our experienced employees and our outstanding customer service keep us on top. Our roofing jobs are backed by a warranty, and we provide a free estimate. Our commitment to our customers is what sets us apart from other roofing companies.

When it comes to your roof, whether its residential or commercial roofing, dont settle for anything less than the best. If roofing contractors with skills and experience are what youre looking for, Skymark Roofing will give you the quality roof you deserve.

Recommended Reading: How Long Can Shingles Pain Last

Read Also: Do I Need Prescription For Shingles Vaccine

What Are Polymer Composite Shingles

Polymer Composite or Synthetic shingles, as they are known, are made from engineered materials and sometimes contain a mixture of recycled plastics and rubber. They come in many different styles and profiles, and are made to replicate the look of traditional asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and stone tiles. However, unlike their traditional counterparts, composite shingles are a much more durable and maintenance-free option.

Composite Roof Shingles Are Durable

You probably think since composite shingles are made out of recycled materials or a polymer, they are easily breakable. This couldnt be further from the truth.

Because of the materials’ composite shingles are made of, theyre one of the most durable roofing materials on the market. If you hit them with a hammer, it will bounce back with no damage to the shingle.

This is due to the high impact rating that composite shingles have. For example, DaVinci shingles have a Class 4 impact rating, which is the highest rating a roofing material can have.

You can even walk on them without having to worry about cracking them like real slate and cedar shakes. The impact rating also means they stand up well to anything that hits your roof, including extreme weather, such as hail.

Because of this durability, composite shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market.

Read Also: What Cream To Put On Shingles

What Are Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material currently used on homes across the United States. There are many different types of asphalt shingles, all of which are easy to install, accessible, and surprisingly economical to produce. Their cost and lifespan allow them to compare favorably against many competing roofing types.

Designed to protect your home against weather and moisture, they require minimal maintenance and come in hundreds of styles and colors. Read on to learn more about all the different asphalt shingle types and see which is right for you and your home.

Polymer Composite Shingles Vs Asphalt Composite Shingles

When considering polymer composite shingles vs asphalt composite shingles, there are several factors to keep in mind. Asphalt shingles are the traditional choice as a product that has been around for 100 years, but they come with many known problems.

Choosing asphalt shingles for your roof may have you doing more repairs or having to replace your roof due to UV and storm damage sooner than expected. With polymer composite shingle roofing, you will have an easy-to-install, designed-to-be durable and maintenance-free roof that will help you avoid the issues that you would have asphalt.

For more info on how you can make the best roofing choice, contact a roofing expert at F Wave today.

You May Like: Can You Power Wash Shingles

Other Types Of Roofing Shingles

If youre required to install non-asphalt roofing materials because of local building codes or HOA rules, then you may need to consider the following roofing options for your home. If building codes, HOA rules, or other compliance factors are not an issue, then the aesthetics or look of most of these non-asphalt roofing materials can be achieved using architectural roofing shingles in specific designs and colors.

Other Types Of Roofing Materials

• Clay and Concrete: These are a popular choice for Spanish-style structures, mainly in the Southwest and Southeast. They are very heavy so homeowners interested in these materials should address structural concerns with their contractor before installing this type of roof.
• Wood: Woodgenerally cedar or redwoodcan also be used as a shingle material due to its durability. Before installing this type of roof, be sure that the product you select was treated with flame retardant and that it will be installed in a manner that meets fire rating requirements in your area.
• Slate âSlate has a distinctive look thatâs often associated with high-end architecture and traditional Northeastern homes. Slate is beautiful and naturally durable. Before selecting this type os roof, you must make sure that your home can support the weight of this type of roof. Slate is also a very expensive roofing material.

Recommended Reading: Can You Use Neosporin On Shingles

Can You Paint Roof Shingles

Technically you can paint anything, right? But its not always the best idea to paint some things. Roof shingles would probably fall into that category.

Theyre designed to take a lot of abuse. And the final finish is incorporated into that design. The idea is for them to maintain both their integrity and their beauty throughout their lifespan.

Painting a roof either because its fading in places or just to change the color can be done. But a painted surface wont be able to withstand the weather extremes for very long.

How Shingles Are Made

When it comes to producing shingles, the process comes into three parts. First is gathering the raw materials, then manufacturing those materials, and then finishing by packaging and delivering the finished products upon completion.

The raw materials it takes to produce shingles are either organic felt or fiberglass, which is ground down to a water-based pulp formed into sheets that are dried, cut into strips, and wound onto rolls. These rolls are then oxidized and chemically treated to produce a final shingle product through manufacturing.

In the manufacturing process, asphalt shingles are made by passing the base material through a machine that adds successive component layers.

This process begins by dry looping, which takes a jumbo roll of organic felt or fiberglass mat and pressing it through a dry looper. Then the base material goes through a pre-saturation chamber where it is sprayed on one side with hot asphalt to get rid of any moisture present. The material is then soaked in the asphalt coats to fill the void between the coat and the mat.

This is followed by wet looping when the asphalt coating on the mat cools down to create a greater degree of saturation. With the asphalt coating stabilized by powdered minerals, the mat will then pass-through coating rolls which are separated by an appropriate distance to ensure an adequate amount of coating asphalt is applied to the mat.

Don’t Miss: How To Handle Shingles Pain