Better Understand Asphalt Shingles
What Are Asphalt Shingles Made Of?
Asphalt shingles consist of three primary layers designed to balance weather resistance, fire performance, durability, and cost:
Base Mat (Backing)
Organic Felt Mat: Made from recycled paper or wood fibers treated for weather resistance. Offers a traditional feel and thickness.
Fiberglass Mat: Woven glass fibers bonded with a resin. Provides strength and dimensional stability.
Asphalt (Bitumen) Coating
The base mat is saturated and coated with hot, liquid asphalt mixed with mineral fillers (e.g., limestone or calcium carbonate).
This asphalt layer:
- Waterproofs the shingle.
- Stiffens the shingle for dimensional stability.
- Improves fire resistance through mineral fillers that boost performance under heat.
Mineral Granule Surfacing
Ceramic-coated mineral granules (crushed stone coated with ceramic oxides) are embedded into the hot asphalt on the weather-facing side.
Granules:
- Protect the asphalt from UV degradation and heat.
- Provide color and texture, giving each shingle style its unique appearance.
- Add impact resistance, helping to deflect hail and debris.
Where Rejuvenation Occurs: Restoring Oil
The rejuvenation oil targets the asphalt coating (bitumen layer) that binds the base mat and granules. Over time, shingles lose the petro-chemical oils (plasticizers) in that asphalt, causing brittleness and granule loss.
RoofRestor™:
- Penetrates deep into the asphalt layer.
- Replenishes lost oils, restoring pliability and flexibility.
- Re-bonds granules that have loosened, helping them adhere more securely.
By rejuvenating the asphalt binder itself, the shingle’s structural integrity and weatherproofing properties are revived—effectively extending the roof’s life and performance.
How Asphalt Shingles Are Made and Why It Matters for the Planet
How Asphalt Shingle Function
Asphalt shingles provide short-term protection through a layered, sealed system:
A Smarter Alternative
At Roof Revival & Metal Roofing Inc., we offer smarter options that:
- Avoid petroleum-based materials
- Reduce landfill waste
- Use plant-based treatments like soy oil rejuvenation
- Provide permanent, recyclable metal roofing systems
- Leave less impact on your health and our environment
Choose Sustainability
By extending a roof’s life through rejuvenation and choosing recyclable materials (like metal), homeowners reduce demand for new shingle production, thereby minimizing airborne pollutants, greenhouse‐gas emissions, and the associated health risks.