From fiberglass mats to fire ratings: Understanding asphalt shingles from the inside out

By The Coffee Shops®.

From fire ratings to moss management, this session covered the details every roofing professional should know.

At the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) Women in Roofing Day in Tukwila, Washington, attendees gained a deeper understanding of one of the industry's most widely used roofing systems during the breakout session, “Understanding Asphalt Shingles,” presented by PABCO Roofing Products' Lori Jerome and Eric Johnston.

The session explored the evolution of asphalt shingles, beginning with the hand-cut paper-based shingles used in the early 1900s.

Lori explained how the industry progressed to three-tab shingles in the 1930s before transitioning to the architectural laminated shingles that dominate today's residential roofing market. Modern roofing products now include enhanced performance and designer shingles that offer improved weather resistance, aesthetics and durability.

A key focus of the presentation was the role of Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), an industry organization that provides educational resources, installation guidance and market data. Eric highlighted ARMA's free installation manual as a valuable tool for training new roofing professionals and learning industry terminology.

The presenters also walked attendees through the manufacturing process of an asphalt shingle. Today's shingles are built on a fiberglass mat, which is coated with asphalt to provide water-shedding protection. Colored granules are then applied to shield the asphalt from ultraviolet rays while also creating the product's appearance. Together, these components work to deliver flexibility, weather protection and curb appeal.

For contractors, understanding homeowner priorities is essential. According to Lori and Eric, homeowners typically focus on appearance, performance, cost, value and peace of mind. Common questions often center on shingle longevity, color options, weather resistance, maintenance requirements and warranty coverage.

The session also covered the different categories of asphalt shingles, including traditional three-tab, architectural and designer products. Designer shingles often mimic the look of cedar shake or natural slate while providing the benefits of asphalt roofing systems.

Performance testing was another major topic. Eric reviewed how manufacturers evaluate wind resistance, impact resistance, fire performance and granule adhesion. He also discussed the growing importance of Class A fire-rated roofing systems as wildfire concerns continue to increase across the western United States.

Closer to home, the presenters addressed a common Pacific Northwest challenge: moss. Eric emphasized that algae-resistant shingles are not the same as moss-resistant shingles and encouraged contractors to educate homeowners about ongoing roof maintenance, especially in shaded environments where moisture and organic growth are more prevalent.

The session concluded with a discussion on installation best practices and warranties. The presenters stressed the importance of proper nail placement, ventilation and documentation, noting that these factors can significantly affect both roof performance and warranty coverage. Their message was clear: product knowledge, proper installation and transparent communication with homeowners are key to long-term roofing success.