What Are Roof Shingles Made Of
By: Author Ryan M.
Shingles are a type of roofing material that can be found on many homes roofs. In this blog post we show you What Are Roof Shingles Made Of.
They consist of thin materials that are either organic or synthetic and designed to resemble natural materials such as wood, slate, and stone.
Roof shingles installation is time-consuming and difficult due to their weight and the steepness of the roof.
Its important to give shingles proper care and maintenance if you want to keep your roof in good condition.
Roof shingles are made of organic or synthetic materials , such as asphalt, fiberglass, wood, clay, steel, slate, rubber and plastic.
They resemble natural materials such as wood and stone.
Types Of Asphalt Shingles
The differenttypes of asphalt shingles have improved greatly since their first debut in the United States back in the early 1900s. You can find many asphalt shingles types today available in different sizes, colors, and styles to suit different climates and home needs. They are perfect for many homeowners in need ofnew roofs.
Typically, asphalt shingle types are made of a material mixture including asphalt, granules, sealants, fiberglass, and release film. Stable resin is used to bind glass fibers to reinforce and add durability to the asphalt shingles, while the asphalt allows it to be water-resistant. The granules added to asphalt shingles provide color variety and UV protection. Typically, asphalt shingles are composed of layers: a base mat, layer of waterproofing asphalt, and a layer of ceramic granules.
While there are many types of asphalt shingles, they also come in fiberglass or organic makeup.
The options may seem overwhelming, but asphalt shingles are a great choice for almost any home. Asphalt shingles are durable, affordable and come in incrediblevariety of colors and styles to match almost any exterior. So how do you choose?
Does Owens Corning Make Good Shingles
Owens Corning Shingles Quality. GAF sets the industry standard for reliable and long-lasting shingles and roofing products. Owens Corning in product quality, both carry excellent products, though GAF offers more protection for wind and hail.
What is the difference between 3-tab and laminate shingles?
3-tab asphalt shingles are made of asphalt, are flat and have a single tab shape and size. Laminate shingles, or laminated architectural shingles, are made of a more refined asphalt, have a heavier base mat and multiple material layers.
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For Resale Looks Count
In the world of asphalt shingles, there are two types, 3 tab and dimensional, also called architectural and laminate. A 3-tab shingle has two notches cut into the lower edge so that when its laid on a roof it looks like three smaller shingles. Seen from below, 3-tab shingles have a very distinguishable repetitive pattern.
This type of shingle costs less than a dimensional type, but its precise pattern requires more time to install. Thus, it is less favored by roofing crews who are usually paid by the number of shingles they install, not by the hour.
For a shallow pitch roof, however, the three tabs is a reasonable choice.
A dimensional or laminate shingle has extra pieces of shingle laminated to it that give the appearance of thickness and texture when seen from below.
There is no discernible shingle pattern so that it can be installed more quickly than the 3-tab type. Besides the real shadow line created by the added thickness of the extra pieces, most manufacturers embellish this with artificial shadow lines created by the artful placement of colored granules.
The thickest and most expensive dimensional shingles, which usually carry the designation 40-year shingles, often have two artificial shadow lines plus an overall subtle texturing of the shingle.
The 30 years dimensional shingle has only one fake shadow line, less subtle blending of the granule colors, and the shingle is not as thick.
Compare Shingles To Other Roofs
Shingles are a great choice for homes with sloped roof systems homes or buildings with flat roofs may be best suited for rubber roofing, so youll have to decide which is right for you and your home.
Another type of roof is rolled roofing which is popular in the roofing industry because of its easy installation, but it only lasts 5 to 10 years and is not as high quality as shingle roof options. Other examples of roofing include green roofs, which are roofs made of vegetation or native wildflowers, solar roofs constructed of solar panels, and tile roofing made of clay tiles.
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Cons Of Tile Shingles
- Installation is tricky and could cost you a premium. The longevity of the roofing heavily depends on the installation. Poor installation could incur massive losses.
- You may need to strengthen your roof pre-installation to ensure it can bear the weight of tile roofing shingles. That again incurs additional costs
What Are Fiberglass Shingles
Fiberglass shingles are made of a woven fiberglass base mat, covered with a waterproof asphalt coating, and topped with ceramic granules that shield the shingles from harmful UV rays. Because of the composition of the fiberglass mat, less asphalt is needed to give the shingles their durability and strength, making them a lighter and more environmentally friendly option than traditional organic-mat asphalt shingles. Fiberglass roofing is a great option for your roof installation project because it is a tough and very resilient material that is non-porous, does not change shape, and wont dry out.
Talk to Contractors
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What Types Of Shingles Are Available
Shingles are manufactured as either three-tab shingles or architectural shingles. The three-tab variety is designed to look like three shingles though it is actually all one piece. It is easy to install, economical, and very popular. Architectural shingles are manufactured with an additional layer of asphalt to give them more dimension and enable them to mimic the look of bulkier roofing products like wood or slate. Both types of shingles come in a large variety of colors to suit just about any home design.
Asphalt Shingles Are The Most Common Type
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for roofing materials and are often considered the best roofing option because of their low upfront cost and easy installation. Asphalt shingles are also popular because they are relatively durable, usually lasting around 20 years before needing to be replaced. Some asphalt shingles can last up to 50 years on average, although longer-lasting options are typically more expensive.
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Tamko Vs Owens Corning Warranty
Both companies offer a range of warranties that are comparable with one another and other leading brands. As you research any shingle brand, not just OC and TAMKO, you will find that issues with getting the manufacturer to back its warranty are easily the top criticism, and frustration, that homeowners have regarding shingles.
