Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in America for one reason: they deliver reliable protection with proven performance. At Bach Roofing, we work with shingles every day, but few homeowners know what goes into making them. 

Each layer, from the fiberglass mat to the ceramic granules, serves a clear purpose. Together, they create a roof system built to handle rain, wind, sun, and snow. For Michigan homeowners, that level of protection is the standard.

At Bach Roofing, we work with these materials every day and choose products that are made to last. We don’t cut corners because your roof shouldn’t be a risk. If you’re considering a replacement or just want more clarity on your options, we’re here to help with honest answers backed by years of hands-on experience.

1. It Starts With the Base

The core of an asphalt shingle is its base mat. This is what gives the shingle structure and shape. There are two types of base mats: organic and fiberglass.

• Organic Base Mats: These mats are made from recycled felt paper saturated with asphalt to make them waterproof. Although durable, organic mats are heavier and more prone to absorbing moisture, which can lead to warping or premature wear. Due to those limitations, most manufacturers have shifted away from organic mats.
• Fiberglass Base Mats: Today’s standard is fiberglass. Manufacturers create fiberglass mats by weaving together fine glass fibers into a dense sheet. This mat is then coated with asphalt to make it waterproof and sturdy. Fiberglass offers better fire resistance, resists curling, and holds up in Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles.

2. Asphalt Application

Once the fiberglass mat is prepared, it moves into the saturation stage. This is where it’s coated with asphalt, but not the same kind used in paving. Roofing-grade asphalt is refined specifically for durability, flexibility, and moisture resistance. It needs to perform under direct sunlight, heavy rain, freezing temperatures, and high winds without cracking or breaking down.

The mat passes through a heated tank where hot asphalt is applied to both sides. This coating saturates the fiberglass and creates a waterproof barrier that acts as the shingle’s main line of defense against the elements. To improve performance, many manufacturers modify the asphalt using polymers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) or atactic polypropylene (APP). These additives help the material remain flexible in cold weather and stable during heat exposure.

Manufacturers that focus on quality closely monitor the asphalt’s temperature, viscosity, and saturation levels throughout the process. This step directly affects the shingle’s ability to withstand long-term wear, especially in climates like Michigan’s, where the roof has to perform in both extreme heat and deep freezes.

3. Adding Mineral Fillers

To improve the asphalt’s strength and stability, manufacturers blend in mineral fillers during production. These fillers often include finely ground limestone, silica, or slate dust. Each material serves a purpose: they increase the thickness of the asphalt, which helps the coating adhere evenly to the fiberglass mat and boosts the overall weight and durability of the finished shingle.

In addition to adding structure, fillers play a key role in temperature control during manufacturing. They absorb excess oils and help maintain a consistent asphalt flow, which keeps the mix from becoming too runny or unstable. This control is important because it ensures the asphalt bonds properly without slipping or separating. The right balance of fillers also helps define the final texture, density, and overall feel of the shingle once it cools and cures.

4. Granule Application

Next comes the most visible part of the shingle: the ceramic-coated granules. These granules, which give shingles their color, also serve a functional role.

What Are Shingle Granules?

Shingle granules start as crushed rock, typically basalt or other hard stone. These are coated with ceramic and pigments to create a wide range of colors. The granules are heat-treated so the color stays consistent and doesn’t fade with sun exposure. Color options can range from earth tones to bold blends, and many are engineered to mimic wood or slate.

Why Granules Matter

Granules protect the asphalt underneath from UV rays, which break down materials over time. They also provide texture to reduce the risk of slipping during installation. Some manufacturers now offer granules with added features like:

• Algae Resistance: Copper or zinc particles prevent dark streaks from algae growth, a common issue in humid or shaded areas.
• Reflective Properties: Special granules reflect sunlight to reduce attic temperatures and cooling costs.

The granules are embedded into the hot asphalt coating before it cools. A light pressure roller ensures the granules stick properly.

5. Cooling and Stabilization

After the granules are embedded, the sheet enters a cooling stage that stabilizes its structure. The material moves through a temperature-controlled chamber where airflow and humidity are carefully regulated. This controlled environment prevents the asphalt from shrinking unevenly, which can lead to warping, cracking, or surface distortion.

Proper cooling locks the layers into place and ensures the shingle maintains its shape. It also prepares the sheet for the next phase, where it will be cut into individual shingles with exact dimensions. Precision at this stage is important for consistent overlap, uniform coverage, and long-term performance on the roof.

6. Back Dusting

To keep shingles from sticking together during storage and transport, manufacturers apply a release agent to the back of each sheet. This agent is typically a fine mineral powder, such as talc or sand. It creates a dry barrier that prevents the asphalt surfaces from bonding when shingles are stacked in bundles.

This step might seem minor, but it plays an important role in handling and installation. Without the release agent, shingles could fuse together inside the packaging, making them difficult to separate and slowing down the roofing process. A proper dusting ensures each shingle can be pulled from the bundle cleanly and applied without tearing or damaging the surface.

