Because of its easy maintenance and low cost, asphalt is the most popular roofing material for the vast majority of American homes. You are likely to want to learn more about the roof, which is one of the most important components of your home. We will be covering the process and materials used to make the asphalt roofing shingle. Call KCG Roofing and Carpentry if you’re interested in roofing professionals to repair, install, repair, or replace the roof on your home. Here’s how asphalt shingles are made.
Table of Contents
First, The Sheet
Asphalt shingles are manufactured using a continuous sheet as the foundation. To make a pulp, glass fibers are combined with water. After the pulp is vacuumed, the product is bound together using sturdy resins and binding agents. The result is a thin fiberglass mat that is then wound into rolls. The fiberglass mats are then rolled into rolls and sent on to the next stage of the process.
Introduction to Asphalt
Asphalt is a thick hydrocarbon material that provides water resistance. It is a natural product and a byproduct of crude oil refining. Asphalt in shingles is somewhat similar to asphalt used for road construction, but it is not the same. The asphalt used to make shingles must first be oxidized using a process known as blowing. To increase the asphalt’s viscosity, the air is blown through it. However, this must be done carefully. Too much or too little air can result in brittle shingles. To provide fire and weather resistance, fine mineral powders are added to the asphalt. The fiberglass mat is then coated with the treated asphalt.
Add the Granules
The granules are what give asphalt roofing shingles their texture. The shingles are coated with mineral granules to provide extra resistance to fire and protect from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. They also have an aesthetic finish.
The Bond Forms with
A sealant is applied to the shingles to help bond them together. Sealant is applied to shingles on either the top or bottom. Thermally activated sealants are designed to activate at a certain temperature and keep the bold intact throughout the installation and beyond. A fine mineral powder is added to the back of each asphalt shingle to prevent it from sticking together during manufacturing.
The Release Film
How does the sealant prevent premature activation or sticking shingles together in its packaging? The release film. It’s a shiny, plastic tape measuring about 1 inch in width. They don’t need to be removed. They are there to keep the shingles together in the packaging. Asphalt shingles are actually much simpler than you might think.
This post was written by a roofing professional at KCG Roofing. KCG Roofing is a premier roofing contractor that does Tampa roof repair! KCG Roofing has the experience and expertise to replace or repair your roof with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. All our roofs are backed by a 15-year leak-free guarantee, the highest in the industry. We have been family-owned and operated for over 40 years.