With all the roofing shingle options out there, we find asphalt shingles to be one of the best options for homes, both new and existing. This type of shingle has a lot of benefits and options for all design styles and budgets. The asphalt shingle has been around for a long time and the technologies for them continue to evolve. Some of the latest asphalt shingles are superior products and endure many years on a home. Let’s take a closer look at how asphalt roof shingles are made.
The Process to Make Asphalt Roof Shingles
Very simply put, a few different products are manufactured together to create a durable yet moderately-thin coating for your roof and home. The materials used to make asphalt shingles are pressed together on a roll as it passes through manufacturing, then layers are built up to develop the shingle sections. They are fused together and sealed to construct a roofing shingle that is weather, fire, and pest resistant.
The asphalt shingle lasts many years without maintenance, and with so many style options, it can go with almost any home or neighborhood.
What are Roofing Shingles Made Of?
- Felt or fiberglass matting
- Asphalt
- Fire-retardant and water-resistant coatings
- Stone granules
- Sealant
You can see how simple asphalt roofing shingles can be.
The felt or fiberglass mats are received at the manufacturer in rolls. These mats will be the base for what the shingle is built upon. The mats have developed over the years to consist of a variety of materials. Now they are most often polyester or fiberglass.
These mats will be saturated with the asphalt material, which will include a fire retardant to seal it and act as an inhibitor of the elements The asphalt is produced and refined to create a product that is durable, water-resistant, and performs well in most climates. This is applied onto the mat to saturate the fibers.
From here, the stone granules are applied. The stone granules also aid in the durability of the asphalt shingles. The granules will provide a defensive surface against the sunlight, heat, moisture, and hail. Asphalt shingles are tough in the face of harsh weather and environmental conditions.
These shingle materials are fused together and held together with heavy duty sealants. Asphalt shingles are designed with a highly-resilient construction and the ability to withhold cohesiveness during strong winds and storms.
How Thick are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles themselves aren’t 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 it’s 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.
Your Local Austin Area Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a prominent roofing company in residential roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.
