How Are Asphalt Shingles Made? Wichita Roofing Breakdown

The questions always come in waves:
“How are asphalt shingles made?”
“What are asphalt shingles made of?”
“Do they actually hold up in Kansas weather—or am I setting myself up for a roof replacement every 10 years?”

We get these all the time at Rhoden Roofing LLC. And listen, we love that you’re asking—because most homeowners wait until they’re standing in the rain holding a bucket before they start thinking about their roof.

Let’s fix that. Today we’re diving into what asphalt shingles are really made of, how they’re produced, and why they might (or might not) be right for your home in Wichita. I’ll walk you through it, step-by-step, without the roofing jargon or fluff. Just useful info you can actually act on.

Let’s get into it.

Why Even Consider Asphalt Shingles?

First, why do asphalt shingles come up in nearly every roofing conversation?

Because they work.

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in North America. They’re cost-effective, weather-resistant, easy to install, and they look great from the curb. More importantly? They perform really well when installed properly—especially in cities like Wichita where wind, hail, and temperature swings are a fact of life.

That said, not all shingles are created equal. So if you’re going to invest in a new roof, you should know what you’re actually paying for.

What Are Asphalt Shingles Made Of?

Let’s take a look under the hood. A standard asphalt shingle is built in layers—each one serving a specific purpose.

1. Fiberglass Mat (The Structural Base)

At the core of every asphalt shingle is a fiberglass mat. This gives the shingle its strength and flexibility. The fiberglass is made of thin strands of glass woven into a mat. It’s light, strong, and fire-resistant.

Think of it as the skeleton of the shingle—it holds everything else together.

(And no, this isn’t old-school roofing felt. Modern fiberglass mats are far superior in durability and resistance to the elements.)

2. Asphalt Coating (The Waterproofing Powerhouse)

Next, the fiberglass mat is saturated and coated with refined asphalt. This step is key—this is where waterproofing happens.

This layer is what keeps the rain, snow, and Kansas hail from sneaking into your attic. The asphalt is flexible enough to expand and contract with temperature swings, which is essential for a place like Wichita where it’s 28°F in the morning and 78°F by dinner.

3. Mineral Granules (The Armor & Style Layer)

You know that gritty texture on your shingles? Those are mineral granules—and they’re doing a lot more than adding color.

Here’s what they do:

• Block UV rays (which extends the life of the shingle)
• Add fire resistance
• Provide color and curb appeal
• Help resist wear from foot traffic and hail impact

These granules are often ceramic-coated and designed to withstand extreme weather. Some even reflect solar heat to keep your home cooler.

4. Back Surfacing (The Functional Finishing Touch)

Finally, a thin layer of sand or talc is applied to the back of the shingle to prevent them from sticking together in the packaging. Not flashy, but it matters. Good packaging = less damage = fewer issues during installation.

So, that’s the anatomy of an asphalt shingle. But now let’s talk about how they’re made.

How Are Asphalt Shingles Made?

If you picture some factory worker hand-pouring asphalt over shingles, let me stop you right there. Today’s shingles are made with laser precision in high-speed manufacturing facilities designed to crank out millions of square feet of product each year.

Here’s the simplified version of the production line:

Step 1: Unroll the Base Mat

Giant rolls of fiberglass matting are loaded onto the production line. These are the backbone of the shingle and set the stage for the rest of the build.

Step 2: Saturate with Asphalt

The mat is saturated with hot asphalt—think 400°F liquid tar. This creates a waterproof barrier and preps the mat for the next layer.

Step 3: Apply Mineral Granules

While the asphalt is still hot and tacky, granules are dropped onto the surface and pressed into the asphalt with giant rollers. If the manufacturer offers designer styles (like wood-shake lookalikes), this is where custom granule blends are used to create the visual effect.

Step 4: Cool, Cut, Stack

Once the asphalt cools and solidifies, the massive roll is trimmed into individual shingles, stacked in bundles, and packaged. Those bundles are then shipped to roofing suppliers and contractors—like Rhoden Roofing—across the country.

And that’s how asphalt shingles are made.

But Are They Any Good in Wichita?

Here’s the thing about Wichita: your roof has to deal with it all—hail, wind, heat, humidity, snow, and ice.

Good news: asphalt shingles are built for that. But you’ve got to choose the right type and install them the right way.

Here’s what we recommend to most Wichita homeowners:

• Use Class 4 impact-rated shingles if your home is prone to hailstorms (this can also lower your insurance premiums).
• Choose architectural shingles over 3-tab. They’re thicker, more dimensional, and last longer.
• Work with a contractor who understands our local climate, codes, and roofing challenges.

At Rhoden Roofing LLC, we’ve worked on thousands of roofs in Wichita. We know what works—and we’re not afraid to tell you if something doesn’t.

Are All Asphalt Shingles Created Equal?

Absolutely not.

There’s a massive difference between budget-grade shingles slapped on by a low-bid contractor and premium, manufacturer-backed shingles installed by a certified roofing crew.

If you’re comparing estimates and one seems too good to be true—it probably is.

Here’s what you want to look for:

• Manufacturer certifications (GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred, etc.)
• Workmanship warranties (we offer a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty)
• Proper ventilation plans (this is critical in prolonging the life of your roof)
• Ice and water shielding in valleys and vulnerable spots

Don’t settle for the cheapest. Settle for the smartest.

Why Rhoden Roofing LLC?

We’ve been roofing homes in Wichita for over a decade. We live here. We build here. And we back our work with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.

When you work with us, you get:

• Local pros who know what your roof needs
• No upselling, no scare tactics—just facts
• High-quality materials that actually perform
• A clean, respectful crew that shows up and gets the job done right

We’re not just trying to win your business. We’re trying to earn your trust—for this roof and the next one.

Next Steps: Let’s Talk

If you’re thinking about a roof replacement—or even just curious about your options—schedule a free consultation with us.

No pressure. No nonsense. Just a friendly conversation with real advice from real roofers.

We’ll walk your roof, show you your options, and help you decide what makes sense based on your home, your budget, and your long-term plans.

Because whether your roof lasts 10 years or 30 isn’t just about the shingle. It’s about who puts it on.

Call Rhoden Roofing LLC today and let’s make sure your next roof is built to last.