What Are Roof Shingles Made Of?

Roof shingles come in various materials, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Understanding what each type is made from can help you make an informed decision when building a new home or considering a roof replacement. As Cincinnati’s trusted roofing experts, Titan Siding and Roofing is here to guide you through the different types of shingles and their compositions, ensuring you have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.

The Most Common Shingle Materials

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material for residential homes in Cincinnati and across the United States. Their affordability, durability, and versatility make them an excellent choice for many homeowners.

What Are Asphalt Shingles Made Of?

Asphalt shingles are composed of several layers, with two main types dominating the market: fiberglass-based and organic-based asphalt shingles. Both types start with a base mat, which is then coated with asphalt for water resistance and durability. This mat provides excellent strength and fire resistance without adding significant weight to your roof structure. Organic asphalt shingles use a paper or felt mat saturated with asphalt.

Regardless of the base material, the outer layer of asphalt shingles is covered with mineral granules, usually made from crushed stone or ceramic materials. These granules give the shingles their color while protecting the asphalt layer from UV radiation.

How Are Asphalt Shingles Manufactured?

The manufacturing process of asphalt shingles begins with the creation of the organic felt or fiberglass base mat. This mat is then saturated with liquid asphalt, which is heated to extremely high temperatures to ensure complete coverage.

Next, another layer of asphalt is applied to both sides of the mat. This layer contains limestone dust or other stabilizers to give the shingle its strength and weather resistance. While the asphalt is still hot, mineral granules are embedded into the surface. These granules are often coated with ceramic to enhance their color retention and solar reflectivity.

Finally, the sheets of shingle material are cut to size and cooled. A strip of heat-activated sealant is applied to help the shingles stick together when installed on your roof, creating a water-tight seal that protects your home from the elements.

At Titan Siding and Roofing, we work with high-quality asphalt shingles from trusted manufacturers like Owens Corning. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, we can offer superior products and extended warranties, ensuring your Cincinnati home is protected for years to come.

Metal Shingles

While less common than asphalt, metal roofing shingles are gaining popularity due to their longevity and energy efficiency. They’re an excellent option for homeowners looking for a durable, low-maintenance roofing solution.

What Are Metal Shingles Made Of?

Metal shingles can be made from various materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc alloys. Each type of metal offers different benefits in terms of weight, durability, and cost. Steel shingles, for example, are often coated with zinc (galvanized) or a mixture of aluminum and zinc (galvalume) to prevent rust and increase longevity.

How Are Metal Shingles Manufactured?

The manufacturing process for metal shingles begins with large coils of metal. These coils are fed into machines that flatten and cut the metal into the desired shingle shape. For steel shingles, the galvanization process occurs before shaping, where the steel is dipped into molten zinc or a zinc-aluminum mixture.

Once shaped, metal shingles often undergo a painting process. A base coat is applied to help the paint adhere, followed by a color coat and clear protective coating. This multi-layer finish gives the shingles provides additional protection against the elements.

Some metal shingles are designed to mimic the look of other materials, such as wood or slate. In these cases, the manufacturing process includes additional steps to create texture and variations in the metal’s surface.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingle roofs offer a classic, natural look. While less common due to maintenance requirements and fire safety concerns, wood provides an excellent roofing material for those seeking a rustic or traditional appearance.

What Are Wood Shingles Made Of?

Wood shingles are typically made from cedar, redwood, or pine. Cedar is the most popular choice due to its natural resistance to decay and insects. The wood used for shingles is carefully selected for its straight grain and lack of knots, ensuring durability and a uniform appearance.

How Are Wood Shingles Manufactured?

The manufacturing process for wood shingles begins with the selection of high-quality logs. These logs are cut into blocks of the appropriate length for shingles. The blocks are then split along the grain using hydraulic machines to create individual shingles.

After splitting, the shingles are smoothed and shaped to ensure uniformity. This process, known as “dressing,” gives the shingles their characteristic tapered profile. The shingles are then sorted by quality and size.

