If you have ever wondered how roofing shingles are made, this article will give you a basic overview. You will learn about the different types of shingles, including asphalt, fiberglass, composite shingles, and organic felt. We will also discuss their manufacturing processes. After you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll have a much better understanding of the various materials and the different processes used to make them. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your current one, this article is the perfect guide to learn more about the various types of roofing materials.
Asphalt shingles
If you’ve ever wondered how asphalt roofing shingles are made, there’s a good chance you’re wondering about the granules on top. Granules are the most visible part of asphalt shingles, and they’re actually crushed rocks that are sized to exact standards and then applied on the surface of the shingle. Granules can be reflective, colorful, and algae-resistant, which is why you should choose asphalt shingles that feature these features. You may even be interested in the architectural shingle, which stacks multiple layers of shingles. In that case, a special portion of the shingles is cut and processed to mimic the desired look. The shingles are then adhered to the bottom layer during the manufacture process, and the result is a durable, seamless layer of protection for your roof.
Fiberglass shingles
How fiberglass roofing shingles are made is relatively simple. The process begins with a fiberglass mat, which acts as the ‘backbone’ of the shingle. Once the mat has been rolled out, a mineral-fortified coating is applied to the upper and lower part of the shingle. A thermo-activated asphalt (TAA) sealant bonds the shingles together. The laminant is a material that adheres the shingle layers together at the time of manufacture. The top layer of a typical fiberglass shingle is called the dragon tooth, while the bottom layer is called the shim.
Organic felt
Originally, all roofing shingles used an organic felt base. This was originally made of cotton, but as the price of cotton rose, alternative materials were used. Jute and wood pulp were also used. In 1926, the Research Institute for Asphalt Shingles (NBS) tested 22 kinds of experimental felts, and the results indicated no significant differences in the performance of the felts. The resulting shingles are a great choice for roofing purposes and are widely used today.
Composite shingles
If you’re thinking about replacing your old asphalt roof, you should think about installing composite roofing shingles. Not only do these shingles look great, but they can also last up to 50 years. Many homeowners are also trying to be environmentally friendly, and composite roofing shingles are an excellent way to do so. While composite shingles can be more expensive than asphalt shingles, they will last longer and look better. There are many benefits of using composite roofing shingles, so read on to find out how they can benefit your home.
Crushed stone shingles
A typical home roof is composed of a few different types of asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are composed of 60 percent to 70 percent crushed stone. Some shingles use ceramic granules, which are crushed rock particles coated in colored oxides. Another type uses coal slag, which has been ground to the same size as ceramic granules. The rest of the shingle is made of asphalt stabilizer, which is a powdered limestone.
