What Types of Asphalt Shingles Are Used in Roofing?

Posted by Ajay Garg on August 23rd, 2022

The most common type of roofing material is asphalt shingles. They come in many styles and colors and are available for residential and commercial use. Asphalt shingle roofing materials have been around for decades, so they're a tried-and-true method of protecting your home's exterior. They're relatively inexpensive yet durable enough to last at least 20 years or more with proper maintenance and care. 

Asphalt shingles are made from recycled materials, which makes them eco-friendly and sustainable. Their durability means they're also an excellent choice if you want to save money on energy bills by reducing your heating/cooling costs during the winter/summer months. Learn about the best shingles used by every roofer in Fort Lauderdale: 

Materials of Asphalt Shingles 

Below are the main types of Asphalt Shingle-roofing materials: 

Organic Asphalt 

The organic asphalt shingle roofing materials are formed of cellulose fibers created from recycled paper or wood chips and cotton or wool rags, and they are supported by a foundation mat made of these materials. It is currently built of roofing felt that has been wet with asphalt. Asphalt has been applied to both sides, and the foundation mat gives the shingles their strength. The foundation material is soaked while its surface is saturant, a flexible asphalt with a high melting point. To enhance the saturant, mineral stabilizers, inert materials such as ground limestone, slate, trap rock, or other minerals are utilized. 

The rough mineral granules are pressed onto the exposed portion of the asphalt coating, giving the asphalt its color. Every roofer in Fort Lauderdale can confirm that each shingle can withstand weather and fire at this exposed phase. Granules of rock covered in ceramic or naturally colored slate are utilized as coarse mineral surfacing. Talc, mica, or sand are used to cover the underside of each shingle. It will stop the shingles from adhering to one another. 

Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles 

Late in the 1950s, fiberglass made its debut. By the 1970s, they had developed into standard asphalt shingles. The base mat of the fiberglass asphalt shingle is wet and topped with flexible asphalt. Granulated mineral surfaces have been added to it. The fiberglass shingles are significantly lighter and thinner than the cellulose fiber mat. The fiberglass shingles have more asphalt than organic asphalt shingles do. The natural shingles have a chance to soak up water that has leaked from below. As a result, the bottom began to curl up. This reduced the market for shingles composed of organic materials. 

Algae-Resistant Laminated Shingles 

These shingles have an extra layer of protection against algae growth that can reduce their lifespan significantly. These shingles will last up to 30 years and come with a lifetime warranty against cracking and breaking due to weather damage or defects in manufacturing. It makes them an excellent choice for coastal areas where algae growth is expected. Algae-resistant laminated shingles cost about more per square than traditional asphalt. Fort Lauderdale asphalt shingle roofing homeowners report that they can save hundreds of dollars on repair costs over time by avoiding replacing their roofs early due to algae damage. 

Get Shingles for Your Roof 

Fort Lauderdale asphalt shingle roofing is installed over existing roofs with either metal or concrete. They are considered to improve the existing roof covering material because they protect against wind-driven rain better than older materials like wood shake shingles. To get this roof for your house, contact us for further guidance and recommendations.