When we think of asphalt shingles, many people have the idea that they are made entirely of asphalt, however, there are different types of materials present in them. Many, if not all asphalt shingles contain mineral fiber and cementitious fillers. They are appealing to a wide variety of people because of their affordability, durability, and customization, as they come in a variety of different colors.
There are studies made which reveal that the amount of asphalt that these shingles contain is about 40%. Asphalt is a very thick hydrocarbon that is the result of natural occurrences or a byproduct of crude oil refining. The material used in shingles is known as ACM, short for asphalt containing material. The rest of the materials used depend on the type of shingle being made. They can either be organic shingles or fiberglass shingles.
Organic shingles, as the name suggests, are usually made by using organic materials as a base, materials such as wood fiber, paper, as well as other recyclable materials. Asphalt is then added as a coating material to ensure it becomes waterproof and weather resistant. Finally, another layer of protection is being added to give the shingles an attractive finish as well as protecting the surface against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Fiberglass shingles also contain asphalt, but not as much as organic shingles. These shingles use mat fiberglass held together with urea-formaldehyde resin. As the organic shingles, these are later coated with a layer of asphalt containing mineral fillers to make the shingles waterproof. These shingles are a better choice in warmer climates and are more resistant to fire than organic ones.
A specific color is obtained in the final process known as mineral surfacing, where the desired colored granules of ceramic-coated minerals are added as a final layer on the surface, on top of the coated asphalt. A cutting machine is then used to obtain the individual shingles and can be adjusted to obtain a particular shape an size.
Expert Pleasanton roofing consultants are factory trained and certified and can give you the most knowledgeable advice regarding the best roofing materials to fit your roofing needs and budget.