Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles is one of the most popular roofing choices of homeowners today. This article will discuss the materials used in the manufacture of shingles with a view to understand their behavior in the real world. Also, this will help the homeowner to make an informed decisions about what shingles can and cannot do.

Composition

The earliest shingles were made by saturating rag-felts with asphalt. They were then coated on each side with an asphalt-mineral filler-coat. Then the top surface was coated with ceramic granules that helped to make the top surface of the shingle sunlight and weather resistant. The bottom surface was coated to prevent the shingles from sticking to each other in transportation.

Later in the 1940's, the felt mat was replaced by wood fibers and cellulose (newspaper). But now most manufacturers make shingles using a fiberglass mat. The fiberglass mat has better tear and fire resistance. Also, the fibreglass mat is thinner, making the shingle cheaper and easier to install.

The layer structure of a shingle is as below:

Base - this is made of organic felt or fiberglass. The fiberglass mat is produced from a uniform dispersion of very fine glass fibers and a binder that holds them together. Organic felt is made of wood chips, recycled corrugated boxes and other recycled papers.

Asphalt - This forms the waterproofing agent. Further, it holds the ceramic granules in place and strengthens the shingle.

Granules - These are fine-grained, opaque crushed rocks that have been colored by a ceramic coating. Granules serve two functions. Firstly, they block ultraviolet light from reaching the asphalt in the shingles which can age the asphalt. Secondly, they provide shingles with their color. The lighter the color of the shingle, the better it is for your roof. A light color means less heat absorption.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

Below are the types of Asphalt Shingles:

• Fiberglass Mat Shingles - The fiberglass mat, used in its production, does not absorb moisture and is more stable in high heat/high humidity climates.
• Organic Shingles - This type of shingle uses organic felt as its base, and is better in cold climates.
The copyright of the article Asphalt Shingles in Building Construction is owned by Shefali Kumar. Permission to republish Asphalt Shingles in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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