Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing choice for homes across America. Many homeowners have questions like, “how are asphalt shingles made?” and “what are asphalt shingles made of?” Knowing these important details can help you pick the best roof for your home.
In this blog, we’ll explain clearly how asphalt shingles are made, what materials they’re made from, and why they’re such a trusted option for homeowners.
What Are Asphalt Shingles Made Of?
Before we learn how asphalt shingles are made, let’s look at what asphalt shingles are made of. Asphalt shingles have three main layers that make them strong and reliable.
1. Base Layer (Fiberglass Mat)
The base layer of an asphalt shingle is usually made from fiberglass. This material arrives at factories in big rolls. Fiberglass is strong but lightweight, making it perfect for shingles because it doesn’t easily tear or break. It creates a sturdy base for the other materials.
Some shingles used to have organic bases made from paper or wood fibers. But fiberglass is now more popular because it’s stronger and lasts longer.
2. Asphalt Coating
The second important layer is asphalt. Asphalt is a sticky, black material made from oil. Factories heat this asphalt and apply it to the fiberglass mat. The asphalt coating keeps water out, protecting your home from rain and snow. It also helps the shingles stand up to wind and harsh weather.
Factories sometimes add extra ingredients to the asphalt to improve fire resistance, making the shingles even safer.
3. Granules (Tiny Stones)
The top layer of asphalt shingles is made of granules, which are tiny stones or minerals. Granules give shingles their color and protect them from damage. They also have special jobs:
- UV Protection: Granules block harmful sunlight, keeping shingles from cracking or fading.
- Algae Resistance: Some granules stop algae from growing, keeping your roof clean.
- Color Choices: Granules come in many colors, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your home.
Together, these three layers create durable shingles that look good and last a long time.
How Are Asphalt Shingles Made?
Now that we know what asphalt shingles are made of let’s discover step-by-step how asphalt shingles are made.
Step 1: Making the Base Layer
The fiberglass mats arrive at the shingle factory in large rolls. Workers feed these mats into machines, preparing them for the next steps.
Step 2: Adding the Asphalt
Next, machines apply hot asphalt onto the fiberglass mats. This asphalt is heated to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it easy to spread evenly. This step is important because it makes the shingles waterproof and strong.
Sometimes, special ingredients are mixed into the asphalt to give the shingles extra fire protection.
Step 3: Putting on the Granules
While the asphalt is still hot, granules are added on top. These tiny colored stones stick into the warm asphalt and become a permanent part of the shingle.
At this stage, factories can pick granules that protect against algae or reflect sunlight. This makes shingles last longer and perform better. A thin layer of sand is also added to the back of the shingles to keep them from sticking together when packaged.
Step 4: Cooling and Adding Sealant
After the granules stick, the shingles go through cooling chambers. Cooling hardens the asphalt quickly and keeps everything firmly in place. Next, factories apply a strip of sticky sealant on the bottom of each shingle. This helps shingles stay secure on your roof, especially during storms.
Step 5: Cutting and Packing the Shingles
Finally, big machines cut the shingles into standard sizes, usually about 12 inches by 36 inches. Workers then bundle these shingles and package them neatly for delivery to roofing companies.
Popular Types of Asphalt Shingles
While the process for how asphalt shingles are made is mostly the same, there are different types of shingles you can choose from. Here are the three best options.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Architectural shingles are popular because they look attractive and offer excellent protection. They’re made with several layers of asphalt, giving them a thick, textured look. These shingles come in many different colors and styles, adding beauty and depth to your home.
Architectural shingles are known for:
- Superior protection against wind, rain, snow, and sun.
- Improved fire resistance thanks to high-quality materials.
- Low maintenance, perfect for busy or budget-conscious homeowners.
Premium Asphalt Shingles
Premium asphalt shingles are a step above the rest. They’re designed to look just like expensive materials such as wood shakes or slate tiles but at a lower cost. Premium shingles offer:
- Excellent protection from severe weather.
- The stylish, high-end look of traditional roofing materials.
- Long-lasting durability for homeowners who want beauty and protection.
Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles
Impact-resistant asphalt shingles are the best choice if you’re concerned about hail, storms, or strong winds. These shingles are built stronger to resist weather damage, giving homeowners peace of mind.
Impact-resistant shingles provide:
- Strong protection against hail and storm damage.
- Increased durability even in extreme temperatures or heavy storms.
- Attractive colors that match any home style, offering both beauty and strength.
Why Choose Asphalt Shingles?
Knowing what asphalt shingles are made of and how asphalt shingles are made helps homeowners understand why they’re such a popular choice. Here are some benefits that make asphalt shingles stand out:
- Affordable: Asphalt shingles are cost-effective, providing good value for your money.
- Reliable Protection: They keep your home safe from weather, including rain, snow, wind, and sun damage.
- Easy to Install and Maintain: Asphalt shingles are simple to install, and once they’re in place, they need very little care.
- Wide Selection of Styles and Colors: With many choices available, you can pick the shingles that perfectly match your home.
Ready for Your New Asphalt Roof?
Understanding how asphalt shingles are made gives you confidence in your choice of roofing material. Asphalt shingles offer great protection, stylish looks, and affordability, making them the ideal choice for many homes.
At Undersun Roofing, we’re experts in installing high-quality asphalt shingles. Our experienced team can help you choose the perfect shingle type for your home and ensure it’s installed properly, so your roof lasts for many years.
Contact Undersun Roofing today for a free inspection and find out how we can help protect your home with a durable, beautiful asphalt roof!
