What Are Roof Shingles Made Of?
If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices you have for materials. Asphalt shingles are a common roofing material in the United States because of their affordable price point, but are they actually durable? What are roof shingles made of to help them stand up against rain, wind, hail, and temperature fluctuations?
Below, Elite Remodeling Services discusses what you need to know about the popular type of shingle made from asphalt. When you’re ready to replace your roof, one call to our experts will also get you a free inspection!
Asphalt Shingle Composition
Asphalt roofs are, by far, the dominant choice in the U.S. and around the world because of their affordability, decent durability, weather-resistant coating, and longevity.
Typically, modern asphalt roofs contain the following:
Fiberglass Matting
The fiberglass mat is a continuous thin sheet, providing the foundation on which shingles sit and attach. The mat contains glass fibers, binders, and stable resins to bind the roofing material.
Roofers unwind large rolls of fiberglass matting cut to size based on your project.
Asphalt Coating
Asphalt acts as the main water-resistant coating for the shingles. This asphalt goes through an oxidation process before the manufacturer combines it with additional minerals for added durability and viscosity.
The installer applies this mineral-fortified coating to the matting (on the top and the bottom).
Stone Granules
Granules are what you see when you look up and wonder, “What are roof shingles made of?” The stone granule surface contains crushed grit-like stone to the exact size and degree necessary to create the ideal texture and appearance you want on your roof’s surface.
Manufacturers make granules available in endless colors and textures for a final roofing finish that’s fully customized to your liking. For example, higher-grade granules can reflect sunlight for energy-efficient roofing. Algae-resistant stone can prevent discoloration over time.
Sealant
When activated through thermal pressure, sealant bonds the shingles together and onto the roof itself. The roof may apply sealant on the bottom, top, or in multi-layer laminate configurations, depending on your roof.
Shingle application requires expert knowledge of sealant, laminate, and thermal pressure, as you can only seal such products within specific temperature ranges. Roof stresses, such as wind, create complications during installation. Only knowledgeable roofers will know how to mitigate these challenges.
Release Film
The sheets of shingles contain sealant that sticks together when warm, so these packages would become like bricks in the summer heat without a solution separating each layer. The release film separates the layers of shingles so that the sealant does not activate as it sits outside in a hot yard prior to installation.
This release film looks like plastic tape. It stays on the shingles once they’re installed. Most roofers will simply leave it in place to prevent any issues during installation.
How Other Popular Roofing Materials Are Made
If you aren’t interested in the above asphalt option for your roof, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of other roofing options, such as the following:
- Metal roofing: Made from zinc, aluminum, steel, or copper.
- Spanish roofing: Made from clay tiles that undergo molding and firing.
- Wood shake: Typically made from cedar.
- Concrete or clay roofs: Created by combining cement, sand, iron oxide, and water.
- Composite roofing: Made from eco-friendly synthetic polymer and recycled materials.
Choose the Best Roofing Material for Your Home Today
What are roof shingles made of? Now that you know about asphalt and a few other materials, take the next step and see how Elite Remodeling Services can help you upgrade your property’s roof! Call us today at (952) 646-2480 to schedule your free inspection.
