From Raw Materials to Your Roof: The Secret Behind Asphalt Shingles

Ever wondered how asphalt shingles are made? Probably not. But the process is fascinating and reveals much about your home’s first line of defense, your roof. 

Sometimes, the most fascinating things to learn about are those you least expect to care about. And who knows, learning about shingles may make you take a more hands-on approach next time you need to replace your roof. 

So, read on to find out how asphalt shingles are made and why the process matters. 

And So The Journey Begins: Raw Materials

To make asphalt shingles, you’ll need to start with a few important ingredients. Consider these the flour, sugar, and salt of asphalt shingle production.

• Asphalt: This sticky, black substance is a byproduct of petroleum refining and provides the waterproofing qualities that make shingles effective.
• Mineral Granules: These tiny, colored particles serve multiple purposes. They protect the asphalt from UV damage, add color for aesthetic appeal, and provide fire resistance. Who doesn’t love fire resistance?
• Fiberglass Mat: This strong, non-woven material acts as the shingle’s core, providing strength and stability. 

Layering on the Manufacturing Process

Now that we have our ingredients let’s learn how to put them together. 

1. Mat Production: The process starts with a non-woven fiberglass mat, made by bonding glass fibers into a thin, strong sheet.
2. Asphalt Saturation: Then this mat is dunked in a hot asphalt bath, which saturates it and makes it waterproof. This is what makes the shingle waterproof, protecting your home from rain and moisture.
3. Cooling and Granule Application: Still with me? After its bath, the mat has time to cool off before applying a layer of adhesive asphalt to the top surface. Mineral granules are then embedded into this adhesive layer, creating the shingle’s protective and colorful outer shell. These granules protect the shingles from UV rays and add color to your roof.
4. Cutting and Packaging: Now comes the fun part. The readied shingle sheet is cut into the desired shapes and sizes, much like cookie dough, and then packaged for distribution.

There you have it! So, why does all of this matter? The quality of your asphalt shingles directly impacts your home’s protection and longevity. Not all manufacturers pay careful attention to the process or care deeply about the quality of their products. It’s important to know that the shingles you install on your roof are going to weather the storms. 

Quality You Can Trust: Our Commitment to Atlas

We partner with a trusted roof manufacturer, Atlas Roofing because their shingles meet the highest quality and durability standards. Atlas shingles are designed for extreme weather: Atlas StormMaster Shake is rated for winds up to 150 mph, and other Atlas lines carry their own wind ratings. As an Atlas PRO+ contractor at the Gold level, we know their products and installation instructions well. Atlas shingles also boast innovative features like:

• Scotchgard™ Protector from 3M: This feature resists black streaks and stains caused by algae, keeping your roof looking beautiful for years to come.
• Core4® technology: Atlas says its Core4® shingles, such as StormMaster Shake, deliver top wind and impact performance; StormMaster Shake carries a Class 4 impact rating (UL 2218) and a 150 mph wind rating. 
• 3M™ reflective granules: These granules reflect part of the sun’s energy, which helps keep the attic cooler and reduce cooling costs.

Atlas also offers industry-leading warranty coverage, further protecting your investment.

More Than Just a Roof: Building Community

We understand that a leaky roof can be a significant headache. That’s why we offer our four written guarantees, giving you the confidence that your new roof will stand firm against the elements. We believe in doing what we say we’ll do and are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Experience the Patriot Difference

When you choose Patriot Roofing and Restoration, you’re not just getting a new roof, you’re getting a team with a five-star Google rating that speaks to our commitment to platinum-level quality and customer service. 

Ready to experience the Patriot difference? Schedule your roof inspection today. 

Call us today!