ABOUT ASPHALT SHINGLES

There are three main types of asphalt shingle: organic asphalt shingles, laminated organic asphalt shingles, and fiberglass asphalt shingles.

Organic asphalt shingles are made from paper or felt saturated with asphalt to make it waterproof. A top coating is applied, and ceramic granules are then embedded. The granules may contain a portion of copper or tin to discourage moss growth on the roof. Laminated asphalt shingles are made from two distinct layers. They are heavier, more expensive, and more durable than normal organic asphalt shingles.

Fiberglass asphalt shingles are based on a fiberglass reinforcing mat, to which is applied asphalt with mineral fillers. Fiberlglass reinforcement was developed as an alternative to the traditional asbestos paper reinforcement.

The durability of all asphalt shingles is affected by sudden changes in ambient temperature, known as ambient shock. Proper roof ventilation is also important in order to extend the life of asphalt shingles. Staple guns should not be used to fix asphalt shingles; traditional roofing nails are the best method.

LEADING USA ASPHALT SHINGLE MANUFACTURERS

The following leading asphalt shingle manufacturers have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects of asphalt shingles, including online catalogs, colors and materials for asphalt shingles, and care and maintenance of asphalt shingles.

CertainTeed: Asphalt Shingles. CertainTeed, which is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, is a large North American manufacturer of building materials. It is a subsidiary of Saint Gobain of France, which has 26,000 employees in North America. CertainTeed is a leading manufacturer of asphalt shingles. Its product range is classified into Luxury Asphalt Shingles, Designer Asphalt Shingles, and Traditional Asphalt Shingles. Three popular products are available in fiberglass reinforced Impact Resistant version, capable of withstanding a 2" steel ball, dropped from 20 feet, without cracking.

GAF: Asphalt Shingles. GAF Materials Corporation, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a leading manufacturer of asphalt shingles. Its product range is classified into Good Asphalt Shingles, Better Asphalt Shingles, and Best Asphalt Shingles. The Better Asphalt Shingles category offers an option of an impact-resistant backing. The basic Asphalt Shingles are available in 23 colors, incuding: Ash Brown, Cedar Shake, Charcoal, Cypress Tan, Desert Sand, and Dove Gray. The website contains instructional videos, a Virtual Home Remodeler, and a section of Roofing ABCs.

TAMKO: Ashpalt Shingles. TAMKO, based in Joplin, Missouri, is a leading manufacturer of roofing materials including asphalt shingles. Marketed under the Heritage brand name, TAMKO laminated asphalt shingles are available with or without Algae Relief (AR). The Heritage Vintage range has deep shadow lines imitating the look of real wood shakes. They carry a 50 year limited warranty, and 60 month limited warranty against damage from wind up to 110 mph. They are available in five colors: Fossil Grey, Weathered Wood, Redwood, Charcoal, and Chestnut.

USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association

National Roofing Contractors Association

Roof Consultants Institute

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT DIRECTORIES

The following recommended websites contain information on construction products, including standard specifications, manufacturers' specs, and CAD details: 4specs, Arcat, Arcom, First Source, Sweets.

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Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd which also publishes Lives Retold. It is financed only by Google advertisements; no payment is received from included websites.