An asphalt shingle primer

This information by the Asphalt Roq/in g Ma n u.fa ctu rers Assoc iation provides a use/ul backgroundJbr anyone who needs to know about the types o/ asphalt sh in gles ava i la ble, t hei r,fea tu res and per.formance characteristices.ed.

Four out of five homes in the United States are roofed with asphalt shingles. On reroofing projects, the ratio is even higherperhaps nine out of ten.

Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of styles, colors and textures. There is literally an asphalt shingle available for every type of homefrom the modest cottage to the most prestigious mansionand for every part of the country.

The most popular asphalt shingle style is the square butt strip shingle, elongated in shape and available with th.ree, two or one tabs (no cutouts).

Less popular, but still available, are two other types: the hex shingle, so-called because it resembles a hexagon when applied, and individual shingles available with interlocking or staple-down tabs.

The newest and most esthetically appealing style of asphalt shingle is the three-dimensional or multilayered asphalt shingle. The introduction of three-dimensional asphalt shingles was in direct response to the demand for more appealing roofing materials. These contemporary shingles have increased in popularity without sacrificing any of the long-term protection that earned for asphalt shingles the perennial title, "best seller" in the roofing category.

Three-dimensional asphalt shingle roofs are characterized by a more rugged texture than can be achieved by standard three-tab

Sfory at a Glance

lnformation on the wide variety of asphalt shingles now on the market. ..whach types are gaining in popularity... use these facts to increase sales effectiveness.

shingles, and by more subtle earthtone hues. They also tend to be heavier in weight than standard shingles.

To achieve their textured appearance, three-dimensional shingles rely on one or more of the following techniques: multi-layering, staggered buttlines and random embossing. Many of the new shingles have some resemblance to wood shingles in appearance.

Asphalt shingles are manufactured using a base mat of either organic or inorganic material. The mats are then saturated and coated with asphalt and surfaced with ceramic-coated mineral granules. The mineral granules protect the shingle from the sun's drying rays, give the shingles added protection against fire; and provide the roof its color.

Most of the shingles available today have an organic base (cellulose fibers). They usually have a Class C fire resistance rating from the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Weights for organic-type strip shingles range from 240 to 390 lbs. per square. (A square equals 100 sq. ft. of applied roofing.)

Glass fibers are used in the

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