What are the different types of roofing shingles?
The roofing shingles that you see on homes all over the United States are made of a few basic materials. The most common type is the fiberglass asphalt shingle.
The asphalt used for roads is a by-product of oil refinement. Roofing asphalt, however, is a product of the same process. It's also formulated with heightened toughness. The manufacturers increase the viscosity of roofing asphalt by blowing air into it, a process known as oxidizing. A mineral powder is also added to improve weather resistance.
Asphalt
Asphalt shingles have been designed to resist fire, wind, and water. There are many different styles and textures to choose from.
Asphalt shingles are made from organic or fiberglass materials. The shingle is coated with asphalt on both sides, while the exposed (also known as the backside) side is covered in opaque ceramic-coated mineral granules. This surface is available in a variety of colors, and it helps to prevent algae growth.
Granules can also be used to color the roof, and to increase its resistance to water penetration. The granules are fused to create a durable and strong roofing shingle. The roofing can also withstand heavy snowfalls, hail and strong wind. This results in a roof with a resilient appearance and a premium look. These shingles cost more than architectural or standard three-tab shingles, but they offer a superior aesthetic and longer life span.
Fiberglass Mat
Fiberglass shingles offer homeowners many color options and are lightweight. The shingles are also easy to install, which makes them an excellent choice for DIYers who want to save money on professional installation.
Fiberglass mat is made of chopped strands that are woven together into a flat mat and bound with styrene. This material can only be used with vinyl ester and polyester resins. Epoxy resins will not work with it.
The mat is coated in an asphalt mixture and a mineral filler material to improve the weather resistance of roofing shingles. The material increases the durability of the shingle and helps it resist fire. The shingles then have ceramic granules added to them for texture and color.
Mineral Granules
The sandlike granules that you can see on roofs, which are speckled and almost sparkled, are not only for aesthetics. These granules serve an important purpose, as they allow rainwater to be shed from asphalt shingles.
Mineral granules adhere to the surface of the shingle during the manufacturing process after it has been impregnated by hot asphalt. Asphalt is either a natural deposit or a by-product of oil refinement. The asphalt is then oxidized with air, which increases its viscosity.
Granules are available in a variety of colors and materials, depending on your needs. For example, algae-resistant granules will inhibit the growth of black streaking algal growth. Some granules reduce smog pollution and meet the energy efficiency requirements of building codes. The vibrant colors of these granules add to the appeal of roofs. Backsurfacing sand is a finely ground and washed form of limestone that's used to keep shingles from sticking during storage and shipping.
Back Surfacing
It is a fire retardant that helps them achieve Class A fire-resistant ratings. The coating is also fire retardant and helps them to achieve a Class A rating for fire resistance.
The coating is applied once the fiberglass mat has been laid down. The main waterproofing component, it also enhances the weather resistance of the shingles. The aerated blend of asphalt is designed to be strong and durable under various roof stresses, such as wind, temperature changes and other factors. Some roofing contractors offer impact-resistant tiles for people who live in an area prone to severe storms. These shingles will protect your home as well as increase its value.
The roofing shingles that you see on homes all over the United States are made of a few basic materials. The most common type is the fiberglass asphalt shingle. The asphalt used for roads is a by-product of oil refinement. Roofing asphalt, however, is a product of the same process. It's also formulated with heightened…