In the past, when asphalt shingles were removed from a roof, they would usually be placed in a landfill. However, in recent years, new technologies have been developed and asphalt shingles can now be removed from your home and recycled to keep shingles out of landfills.
Asphalt Shingles Are Frequently Replaced
Asphalt shingles are very inexpensive. However, one of the problems with these types of shingles is that they do not last very long and will need to be removed and replaced with new shingles every couple of decades.
What Asphalt Shingles Are Made Of
Asphalt shingles are made with various organic materials such as paper and wood. They are then covered with asphalt and granules. Asphalt shingles made with fiberglass are more expensive but also last longer. However, substantial wind and rain damage can cause the life of any asphalt shingle to be shortened if measures aren't taken to repair and replace damaged shingles.
Asphalt Shingling Methods
In the past, the asphalt shingles removed from roofs were used to make asphalt roads. The shingles would be turned into an additive that would then be used as a hot patch for fixing potholes. They are broken down using special grinders that are meant to be used with abrasive materials. The lower sections of the pothole are filled with large particles and the top layers are filled with smaller particles.
However, only a small percentage of the asphalt could actually be used to make roads. In contrast, residential roofing contractors now have a method that allows them to install shingles made out of recycled asphalt and can recycle a much greater percentage of the asphalt used.
New Roofs Can Be Made Using Asphalt Shingles
The residential roofing contractor is able to use the used asphalt shingles to create briquettes without reducing the quality of the shingle. They can then be used to make new shingles that can be added to a residential home.
The Importance of Recycling
Recycling is great for the environment because it keeps shingles from filling up landfills. Less energy and resources need to be used to create new asphalt shingles, and this leads to less of a need to mine natural resources and also leads to a reduction in carbon emissions.
If you are not sure if your shingles will be recycled, make sure to ask your residential roofing contractor. They will explain how your shingles will be disposed of and whether there are any recycled shingles available for your home.
Contact a residential roofing contractor to learn more.
