Are Organic Shingles Still Made?

Have you ever thought about the different materials used for roofs? Today, let’s talk about organic shingles. They have a fascinating history, and though they are no longer manufactured today, and haven’t been since 2008, they can still be found on many homes across the country. 

What Are Organic Shingles?

First things first, what exactly are organic shingles? Organic shingles were at one point one of the most popular roofing material options. They were made using organic materials, and many homes had them installed due to their classic look that never seems to go out of style.

Organic shingles were a kind of roofing material made from cellulose fiber, and other organic materials such as felt. To make them waterproof, these shingles are soaked in asphalt, then coated with more sticky asphalt and covered in ceramic granules. However, due to their composition, these shingles tend to catch fire easily. Many companies made these shingles for a while, but folks noticed they wore out early, especially in rough weather, and because of this, companies stopped producing them. 

That’s why people moved on to using fiberglass asphalt shingles since they are lighter and simpler to install. They don’t have a paper or felt base like organic ones and are usually cheaper. 

Why Are Organic Shingles Hard To Find?

In today’s residential shingle market, you won’t find organic asphalt shingles very easily. In fact, most, if not all manufacturers, have discontinued making them. But why? 

At first, the material composition of the shingles was favored by homeowners because they were made of organic materials and could help minimize landfill waste. However, many homeowners soon discovered that in particularly harsh weather, their organic shingles deteriorated earlier than expected. In fact, this led to many homeowners filing class action lawsuits against manufacturers, accusing them of misleading consumers about the lifespan of the shingles.  

Over time, fiberglass shingles with enhanced durability, gradually took the place of organic asphalt shingles in the industry and surpassed their popularity completely by 1982. Today, their use is almost obsolete, as technology has advanced and provided other material options for home and business owners to choose from. 

Are Organic Shingles Still In Production?

Though organic shingles are not as popular as they once were, what if you have a historical building or home that still utilizes them? And what do you do if you want to replace a damaged organic shingle on an old roof? 

Unfortunately, since fiberglass shingles are more durable and cost less, organic shingles are no longer produced. Instead, when a building with organic shingles becomes damaged, the entire roofing material needs to be replaced, as there are no longer organic shingles to replace individual missing shingles with. Luckily, if your roof experienced damage that was caused by a storm, you may be able to have your insurance cover the cost of repair or replacement. 

Alternatives To Organic Shingles

If you need to replace the organic shingles on your home or business, there are a bunch of new roofing options out there that offer better durability and a longer lifespan. 

1. Metal Roofs: These roofing materials are tough and can handle all types of crazy weather. It’s also a lightweight material, good for saving energy, and can be recycled.

2. Wooden/Cedar Shingles: These shingles give off a classic, rustic vibe that a lot of homeowners love. Plus, they’re good at keeping your home cozy.

3. Synthetic Asphalt Shingles: These shingles are a mix of fiberglass and plastic polymers, so they last a long time and can handle tough weather. They’re also great at resisting fires.

4. Slate: This roofing material is made from natural stone, so it’s strong, lasts a long time, and is fire-resistant. It’s also good at keeping your home comfy.

5. Composite Spanish Barrel Tiles: These are made from plastic and rubber while proving the look of natural clay. They’re lightweight, durable, and offer energy-efficient benefits.

Each of these choices provides a range of perks, giving you a lot of options to choose from to match your unique needs and style. 

Contact SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors for Professional Roofing Services

Organic shingles have had their time in the spotlight, but because of their lack of durability compared to other materials, their popularity soon came to an end as newer, more durable options, made their way onto the market. These types of shingles are now hard to find, or entirely discontinued by manufacturers, leaving many with no other option but to replace their old organic shingles with new, more sustainable materials.  

If you need your old organic asphalt shingles replaced, you can schedule a free roof inspection with the experienced team of SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors. Our team of professionals will help you find a new and improved roofing material to install on your home, and carry out the installation efficiently and effectively. 

If you live in Tampa, or the surrounding area of Florida, get started by giving us a call at (813) 400-3329 to schedule a detailed roof inspection and learn more about how we can help you!