Able Roofing USA

There are two basic types of asphalt shingles. Each consists of a core material
that is coated with asphalt and then covered with granules. The core, or base mat,
may be either fiberglass material or organic felt.

Shingles made of each type of base material possess specific characteristics and
attributes that recommend them for particular situations. However, both types of
shingles, when properly applied, can provide superior protection against the
elements.

What is a fiber glass shingle?

As you may know, there are two basic types of asphalt shingles. Each consists of a
core material that is coated with asphalt, and then covered with granules. This
core, or base material may be either fiber glass mat or organic felt. Shingles made
of each type of base material possess specific characteristics and attributes that
recommend them for particular situations.
Fiber glass shingles carry a Class A fire resistance rating from Underwriters
Laboratories (UL), the highest fire rating available. Thus, fiber glass shingles are
the best protection against the spread of flame on a roof. Fiber glass shingles are
so called because they are built on a core, or mat, of fiber glass reinforcement.
Asphalt coating is applied directly to this mat, and protective, colored granules are
embedded into the coating. Since the mat does not need to be saturated with
asphalt, fiber glass shingles are lighter in weight than organic shingles and are
more resistant to heat and humidity. Perhaps the most important factor that
influences the quality of fiber glass shingle performance is the quality of the mat
used in the construction of the shingle.
Throughout the roofing industry, the quality of fiber glass mats varies widely. The
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has established a standard of
performance for fiberglass shingles, ASTM D3462, "Standard Specification for
Fiber Glass Asphalt Shingles." This test measures the force, in grams, required to
tear a shingle in a specialized measuring device known as the "Elmendorf Tear
Tester." As measured this way, the minimum tear strength required by ASTM is
1700 grams.

What is an asphalt shingle?

Both fiber glass and organic-based shingles are asphalt shingles although
because organic shingles were developed before fiber glass shingles, the
term"asphalt shingles" is often used to reference organic shingles only.

What is a composite shingle?

The same thing as an asphalt shingle; basically, any shingle constructed of a base
(fiber glass or organic), asphalt and granules.