Shingle Systems

Fiberglass/Asphalt Shingle Systems

Fiberglass/asphalt shingles are by far the most popular system used in roofing today, because of their attractive architectural appearance and cost. The fiberglass component provides resistance to tearing and curling, while the asphalt serves as a waterproofing agent and holds the granules in place.

The granules are made of fine-grain, opaque, crushed rock that have been colored by a ceramic coating. Their primary function is to block the harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the asphalt in the shingle.

Most of today’s shingles have a copper-based granule mixed in to make them algae resistant to reduce staining. The copper produces an environmentally safe cuprous oxide wash when dispersed by rain, which inhibits the growth of algae.

Because shingle roofs are designed to shed water, the risk of penetration increases as the slope of the roof decreases. Shingles cannot be applied to a slope less than 2/12. Shingles are rated by their life expectancy and wind rating. Life expectancy ranges from 20 years to life, and wind ratings vary from 60 mph for a basic economy shingle to 110 mph for the highest quality shingle.