How Are Old Asphalt Shingles Recycled?

When it comes to exterior replacement and maintaining the integrity of your home, roofing is a crucial aspect to consider. Quality One Roofing Inc recognizes not only the importance of roof repair and roofing restoration but also the value of sustainability practices such as asphalt shingle recycling. In this post, let’s delve into the process that transforms old asphalt shingles into new, useful materials, contributing to a healthier environment.

Asphalt Shingle Recycling

Asphalt shingles, a popular choice among homeowners for their affordability and durability, are not merely replaceable but also recyclable. When a roof undergoes repair or restoration, the removed shingles can be repurposed instead of crowding landfills. In many parts of the country, roofing restoration projects have embraced the practice of asphalt shingle recycling.

Contrary to common perceptions, not all construction waste has to end up in landfills. Asphalt shingles contain valuable materials that can be extracted and repurposed, minimizing environmental impact and even saving on raw materials.

From Roof to Road

After shingles are removed, they head to a recycling center rather than a landfill. There, they are processed and transformed into a viable aggregate for road construction. A trusted roofing contractor actively ensures these materials enter the recycling stream, thus diverting significant waste from landfills.

The most common fate for recycled shingles is to become part of the pavement that we drive on. Both public and private roads, driveways, and parking lots can all benefit from the addition of reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS). Not only does this help in creating more sustainable infrastructure, but it also preserves virgin asphalt, which is a non-renewable resource.

The Lifespan of Pavement Materials

Recycled shingles contribute to longer-lasting pavement solutions. The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) reported that incorporating nearly 2 million tons of RAS saved approximately 2.2 million barrels of virgin asphalt in 2014 alone. 

These shingles are initially sorted to rid them of non-asphalt materials, then ground into specified grades suitable for their next purpose. While larger particles strengthen the base layer of new roads, finely ground particles make up the top layers, allowing for a robust infrastructure.

Benefits Beyond the Environmental Aspect

The impact of asphalt shingle recycling extends beyond environmental benefits. It also has economic advantages by reducing material costs for road repairs and new construction projects. Moreover, the process generates additional employment opportunities in the recycling sector, contributing to the economy.

Quality One Roofing Inc offers roof repair or roofing restoration services. We take pride in knowing that our choices have a positive ripple effect, from preserving the aesthetic and structural integrity of homes to contributing to a greener planet. Give us a call at (888) 301-7663 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.