Many wood shingles undergo a treatment process to enhance their fire resistance and durability. This may involve pressure-treating the wood with fire retardants and preservatives. Some manufacturers also offer pre-stained wood shingles to provide additional color options and protection.

What to Consider When Choosing Shingle Materials

Climate and Weather Patterns

Cincinnati’s climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters with occasional severe weather, plays a crucial role in shingle selection. Asphalt shingles are designed to withstand these varied conditions. They offer excellent protection against rain, snow, and UV radiation, making them a popular choice for our local climate.

Your House Architectural Style

Your home’s architectural style should influence your shingle choice. Traditional homes in Cincinnati often look best with classic asphalt shingles, while more modern designs might benefit from the sleek appearance of metal shingles. At Titan Siding and Roofing, we can help you choose a shingle design and color that complements your home’s style and enhances its curb appeal.

Roof Pitch and Design

The roof pitch, or the steepness of your roof, plays a crucial role in determining the best shingle material for your home. Steeper-sloped roofs may benefit from certain types of shingles that are better at shedding water quickly. For instance, while asphalt shingles are perfectly suited for most roof pitches, very low-pitched roofs might require specialized materials to ensure proper water drainage.

Budget and Life Expectancy

Your budget and long-term plans for your home are important factors to consider. Asphalt shingles offer an excellent balance of affordability and durability, typically lasting 20-25 years with proper installation and maintenance. Metal shingles, while more expensive upfront, can last 40-70 years, potentially offering better long-term value for some homeowners.

Why Professional Installation Is Key

Proper installation is critical to ensure your new roof performs as intended and lasts for years to come. While you might save some money initially by taking on a DIY project or choosing an inexperienced installer who tempts you with a low quote, roof installation is a complex process that requires expertise and precision.

Professional installation ensures that your shingles are properly aligned, securely fastened, and sealed correctly. This is particularly important for asphalt shingles, where improper nailing can lead to shingle blow-offs during high winds or create vulnerable spots for water infiltration.

Additionally, professional roofers understand the importance of proper ventilation and underlayment. These often-overlooked components play a crucial role in the overall performance of your roofing system. Improper ventilation can lead to heat buildup, potentially shortening the lifespan of your shingles and increasing your energy bills.

Turn to Titan for Expert Roof Shingle Installation

At Titan Siding and Roofing, we bring years of experience and a commitment to quality to every roofing project in the Greater Cincinnati area. Our team of skilled professionals understands the nuances of different shingle styles and installation techniques, ensuring your new roof is built to last.

Whether you’re replacing an aging roof, recovering from storm damage, or building a new home, Titan is here to guide you through the process. From helping you choose the right shingles for your home to ensuring flawless installation, we’re committed to your satisfaction every step of the way.

See our Cincinnati residential roofing page

FAQs

What are most roof shingles made of?

Most roof shingles are made of either asphalt, which is the most common due to its cost-effectiveness and durability, or materials like wood, metal, slate, or synthetic polymers for specific aesthetic or performance requirements. Asphalt shingles typically consist of a fiberglass or organic base coated with asphalt and then topped with ceramic granules to provide UV protection and color.

What is the average lifespan of roof shingles?

The average lifespan of roof shingles varies depending on the material. Asphalt shingles typically last 20-25 years, while metal shingles can last 40-70 years. Wood shingles generally last 25-30 years. However, factors such as climate, maintenance, and installation quality can affect roof longevity. Regular inspections and maintenance can help extend the life of your roof.

Are roof shingles waterproof?

While roof shingles are designed to be water-resistant, they are not completely waterproof on their own. Shingles work as part of a complete roofing system that includes underlayment, flashing, and proper installation techniques to create a waterproof barrier. The overlapping design of shingles helps shed water, but it’s the entire system working together that provides full protection against water infiltration.