Asphalt shingles are used in approximately 80% of homes in the United States. This means there are about 105,000,000 homes protected by roofing shingles. This high usage rate is due to their affordability, ease of installation, durability, and variety of styles and colors, making them a popular choice for residential roofing.  The average lifespan of asphalt shingles typically ranges from 15 to 30 years, depending on several factors such as the quality of the shingles, the climate, the installation quality, and the level of maintenance.

As professional roofing contractors Anderson Builders in Littleton, CO work with asphalt roofing shingles daily. The majority of roofs we replace and roofs we repair are asphalt shingles. When we replace those old shingles we prefer and recommend CertainTeed roofing shingles because of their exceptional quality and durability.

How are Asphalt Roofing Shingles Made?

Asphalt roofing shingles are made through a multi-step process that involves creating a base material, saturating it with asphalt, adding granules for durability and color, and then cutting and packaging the finished product. Here’s an overview of the process:

  • Base Material Creation: 
    – Shingles start with a base material, typically a fiberglass mat or organic felt (made from cellulose fibers).
    – The fiberglass mat is made from fine glass fibers bonded with resin, while organic felt is made from recycled paper products and wood fibers.
  • Asphalt Saturation: 
    – The base material is saturated with hot asphalt to make it waterproof.
    – For fiberglass mats, a coating of asphalt is applied to both sides, while organic felt is thoroughly soaked.
  • Coating with Asphalt:
    – Additional layers of asphalt are applied to both sides of the saturated base material to provide further waterproofing and durability.
    – The asphalt used is often modified with polymers to enhance flexibility and weather resistance.
  • Adding Granules:
    – Ceramic-coated mineral granules are applied to the top surface of the asphalt-coated material.
    – These granules provide color, UV protection, and impact resistance to the shingles.
    – Fine mineral dust is applied to the underside to prevent sticking during packaging and installation.
  • Cooling and Cutting: 
    – The shingle material passes through a cooling process to solidify the asphalt and granules.
    – The material is then cut into individual shingles of standard sizes and shapes.
  • Packaging:
    – The finished shingles are inspected for quality, bundled, and packaged for shipment to distributors and retailers.

This process ensures that roofing shingles are durable, weather-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing, ready to protect homes and buildings from the elements.

CertainTeed – Our Recommended Shingle Manufacturer

CertainTeed is a North American manufacturer of building materials, specializing in products for both commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1904 as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company, CertainTeed has grown to become a leading brand in the building materials industry. The company offers a wide range of products, including:

  • Roofing:
    – Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, synthetic slate, and underlayment products.
  • Siding:
    – Vinyl, polymer, composite, and fiber cement siding options.
  • Insulation:
    – Fiberglass, spray foam, and other insulation products for thermal and acoustic applications.
  • Gypsum:
    – Gypsum wallboard, sheathing, and ceiling tiles.
  • Ceilings:
    – Ceiling panels, suspension systems, and acoustic solutions.
  • Decking and Railing:
    – Composite and PVC decking, as well as railing systems.

Anderson Builders and our team of roofing contractors are proud to recommend CertainTeed roofing shingles for Littleton roof replacements. is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. The company provides extensive warranties on many of its products and focuses on producing environmentally friendly building materials. CertainTeed operates as a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest building materials companies.

If your Littleton, CO home needs a new roof or roof repairs we ask you to consider hiring a professional roofing company to come and evaluate your roof.  Anderson Builders is a licensed roofing contractor in Littleton who is experienced at installing new roofs and repairing roofs AND we will give you a FREE ESTIMATE. Give us a call if you have any questions.

CALL FOR A FREE ROOF INSPECTION: 303-829-6276