Answer :
GAF makes fiberglass shingles because they offer superior durability, longevity, and resistance to weather conditions, while also being environmentally friendly due to their use of recycled materials.
GAF, a leading roofing manufacturer, makes fiberglass shingles for several important reasons related to their properties and benefits:
- Strength and Durability: Fiberglass, when mixed with synthetic resin, forms a strong, durable material. The inherent high strength of fiberglass ensures that the shingles can withstand various weather conditions, such as strong winds and heavy rain, maintaining their integrity over time.
- Lightweight: Fiberglass shingles are relatively lightweight compared to other roofing materials. This makes them easier to handle and install, reducing labor costs and time.
- Thermal Insulation: Like fiberglass batts used for wall and ceiling insulation, fiberglass shingles also help in preventing heat transfer. This improves the energy efficiency of the building, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Fire Resistance: Fiberglass is a non-combustible material, which enhances the fire resistance of the roof. This is a crucial safety feature, reducing the risk of fire damage to homes.
- Cost-Effective: Fiberglass shingles are generally more cost-effective than other roofing materials like slate or wood. They provide a good balance between affordability and performance.
- Aesthetics: They can be manufactured in various colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose a look that complements their home’s architecture.
Final answer:
GAF makes fiberglass shingles due to the material's high strength, durability, and lightweight properties, which are enhanced by mixing with synthetic resins. These shingles contribute to the insulation of buildings and offer improved impact resistance, making them a reliable roofing material.
Explanation:
GAF utilizes the inherent high strength of fibrous glass for manufacturing fiberglass shingles. Fiberglass is often mixed with synthetic resins, which protect the fibers from scratches and ensure the strength of the fibers is maintained. This is particularly important in applications like boats, automobile bodies, and building materials such as shingles. The lightweight yet sturdy nature of fiberglass shingles makes them an excellent choice for roofing materials, providing durability and strength without adding excessive weight to building structures.
Moreover, in addition to strength, the impact resistance of articles with glass fibers is enhanced through mixing the fibers with solutions like ethenylbenzene (styrene) to create a cross-linked polymer that reinforces the strength of the material. This polymerization process is crucial for the impact resistance characteristic of fiberglass shingles, making them resistant to wear and environmental factors.
Furthermore, fiberglass shingles contribute to insulation of buildings. Just like how fiberglass batts are used for insulating walls and ceilings to prevent unnecessary heat transfer, fiberglass shingles help in maintaining the energy efficiency of homes by adding an additional layer of insulation to the roof.
