Ever wondered how asphalt shingles are made? In this post, we will break down what asphalt shingles are and how they are manufactured.
The short answer is that it starts out with a fiberglass mat, then the fiberglass mat is infused with asphalt, then granules are applied to the top.
But here’s a more detailed process on how Asphalt Shingles are made…
Newer shingles and a majority of the asphalt shingles these days use a fiberglass mat. This is for a couple of reasons:
1. Fire rating, it provides a class A fire rating.
2. Provides a longer warranty
3. Provides long term protection in all climates since fiberglass performs well in extreme heat and cold
The next step is the fiberglass is then coated with asphalt, the asphalt will then penetrate the mat all the way through due to the high temperature. The asphalt helps repel water from the shingle but please note, that shingles are not waterproof, they are water repellent.
After the asphalt, granules are added while the asphalt is still hot. They are “dropped” onto the shingle. Granules help with UV along with giving the roof aesthetics with the different colors and patterns.
Next, back-surfacing is added. This coating helps protect the shingles from heat and moisture.
Next granules are embedded. After the granules are dropped onto the shingles, they are pressed in to secure them. During this process, some granules will come off which is normal.
Next, the sealant is added. The sealant is a self-adhering strip that essentially glues the shingle down
Lastly, the shingles are cooled and cut into size.