7. Cutting and Shaping

Once the sheet has cooled and received its back dusting, it moves into the cutting phase. High-speed automated cutters slice the material into individual shingles, each shaped and sized to match industry standards. This step requires precision to ensure consistent fit and coverage during installation.

There are two main styles produced at this stage. Three-tab shingles feature evenly spaced rectangular tabs and offer a clean, uniform appearance. They’re a common choice for traditional roof designs. Architectural shingles, also known as laminated shingles, have multiple layers with staggered shapes that create added thickness and visual depth.

Architectural shingles are built for performance. They weigh more than three-tab shingles, which helps them stay anchored in high winds. Their layered construction also adds strength and gives the roof a more dimensional, upscale look that many homeowners appreciate for its added curb appeal.

Once cut, shingles are sorted, stacked, and wrapped into bundles. Each bundle typically covers around 33 square feet of roof surface.

8. Sealant Application

Today’s shingles include a self-sealing adhesive strip applied near the bottom edge. This strip responds to heat and sunlight, softening just enough to create a strong bond between overlapping shingles once installed. As the shingles warm up, the seal activates and locks them tightly in place.

This feature plays a key role in protecting the roof during harsh weather. If shingles fail to seal correctly, strong winds can lift or tear them away, exposing the roof deck beneath. In a climate like Michigan’s, where high winds and heavy snow are part of the seasonal cycle, a strong seal helps maintain the roof’s integrity and prevents water from getting underneath the surface.

9. Quality Control

Quality control is built into every stage of shingle production. As the materials move through the line, they’re inspected at several key checkpoints to ensure performance standards are met. Manufacturers run tests on tear strength to verify durability, granule adhesion to confirm surface integrity, and dimensional accuracy to maintain a proper fit during installation.

Additional testing covers fire resistance and wind performance, both of which are critical for long-term roof reliability. Shingles that meet all criteria move on to packaging and distribution. Any that fall short are pulled from the line and, when possible, recycled into new batches to reduce waste and maintain consistency across production.

10. Packaging and Distribution

Once shingles pass inspection, they’re stacked into bundles and wrapped in protective, weather-resistant packaging. Each bundle is labeled with key details such as product type, style, color code, warranty terms, and a lot number for tracking. This information helps contractors match materials accurately on-site and ensures accountability throughout the supply chain.

After packaging, the bundles are loaded onto pallets for transport. They’re shipped to regional distributors, who supply contractors across Michigan and beyond. At Bach Roofing, we work with trusted suppliers to make sure every order is delivered on schedule and meets the specifications needed for each project. Consistent supply and accurate labeling help us keep installations running smoothly from start to finish.

Is It Time For New Shingles?

At Bach Roofing, we know how these shingles are built because we work with them every day. That’s why we only install products we trust. If you have questions about shingle types, colors, or performance, we’re happy to help you choose what works best for your home.

Looking to reshingle your roof? Contact Bach Roofing today for a free estimate. Based in St. Clair Shores, we serve homeowners throughout Metro Detroit, including Grosse Pointe, Harrison Township, Chesterfield, New Baltimore, Macomb, Clinton Township, and Shelby Township. If you’re ready to get started, call 586-244-2086 or fill out an online contact form to request your free quote. 

Common Questions About Shingles

Are All Asphalt Shingles The Same?

Not at all. The quality of the base mat, the type of asphalt used, the composition of the surface granules, and the strength of the sealant all impact how a shingle performs over time. Lower-grade shingles may look similar on the surface but tend to wear out faster, lose granules sooner, and offer less protection against wind and moisture.

Higher-end shingles use better materials and more precise manufacturing. That often means a higher upfront cost, but the tradeoff is longer service life, better appearance retention, and fewer repairs down the line. Investing in quality can reduce long-term roofing costs and improve overall performance.

How Long Do Shingles Last?

Three-tab shingles typically last between 15 and 20 years under normal conditions. Architectural shingles, which are thicker and more durable, often last 25 to 30 years or longer. The actual lifespan of any shingle depends on several factors, including the quality of installation, attic ventilation, and exposure to weather over time.

In areas like Michigan, where roofs face everything from heavy snow to summer heat, proper installation and regular maintenance play a big role in helping shingles reach their full lifespan. Choosing higher-quality materials can also make a noticeable difference in how long the roof holds up without issues.

Can Shingles Be Recycled?

Yes. Many asphalt shingles can be processed and reused in products like asphalt pavement and road base materials. The granules and asphalt content make them a useful component in construction mixes, which helps reduce the demand for new raw materials.

Some manufacturers and recycling programs are working to expand these efforts by developing cleaner processing methods and improving collection systems. While not all shingles are currently recycled, the push for sustainable practices continues to grow, especially in regions focused on reducing landfill waste.

Do I Need Algae-Resistant Shingles?

If your home sits in a shaded area, near trees, or close to a body of water, algae-resistant shingles are a smart choice. These shingles contain granules with copper or zinc, which help prevent algae growth that causes dark streaks on the roof surface.

Over time, those streaks can make a roof look aged or poorly maintained, even if it’s still performing well. Algae-resistant shingles help preserve the appearance of your home and reduce the need for cleaning or early replacement due to staining.