Asphalt roofing shingles are composed of asphalt-saturated bases made from either organic materials or fiberglass. Organic shingles are a combination of waste paper, asphalt, salt coatings and ceramic granules, whereas fiberglass shingles are made from glass fiber coated in asphalt and minerals such as mica, schist, quartz, slate, ceramic, or stone. It is a type of roof shingle that uses asphalt for waterproofing. They’re quick and easy to install and when installed correctly and properly maintained. The shingles are also really easy to tear down, repair or replace if need be. One of the things that make them affordable is that they don’t require any special tools or accessories to install them, such as roof edges, vent flashings or wall terminations. It is available in a range of different shapes, styles and colours. They also work well on homes with steep, sloping structures and are pretty compatible with most roof types. Another great feature is that the mineral granules on the shingles help to deflect harmful, roof-damaging UV rays. Dynamic properties of asphalt enable manufacturers to produce numerous specialty products that exist across all shingle types.
Advantages of asphalt roofing shingles
Asphalt shingles provide beautiful, affordable, and reliable roofing covering. These are very popular because of the following benefits.
- Durable and long-lasting
- Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors
- Wind resistant
- Comes in a wide choice of asphalt shingle shapes
- Straightforward installation process and adapts to fit steep or angled roofs
- Repairs are relatively simple with an asphalt roof
- Eco-friendly and recyclable
- Resistant to fire
- Protection against external noise
- Can be applied on a wide variety of roof styles
- Excellent uplift resistance
- No additional structure required to carry weight
- Multi-layer protection
- Thermal performance
Materials for asphalt roofing shingles
Two types of base materials are used to make asphalt shingles, organic and fiberglass. Both are made similarly, with an asphalt-saturated base covered on one or both sides with asphalt or modified asphalt, the exposed surface impregnated with slate, schist, quartz, vitrified brick, stone, or ceramic granules and the under-side treated with sand, talc or mica to prevent shingles from sticking to one-another before use.
Shingles with organic material
Organic shingles are made with a base mat of organic materials such as waste paper, cellulose, wood fiber, or other materials. This is saturated with asphalt to make it waterproof, then a top coating of adhesive asphalt is applied, covered with solid granules.
Shingles with Fiberglass
Fiberglass shingles have a base layer of glass fiber reinforcing mat made from wet, random-laid glass fibers bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin. The mat is then coated with asphalt containing mineral fillers to make it waterproof. Such shingles resist fire better than those with organic/paper and mats.
Different types of asphalt roofing shingles
There are three types of asphalt shingles available, each of them is given below.
Strip shingles
It is also known as s 3-tab shingles. These are the most basic types of asphalt shingles. They are made from a single layer of asphalt and have a very flat appearance that typically offers a slate look. Since they are made from a single layer, they generally weigh and cost less than other asphalt shingles. They are lightweight and designed to withstand for 20 years. These are essentially flat simple shingles with a uniform shape and size. They use less material and are thinner. It needs a lower cost for both the material and the installation.
Dimensional shingles
It is also known as architectural shingles. These are thicker and stronger. It varies in shape and size and offers more aesthetic appeal. In this type, casting is more distinct. It is manufactured with two or more layers of asphalt that are fused for a thicker and richer multi-dimensional appearance, Dimensional shingles are typically heavier than strip shingles, While more expensive to install, they come with a longer manufacturer’s warranties, sometimes around 50 Years.
Luxury shingles
These are the highest-quality laminated shingles available, offering a differentiated appearance or functionality that outclasses that of dimensional shingles. Apart from being shingle ‘heavyweights’ that offer premium protection for weathering, It has an extra layer and offers multi-dimensional texture. They cost 1/10 of what a new slate roof would cost. The material is less expensive and requires way less labor to install. Because these shingles are made with extra layers, they’re incredibly heavy, with each piece weighing twice as much as a standard 3-tab shingle
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