What Are Roof Shingles Made Of?

Ever wondered what keeps your roof standing strong against Florida’s wild weather—those torrential rains, blazing sun, and gusty storms? It all comes down to your shingles. If you’re a homeowner in Central Florida, knowing what are roof shingles made of can help you appreciate how they protect your home—and spot when something’s off. Curious about your roof’s shingles?

Contact Pro Dry Roofing at (352) 669-6607 for expert answers! Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s up there.

Core Components of Roof Shingles

Shingles aren’t just random slabs—they’re built with layers that work together to keep water out and your home safe. So, what are roof shingles made of at their core? Most start with a base, then pile on protective and finishing touches. Here’s the rundown:

  • Base Layer: Usually fiberglass or organic felt (like heavy paper). Fiberglass is lighter and fire-resistant, while organic felt is heavier and less common these days.
  • Asphalt: This waterproof glue coats the base, making shingles tough against leaks. It’s the backbone of most shingles.
  • Granules: Tiny ceramic or mineral bits stuck on top. They shield the asphalt from UV rays, add color, and help shingles last longer.
  • Sealant Strips: Sticky lines on the back that bond shingles to each other when the sun heats them up, locking out wind and rain.

These parts team up to fight off Florida’s humidity and storms. Without them, your roof wouldn’t stand a chance.

Types of Shingle Materials

Not all shingles are the same—what they’re made of changes how they perform.

  • Asphalt Shingles: The most popular pick. They use a fiberglass or organic base coated with asphalt and granules. They’re budget-friendly and come in shades to match any home, but they wear out faster in brutal heat.
  • Composite Shingles: These mix fiberglass, asphalt, and extras like polymers. They’re built to handle tough weather and often look like wood or slate without the hefty price tag.
  • Organic Shingles: Old-school style with a felt base soaked in asphalt. They’re heavier and soak up more water, so they’re fading out compared to fiberglass.
  • Architectural Shingles: Thicker and layered, these use beefed-up fiberglass and asphalt. They’re pricier but shrug off high winds and last decades.

Choosing shingles with the right makeup can make a big difference. For more roofing tips, visit Pro Dry Roofing.

How Pro Dry Roofing Can Help

At Pro Dry Roofing, we know shingles inside and out—how they’re built, what they’re made of, and how they hold up in Central Florida’s climate.

Whether your roof’s got standard asphalt or fancy architectural shingles, we’ve got the know-how to keep it solid. Need help figuring out what’s on your roof or how it’s holding up? Give us a shout at (352) 669-6607—we’ll check it out and explain your options plain and simple.

Keep Your Roof in Top Shape

Understanding what are roof shingles made of gives you the upper hand—whether it’s the asphalt keeping leaks at bay, granules fighting the sun, or a fiberglass base holding it all together. Different materials mean different strengths, and knowing what’s on your roof helps you plan for its future.

Pro Dry Roofing’s here to make it easy—we’ll show you what you’ve got and keep it strong. Know your shingles and keep your roof solid—call us at (352) 669-6607 or email info@prodryroofingllc.com for a free quote today!

Ready for a Stronger Roof?

Contact Pro Dry Roofing today for a free consultation. Let’s build a roof that’s built to last.

PDR installing roofs

Frequently ask question

Most are, but not all. Asphalt’s the main waterproofing ingredient, though some specialty shingles skip it for other mixes.

Fiberglass is lighter and resists fire better; organic uses felt, which is heavier and less popular now.

They block UV damage, add color, and make shingles tougher against wear.

Look at the edges or granules—fiberglass is thin and uniform, organic’s thicker. We can confirm it for you.

Yep! Architectural shingles can hit 50 years, while basic asphalt might tap out at 15-20.