One of the most common types of materials used for roofs is shingles. At Brandstetter’s KangaRoof, we often purchase asphalt shingles for our customers throughout the Cincinnati region. Yet you may be wondering what exactly is an asphalt shingle. How are they made? Learn more about these products that can be placed on top of your home.
Single Membrane
Asphalt shingles start with a single fiberglass membrane sheet. You may also see advertised shingles containing wood chips, paper, cardboard, or other organic materials that are also in sheet form. These membrane sheets arrive as rolls as they become the base for the shingle.
Hot Asphalt/Limestone Filled Coating
Hot asphalt made from petroleum becomes placed onto the membrane sheet. This asphalt adds durability and weather resistance to the fiberglass membrane. Fine limestone powder may be added to the hot asphalt to provide additional weather protection. This asphalt becomes the filled coating as it is applied to both the top and the bottom of the membrane sheet.
Stone Granules
Tiny pebbles or crushed stones are spread across the hot asphalt. These granules have varying colors to create the shingle color that is later chosen by the homeowner. Depending on the granules used, they may provide sun protection to reflect the sun’s ultraviolet light while other granules will prevent algae growth. A thin sand layer is applied to the base sheet when the granules are embedded.
Cut Sheets
A fine water mist is sprayed onto the shingle to remove the heat before a sealant is applied. Then the shingles are often cut into 12″ x 36″ sheets. The cut shingles are packaged together as a bundle as our Cincinnati roofing company purchases a specific number of bundles based on the square footage of your roof.
The roofing contractor, of your choice, then installs the shingle based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Not every shingle product is installed the same, as some shingle companies have a complex process to ensure that the membrane sheet remains in good quality after the installation.
For more information about shingles and how they can protect your roof, contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