Installation is a large part of the overall quality of a roofing job. The point is emphasized by frequent warranty issues.
Take the time to find an experienced installer with a proven track record of quality installation and who follows specific manufacturer guidelines. The manufacturer warranties cover product defects, but not installation errors.
Composite Roof Shingles Look Exactly Like Real Cedar Shake And Slate
The reason homeowners are drawn to composite shingles is because they look exactly like real slate or cedar shake.
But do they really look like the real thing? Take a look for yourself.
Composite slate shingles are modeled from real slate tiles and even have chisel marks to add a hand-crafted touch to give them a completely authentic look.
Composite cedar shake shingles have realistic grain patterns and deep grooves that create a shingle that looks just like shake shingles.
If you work in the roofing industry, you might be able to tell the difference between composite shingles and the roofing material it mimics. However, you, your neighbors, or anyone walking by your home wont be able to tell the difference from the ground.
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Learn More About Composite Shingles
The roofing market has been adding many unique and innovative types of roofing materials for the average consumer to buy. Yet what remains to be the best chosen are composition shingles also known as the asphalt shingle variety. Essentially composition shingles will provide your property with the protection that it requires on the basic level and for those in steady climates, thats all youll need. Its important to consider that with composition shingles youll have an easier way to replace shingles with its accessible availability and cheaper price. Like with any type of roofing material its important to weigh the benefits before committing. Ultimately, its important to touch base with a professional roofing company regarding your roof for optimal end results. Before you get started, here is some basic information regarding composition shingles that may prove of use to you.
Which Type Of Shingle Is Right For Your Roof
Long Roofing has many different types of roof shingles to choose from, including 3-tab, dimensional, and standing seam metal roofs. Our expert team can not only help you in your installation project, but we can help you narrow down the types of shingles that will work well for your particular roof.Contact our team today to schedule your appointment.
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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.
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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.
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Manufacture Of Shakes And Shingles From Block Form
Canadian Forest Industries
Shake blocks are split into 1-inch-thick slats called blanks, using either a hydraulic press with a blade attached, called a cuber, or split by hand using a froe and mallet. These blanks are uniform in thickness throughout if split from the same edge without flipping the block. Alternatively, the splitter may flip the block after a blank is taken off each edge, which results in a tapered split from end to end, called tapers or hand-split. The blanks which are not tapered require further processing before application to create this taper and are run through a large band saw, pushed by hand to cut them from corner to corner forming a tapered shake, sawn on one face.
Shingles are cut from the blocks using a circular saw, typically 4248 inches in diameter. The blocks are clamped in a carriage that slides back and forth across the blade, tilting and moving the block closer to the blade, with each pass automatically forms a tapered cut of the correct thickness. The shingle edges are then cut with another circular saw called a trim saw to remove irregular edges. The result is a tapered shingle sawn on all six sides. The thickness of the butt, or thicker end of the tapered cut, is usually 38 inch thick but is also commonly made to be 58 inch , and can be made to any custom specifications.
Types Of Roofing Shingles
In addition to maintaining the integrity of your roofs structure and helping to keep out water, roofing shingles also add a tremendous amount of curb appeal and value to your home. The type of roofing shingles you choose can also affect your roofs durability against wind, rain, hail, and other weather events.
Learn more about the different types and styles of roofing shingles.
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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.
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Roof Shingles Pros And Cons
A shingle roof is a popular and affordable way to protect your house and increase curb appeal. There are a variety of shingle types that you can choose from, all of which range wildly in price. Shingle roofs are durable and last for at least a decade or longer, depending on the material, and some can last for far longer.
Some roof shingles, such as asphalt shingles, can be recycled. Roof shingles also tend to be easy to install and can be a DIY home improvement project, if done safely and properly by responsible homeowners.
The downside to shingle roofs is that some of the materials available like asphalt shingle roofs arent as durable as metal roofing or other styles, so they cost more over the long term because of repair and replacement costs when you need a new roof.
Certain materials can be heavy as well and can weigh down the roof. In some cases, this can cause structural issues with your home, although this typically only occurs if there are pre-existing problems.
Shingle roofing is also more vulnerable to heat damage than other styles, and strong winds can tear and uplift shingles more easily than some other materials.
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Roof Shingles Require Maintenance To Maximize Longevity
In order to prolong your roofs lifespan, make sure to schedule routine inspections. Regularly checking and maintaining a shingle roof will help you catch problems before they become severe, also leading to lower roof repair costs. You should also plan to repair your roof when you notice issues.
Keep an eye out for obvious damage, curling, cracking, an abundance of loose roof granules, or discolored shingles.
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 materialsâ 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.
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Cons Of Metal Shingles
- They cost substantially more than asphalt roofing shingles
- Its impossible to layer a metal roof on top of any other roof style so all previous materials will need to be completely removed. This increases the cost of installation.
- Metal roofing shingles need to be supported by a certain rise that every roof may not have
- Hail can cause dents on steel shingles. The sound of rain splashing on metal shingles is very loud and could be annoying for many.
Most Common Types Of Roof Shingles
The most common roof shingles are asphalt shingles. These shingles are more popular than other materials because of their low cost, sleek appearance, relative durability, and longevity. They also come in a variety of colors and are fire resistant. There are other types of roofing shingles but they tend to be more expensive to install, such as wooden cedar shake shingles or slate shingles.
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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.