If you’re going to purchase a new roof for your home, make sure that the manufacturer, brand, and product for your asphalt shingles comply with national standards. The following was written by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to encourage you to select shingles that comply with the American Society For Testing and Materials (ASTM). Selecting products that meet these standards will ensure that the materials installed on your home meet requirements for strength, thickness, durability, and material consistency.
ASTM and NRCA may work together to develop and strengthen the standards on what your future asphalt shingle will be constructed from, but companies like Underwriters Laboratory (UL) independently test the manufacturer’s singles to ensure that the product that goes on your home complies with the required standards.
Quote from NRCA on selecting a Asphalt Shingle:
“Asphalt shingles possess an overwhelming share of the U.S. steep-slope roofing market and can be reinforced with organic or fiberglass materials. Although asphalt shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiberglass-reinforced products dominate the market.
Organic shingles consist of a cellulose-fiber (wood) base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules.
Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat, top and bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules.
Asphalt shingles’ fire resistances are categorized by Class A, B or C. Class A signifies the most fire-resistant; Classes B and C denote less fire resistance. Generally, most fiberglass shingles have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings.
A shingle’s reinforcement has little effect on its appearance. Organic and fiberglass products are available in laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules also can be applied to organic or fiberglass products to protect against algae attack, a common problem in warm, humid parts of the U.S. Both types of shingles are available in a variety of colors.
Regardless of their type of reinforcement or appearance, asphalt shingles’ physical characteristics vary significantly. NRCA recommends the use of shingles that comply with standards ASTM D225 for organic shingles and ASTM D3462 for fiberglass shingles, but not all asphalt shingles comply with these standards. If a shingle complies with one of these standards, it is typically noted in the manufacturer’s product literature and on the package wrapper.“
If you would like to read the exact quote from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) on this article just click here.
Ethical Exteriors only sells products that meet these standards.
