How Asphalt Shingles Are Made: A Simple Guide for Homeowners

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the U.S. They’re strong, affordable, and come in a variety of styles that look great on almost any home. But have you ever wondered how asphalt shingles are made?

At Mile High Roofing Services, we think it’s important for homeowners to know what’s going on over their heads. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the asphalt shingle manufacturing process, explain what asphalt shingles are made of, and show you why they’re a great choice for homes in our area.

What Are Asphalt Shingles Made Of?

To understand how shingles work, it helps to know what asphalt shingles are made of. Even though they may look simple, they’re made from several layers that each play a big role in protecting your home.

1. The Base Mat

The base mat is the bottom layer and the foundation of the shingle. It gives the shingle its shape and strength. There are two main types:

• Fiberglass base: This is the most common type today. It’s made from tiny glass fibers and is lightweight, tough, and fire-resistant.
• Organic base: Made from things like recycled paper and wood. These shingles are thicker but are used less today because they’re not as fire-resistant.

2. The Asphalt Layer

Next comes the asphalt. This layer is what makes shingles waterproof. It helps your roof handle rain, snow, and moisture.

The asphalt is a thick material made from refined oil that’s heated and spread onto the base mat. It then gets layered on both sides for extra protection.

3. Mineral Granules

The top of the shingle is covered in small crushed stones called mineral granules. These do more than just give shingles color. They also:

• Block harmful sunlight (UV rays)
• Make the shingles less likely to catch fire
• Add toughness to help the shingles last longer

These three layers work together to make shingles strong, safe, and long-lasting. That’s the basic asphalt shingle composition.

The Asphalt Shingle Manufacturing Process

So now you know the parts—let’s talk about how asphalt shingles are made. The process uses big machines and careful steps to make sure every shingle is tough enough for your roof.

Step 1: Making the Base Mat

The process starts with large rolls of fiberglass or organic material. These are fed into a machine and turned into flat sheets. This becomes the base that holds everything together.

Step 2: Adding the Asphalt

Hot asphalt is then added to the base mat. The asphalt is heated until it’s runny so it spreads evenly. This step:

• Seals the mat to make it waterproof
• Covers both the top and bottom of the mat
• Adds strength and flexibility

Step 3: Pressing on the Granules

While the asphalt is still warm, colored mineral granules are pressed into the top. This step gives the shingles their final look and adds that extra layer of protection.

Extra granules are brushed off and reused to avoid waste.

Step 4: Cooling and Cutting

Once the granules are in place, the shingles are cooled. Then they’re cut into standard sizes—usually 12 by 36 inches—and stacked into bundles ready to be delivered to roofing companies like Mile High Roofing Services.

This is the full asphalt shingle manufacturing process, and it’s designed to give you a roof that will last for years.

How Are Asphalt Shingles Tested?

Before asphalt shingles ever make it to your home, they’re put through tough tests to make sure they’ll hold up in real weather.

Here are a few of the tests manufacturers run:

• Wind Tests: To make sure the shingles won’t blow off in strong winds
• Impact Tests: To see how they hold up to things like hail and falling branches
• Weather Tests: To test how they perform in heat, cold, rain, and sun

These tests are important because they help homeowners feel confident in their roof’s ability to protect their home, no matter the weather.

Why Asphalt Roofing Materials Are a Great Choice

Now that you know how asphalt shingles are made, you might be wondering—why are they such a popular choice?

Here’s why so many homeowners go with asphalt roofing materials.

They’re Budget-Friendly

Asphalt shingles give you a solid roof without breaking the bank. They’re one of the most affordable roofing options out there.

They’re Easy to Install

These shingles are light and simple to work with, which means faster installation and fewer headaches.

They Come in Tons of Styles

There’s a color and style to match every home. Whether you want something classic or modern, you’ve got options.

They’re Built to Last

When installed right, asphalt shingles can last 20 to 30 years. And with proper care, they can go even longer.

They Handle Colorado Weather Well

Rain, snow, sunshine, hail—shingles made with quality asphalt roofing materials are built to take it all.

Trust Mile High Roofing Services With Your Shingle Installation

Knowing what asphalt shingles are made of and how they’re built helps you see why they’re such a solid choice for your roof. But even the best shingles need expert installation—and that’s where we come in.

 

At Mile High Roofing Services, we’ve been serving Westminster and the North Denver Metro area for over 12 years. Our team is trained, certified, and ready to get the job done right. We only use top-quality materials and offer strong warranties, so you can feel good about your investment.

 

We believe in treating our customers like family. That means honest advice, great service, and making sure the job isn’t done until you’re completely happy.

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today

If it’s time for a new roof—or if you just want a trusted pro to check it out—our team is ready to help.

 

Schedule your free estimate with Mile High Roofing Services today and let’s protect your home with a roof that lasts.