How Asphalt Shingles Are Made: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
Asphalt shingles cover more homes in the United States than any other roofing material. Homeowners choose them because they cost less than metal, slate, or tile while still offering decades of protection. Roofers also like them because they install quickly and come in many colors and styles. If you drive through neighborhoods in Michigan, Ohio, or anywhere across the country, you’ll see streets lined with homes that rely on asphalt shingles.
But how do manufacturers create shingles that can handle rain, snow, wind, and heat year after year? Let’s walk through the entire process—from raw materials to the finished product you see on rooftops. Along the way, you’ll learn why asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice for homeowners in places like Canton, Livonia, Novi, and Ann Arbor.
Why Asphalt Shingles Remain the Top Choice
Before we dive into the factory process, let’s look at why asphalt shingles dominate the market:
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Affordable cost: Asphalt shingles cost less than most roofing materials.
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Durability: With proper installation, they last 20–30 years.
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Variety: Manufacturers offer shingles in countless colors, textures, and styles.
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Quick installation: Roofers can complete jobs faster, which saves homeowners money.
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Proven performance: Asphalt shingles protect homes from snow, rain, wind, and sun.
These benefits explain why so many Metro Detroit homeowners continue to choose asphalt shingles.
Step 1: Collecting the Raw Materials
Every asphalt shingle starts with three key ingredients:
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Fiberglass mat
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Today’s shingles use a fiberglass base that gives strength without adding too much weight.
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In the past, manufacturers used an organic felt base made of paper or cellulose fibers, but fiberglass proved lighter, stronger, and more fire-resistant.
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Asphalt coating
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Refineries produce asphalt as a byproduct of petroleum.
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Roofing manufacturers mix the asphalt with stabilizers like limestone powder to improve strength and weather resistance.
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Granules
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Workers crush natural rock into tiny particles and then coat them with ceramic coloring.
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These granules provide color, block sunlight, and add durability.
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By combining fiberglass, asphalt, and granules, manufacturers create shingles that balance strength, flexibility, and weather protection.
Step 2: Building the Fiberglass Mat
The process begins with the fiberglass mat, which acts as the skeleton of the shingle.
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Machines spin molten glass into long, thin fibers.
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Workers gather the fibers into large mats and use bonding agents to lock them together.
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The mat forms a wide, continuous sheet that runs through the production line.
This base layer gives shingles the toughness they need to last on rooftops for decades.
Step 3: Saturating the Mat with Asphalt
Once the factory produces the fiberglass mat, the sheet moves down a conveyor system. Machines then soak the mat in hot asphalt. This step locks asphalt deep into the fibers, filling tiny gaps and making the sheet waterproof.
The asphalt coating also bonds tightly with the fiberglass, creating a strong foundation for the next layer of protection: granules.
Step 4: Applying the Granules
While the asphalt still feels hot and sticky, machines press granules firmly into the surface. The granules serve several important roles:
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They give shingles their color, from classic gray and black to reds, greens, and even designer blends.
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They block ultraviolet rays from the sun, slowing down the aging process.
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They add texture that helps shingles resist wear and tear.
Some factories also apply reflective granules to create “cool roof shingles” that reflect heat. These shingles lower attic temperatures and help homeowners reduce cooling costs during Michigan’s hot summers.
Step 5: Cooling and Cutting the Shingles
After workers embed the granules, the shingle sheets move into cooling zones. Large rollers guide the sheets through the line until they reach the cutting station.
Here, machines cut the sheets into final shapes. The two most common designs are:
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Three-tab shingles – a flat, uniform style that creates a traditional look.
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Architectural (dimensional) shingles – a layered style that adds depth and mimics wood shakes or slate.
To prevent shingles from sticking together inside the package, manufacturers dust the surface with fine sand or add a release coating.
Step 6: Testing for Quality
Roofing companies rely on shingles to perform in extreme weather, so factories test every batch for quality. Teams run shingles through several checks, including:
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Tear strength – to ensure shingles won’t rip during installation or high winds.
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Waterproofing – to confirm asphalt fully seals the fiberglass mat.
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Fire resistance – to verify the shingles meet Class A, B, or C fire safety standards.
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Wind performance – premium shingles must handle gusts up to 130 mph.
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Color uniformity – to make sure shingles look consistent when installed across a roof.
These tests guarantee that the shingles homeowners in Michigan buy can handle snowstorms, spring rains, and hot summer days.
Step 7: Packaging and Shipping
After the shingles pass inspection, workers bundle them into stacks of 20–25 pieces. Each bundle weighs between 60 and 80 pounds. Machines wrap the bundles to keep them secure during shipping.
Trucks then deliver shingles to home improvement stores, roofing suppliers, and contractors. This easy availability makes asphalt shingles one of the most convenient roofing options for homeowners in places like:
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Canton, MI
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Livonia, MI
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Novi, MI
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Ann Arbor, MI
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Royal Oak, MI
The Environmental Impact
Modern manufacturers also work to reduce waste and create more sustainable products. Here’s how:
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Some companies recycle old shingles into asphalt for roads.
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Others design reflective shingles that lower cooling costs and energy use.
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Factories continue to improve efficiency so they waste fewer raw materials during production.
If you care about the environment, you can ask your roofer about recycled or energy-efficient asphalt shingles.
Why Homeowners Benefit from Knowing the Process
You might wonder why it matters how manufacturers make shingles. Here’s why:
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When you understand the layers, you can spot early signs of damage, like missing granules.
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You’ll feel more confident comparing shingle brands and choosing the right product.
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You’ll have better conversations with your contractor during a roof replacement.
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You can balance cost, durability, and style more effectively.
Knowledge gives you the power to make smart investments in your home.
Choosing Asphalt Shingles for Michigan Homes
If you live in Michigan, asphalt shingles remain one of the smartest roofing choices. They work well in snowy winters, rainy springs, and hot summers. Contractors across Metro Detroit stock them in large quantities, so you never wait long for a roof replacement.
Asphalt shingles also improve curb appeal, raise property value, and help your home blend with the styles of nearby houses. Whether you choose a classic three-tab option or an upscale architectural design, shingles give you flexibility and reliability at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Manufacturers design asphalt shingles with homeowners in mind. From fiberglass mats to asphalt coating, from colorful granules to tough quality tests, every step ensures shingles will protect your home for decades.
Next time you look at a roof in Canton, Novi, or Ann Arbor, you’ll know the hidden process that went into making each shingle strong, waterproof, and stylish. Asphalt shingles may look simple, but the engineering behind them makes them one of the most trusted roofing products in America.