Asphalt shingle
Asphalt shingles are a widely used, affordable roofing cover in North America.
Asphalt shingles are wall or roof coverings that rely on asphalt to keep water out. They are a popular choice for roofing across North America, mainly because the initial cost is low and installation is straightforward.
Henry Reynolds of Grand Rapids, Michigan, invented asphalt shingles in the United States. They first appeared in 1903, became common in parts of the U.S. by 1911, and by 1939, production had reached 11 million squares (100 million square meters). Their popularity grew in the 1920s, helped by a U.S. National Board of Fire Underwriters campaign that discouraged wood shingles. The concept started in 1893 with a product called asphalt prepared roofing, similar to roll roofing but without surface granules. In 1897, slate granules were added to improve durability. Other tested granule materials included mica, oyster shells, dolomite, fly-ash, silica, and clay. By 1901, the material was being cut into strips for one-tab and multi-tab shingles.
Early shingles used organic felt, mostly made from cotton rag, as the base. When cotton rag became more expensive in the 1920s, alternatives like wool, jute, manila, and wood pulp were used. In 1926, the Asphalt Shingle and Research Institute, working with the National Bureau of Standards, tested 22 experimental felts and found no major performance differences. Self-sealing and manually applied adhesives were introduced in the 1950s to reduce wind damage. The standard required these adhesive strips to fully bond after sixteen hours at 140°F (60°C). Also in the 1950s, tests showed that 3/4-inch (19 mm) staples could work as well as roofing nails, though six staples were needed compared to four nails. Fiberglass mat bases appeared in 1960 but had limited success; they were lighter and more flexible but more prone to wind damage, especially in freezing temperatures. Later fiberglass shingles, replacing asbestos, offered good durability and fire resistance. In the 1960s, research found that hail damage occurs when hailstones are larger than 1.5 inches (38 mm).
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) created a High Wind Task Force in 1990 to improve wind resistance. In 1996, a partnership involving the U.S. property insurance industry, the Institute of Business and Home Safety, and Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) developed the UL 2218 impact resistance classification system, setting a national standar
- inventor
- Henry Reynolds
- year_first_used
- 1903
- year_general_use
- 1911
- production_1939
- 11 million squares (100 million square meters)
- base_materials
- organic and fiberglass
- common_designs
- architectural (dimensional) and three-tab
Lore & Background
The forerunner of asphalt shingles was developed in 1893 and called asphalt prepared roofing, similar to asphalt roll roofing without surface granules. In 1897 slate granules were added to the surface for durability, and in 1901 the material was first cut into strips for use as one-tab and multi-tab shingles. All shingles were organic at first, with felt base materials including cotton rag, wool, jute, manila, and wood pulp. In 1926, the Asphalt Shingle and Research Institute with the National Bureau of Standards tested 22 types of experimental felts and found no significant differences in performance.
In the 1950s, self-sealing and manually applied adhesives began to be used to prevent wind damage. Fiberglass mat bases were introduced in 1960 with limited success, as they proved more susceptible to wind damage, especially at freezing temperatures. Later generations using fiberglass instead of asbestos provided acceptable durability and fireproofing. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association formed the High Wind Task Force in 1990 to improve wind resistance. In 1996, a partnership created the UL 2218 impact resistance classification system, leading insurers to offer discounted premiums for class 4 roofs.
Reader's Guide
Asphalt shingles have been a dominant roofing material in North America for over a century, valued for their low upfront cost and ease of installation. Their development from organic felt bases to fiberglass mats improved fire resistance and durability. The introduction of self-sealing adhesives in the 1950s and impact resistance standards in the 1990s addressed wind and hail damage, influencing insurance discounts. Two main types exist: organic shingles (discontinued by most manufacturers by the late 2000s) and fiberglass shingles, which became more common after 1982. Architectural (dimensional) shingles offer longer warranties and a more natural look than three-tab shingles, which are lighter and cheaper but have shorter lifespans. The material's qualities—wind resistance (classified by ASTM D7158), fire ratings, and impact resistance—are standardized, and additives like styrene-butadiene-styrene improve pliability and hail resistance. Asphalt shingles remain a practical choice for steep-slope roofs, though shallower slopes require alternative roofing.
Did You Know?
- Asphalt shingles were first used in 1903, invented by Henry Reynolds of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- By 1939, 11 million squares (100 million square meters) of asphalt shingles were being produced.
- Fiberglass mat bases were introduced in 1960 but initially had limited success due to wind damage susceptibility.
- The UL 2218 impact resistance classification system, established in 1996, led to insurance premium discounts for class 4 roofs.
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