Of all the materials used in residential roofing, asphalt shingles remain the most sought-after. They are lightweight, easy to install and available at a relatively low cost. They are composed of a base material coated with asphalt and additional ingredients. When installed, they protect the home against the harsh elements.
Innovative Roofing & Siding, Inc., a local company you can easily find when you search “roofing company near me” on the internet, explains how asphalt shingles are made.
The Base Material
The process starts with the base material, which is made of either organic felt or fiberglass. It is formed into a huge roll of matting, which is then fed into a dry looper and then through a saturation chamber. Here, the mat is submerged in hot asphalt. It then passes through a wet looper where it will undergo the next stage of the process.
Coating the Base Material
The asphalt-coated mat is far from the finished product any roofing contractor would use in installing roofing systems. The saturated mat is coated with another layer of asphalt, which is mixed with “fillers” that stabilizes the material. Here, finely ground limestone is used.
Creating the Shingles’ Surface
Once fillers are added to the mat, its top side is applied with mineral granules coated with ceramic. Fine particles of either talc or mica are placed on the opposite side. The mat then passes through a series of rollers to press down and embed the materials on both surfaces.
Cutting and Packaging
The mat now resembles the finished product. The manufacturer will have them cut to size. Each piece is stacked and wrapped for packaging. Typical asphalt shingles are cut into rectangles, measuring around 36-40 inches in length and 12-18 inches in width.
Search “roofer near me” on the internet and you’ll likely find Innovative Roofing & Siding, Inc. We are local roofers ready to help you with all your roofing concerns. Call us today at (865) 444-6070 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve residents of Knoxville and the surrounding areas.