Roofing shingles are not merely an aesthetic finish; they serve as the first line of defense for homes and companies against the natural forces. There is a broad range of types and materials available and there are different kinds of shingles that cater to the different needs and demands of the climate, constructions and pockets. So here’s how roof shingles are made giving special focus to the popular shingle types, their benefits and the techniques that have been employed in order to provide a roof that serves its purpose effectively while being appealing to the eyes.
How are Roof Shingles Made? What type of Shingles are there:
Whatever type of shingle, it is built from materials that allow it to be used for a certain roofing requirement. Let’s look at some of the most popular methods and materials that are and are likely to remain in use.
1. Wooden shingles
Material: Red cedar or pine wood are the most common materials to construct this type of a shingle.
Characteristics: The natural beauty of wooden shingles may be unrivaled, and they are frequently treated with preservatives to make them fire resistant and durable.
Benefits: The charm of these wooden shingles is indisputable but their recurrence in the industry is due to their sustainable characteristics. With proper forestry management techniques, these shingles turn out to be quite green. Still maintenance is the only warranty and even with maintenance these are more appropriate for dry climates to avoid dampness.
2. Aluminum shingles
Material: Aluminum is used due to its lightweight, rust free hue.
Characteristics: These types of shaded tiles are also reflective in nature, sturdy in construction and suitable for weather beaten regions.
Benefits: These shingles have strong anti rust and anti corrosion features but these can come at inflated prices making them a premium option.
3. Fiberglass-Asphalt Shingles
Material: This type is made with a fiberglass mat, coated with asphalt, and the top has mineral granules.
Characteristics: Overall, asphalt shingles are light weight, ideal with low maintenance, available in different shapes and colors which approximately account for 80% of the homes in the US.
Benefits: As a result of their resiliency and affordability, fiberglass reinforced shingles are commonly used in residential and light commercial roofing applications. Their resistance to the weather is fair but not as much as what metal alternatives can achieve.
4. Types of Asphalt Shingle strips, Dimensional and Luxury
Strip Shingles (3 Tab): These are single-layered shingles that have a flat, slate-type look, and are designed to provide basic protection which is affordable.
Dimensional Shingles: This type is also referred to as architectural shingles and are thicker, multilayered asphalt shingles designed to provide additional durability and more depth to the shingle.
Luxury Shingles: These are the most premium grade asphalt shingles designed to imitate slate and wood appearance with additional protection. These are the strongest available asphalt shingles in the market today.
The Making of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used types of shingles in roofing, particularly in commercial buildings. Let’s take a closer look at the production method, which brings together raw materials with high concentration so as to guarantee strength and durability.
Preparation of Asphalt Coating
Heated limestone as well as asphalt mixture is first dried to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit before it is spread on a fiberglass mat that acts as a base for the shingle.
Application of Colored Granules
Mineral granules are coated with a ceramic and color, then placed on the surface to give the shingles their colors and to shield them from the sun.
Embedding Granules for Durability
The sheet is already coated with granules and is pressed to the sheet which helps embed the granules to the sheet and helps the weathering properties of the shingle.
Cooling the Shingle Sheet
The sheet has already had granular application and is then sent to cooling rollers where hot water sprays which are fine take away any heat left over and this cools the coating down and hardens.
Sealant Strip for Wind Resistance
Sealant strip is applied to improve wind resistance and these are helpful in holding shingles together which decreases the likelihood of rain being driven underneath the shingles.
Cutting and Bundling
When the sheets have cooled down, they are cut into individual shingles by machines and after that the shingles are bundled and packaged for delivery to roofing constructors.
Why High-Quality Shingles Matter?
To sustain a roof long-term with success and minimize repairing and maintaining it, high-quality shingles are fundamental. Durable shingles that can withstand moisture, UV rays, and physical impacts enhance the appeal of homes and other structures while reducing the effort needed for upkeep. Another aspect of making the roof effective is the installation of shingles that are securely fixed and in a position to weather adverse conditions.
FAQs on Roofing Shingles
Q1: Which shingles are the strongest and most weather resistant?
Asphalt luxury shingles topped dimensional shingles are the most powerful followed closely by their non lipped counterparts.
Q2: How long do asphalt shingles in the US last on average?
A fair average for asphalt based shingles is between 15-30 depending on how overall the shingle has been installed as well as the climates it has been used in.
Q3: Is it possible to put some new shingles on some existing ones?
In many instances, yes, new shingles can be placed on top of the old ones provided that one speaks to a roofing specialists to be on the safe side on the suitability of the method to the roof in question.
Q4: There was once a time when wood shingles were omnipresent, what happened to them?
Regular maintenance and the applying of preservatives were the bane of wood shingles popularity. With the rising prices and availability of the material, timber based products have taken a back seat.
Q5: What is the difference between dimensional shingles and strip shingles?
The dimensional shingle adds layers while the singular flat layer gives strip shingles its shape.
Get Professional Roofing Services Trust Pete’s Builders Commercial Roofing
Besides the design, the quality of shingle and the skill of installer matter as well. Pete’s Builders Commercial Roofing can help you choose the ideal shingles depending on your requirements — installation, repairs, and remover of shingles such as the rusty ones. Be it the dimension, dimensional or luxury, we ensure we provide a durable and attractive roof for your building.
Get in touch with Pete’s Builders Commercial Roofing now and allow us to improve your roof in terms of quality and design.
Leave A Comment