Ubiquity of Asphalt Shingles

Although less common in Phoenix, AZ, asphalt shingles can be found everywhere. Indeed, they have become the sparrow of roofing shingles, and account for a majority of roof coverings across the nation. Why? One might ask. Well like most things in the world, it all comes down to cost. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive for roofers and consumers, durable, and easy to install.

Asphalt Shingles Comprised of:

Like most inexpensive, durable and reliable things, asphalt shingles are a composition of many elements—it is a mutt! But asphalt shingles can be split into two categories: organic and fiber glass. The former is an amalgamation of cotton, wool, jute, and manila. The latter is similar except it is involves a base layer of glass fiber bonded with resin. The advantage of this base layer is it offers protection against fire damage. Indeed, the old recipe for asphalt shingles left them prone to ignition. It leaves the contemplative roofer to speculate how many fires might have been prevented if fiberglass asphalt shingles had existed.

The Genesis of Asphalt Shingles

With the introduction of paper mills, Asphalt shingles enjoyed widespread popularity in the 1900’s. The low cost, accessibility, and ease which asphalt shingles could be installed made them a top choice during the real estate boom in the 1900s. However, as previously mentioned, asphalt shingles had a hidden shortcoming i.e. they were prone to combustion. Indeed, some people attribute the great triangle fire of the 1900’s to asphalt shingling. But, proving this conclusively would indeed be an exercise in futility.