What is wrong with this canned description statement? "Asphalt Composition Shingles. These consist of a cellulose mat, asphalt impregnated with colored gravel on the surface."

There are two types of asphalt shingles widely-used: organic and fiberglass or glass fiber .

Organic (Cellulose) Asphalt shingles are generally ground paper (waste paper) saturated with asphalt to make a waterproof mat, then a top coating of adhesive asphalt is applied and mineral granules are then embedded for decoration and UV protection.

Fiberglass asphalt shingles are manufactured similar to organic shingles with the use of fiberglass instead of cellulose creating a reinforcing mat, to which is applied asphalt and mineral granules. They are typically thinner than the Organic shingles.

The standard 3-tab Fiberglass Asphalt based shingles used on your home should be compliant with ASTM D-3462 standards, and the 3-tab Organic based shingles used on your home should be compliant with ASTM D-225.asphalt shingles, also known as composite or fiberglass , are made by infusing a paper or fiberglass base with asphalt. Then one side is sprayed with even more granules of a mineral of the desired color. A dependable choice, they are affordable and last 15-20 years.

As you can see the fiberglass and organic based shingles look the same. You can not distinguish between the two without dissecting and evaluating the shingle. When performing a visual inspection, the inspection is not physically exhaustive.

Composite shingle replications are another option for homeowners. Though this type of composite roof shingle only accounts for a small percentage of all shingles sold, the numbers are rapidly growing every year.

Architectural shingles are nothing more than specialized asphalt shingles. They have a heavier base than the traditional asphalt shingles. This base is made of either fiberglass or some organic material and is coated with asphalt. They are also coated with colored granules to add texture. These shingles are heavier, more durable and offer a visual effect to the roof surface. All of these features add up to make architectural shingles more expensive than other roofing shingles. As well as a better appearance, laminate shingles have a higher wind warranty than a traditional three-tab shingle. With at least two layers laminated, or sealed, together under specific factory conditions laminate shingles give the most protection. The higher end laminates are triple laminated to provide even more layers of coverage.

When performing a visual inspection it is not easily discerned if the shingles are organic, fiberglass or composite as they all appear the same. However they are all Asphalt shingles and that is how I would describe in my report. Most are 3-tab however some are octagons so I would include the 3-tab in my description. Architectural or dimensional shingles do over a different appearance and should be identified as such. The dimensional shingles come with a 25 to 50 year warranty depending on the brand used.