Shingle Roofs
The common residential shingle starts as a reinforcing mat, which is coated with asphalt and then surfaced with mineral granules, and each part has a job to do. Stone granules reflect part of the sun and keep the asphalt from baking, so a handful of grit in a downspout tells a story.
The basic strip shingle is a simple product with a simple appearance, and a little care goes a long way. Dimensional shingles imitate the look of shake or slate at a modest cost, so there is something for most houses. The top of the range offers the richest textures and the greatest thickness, and the framing should be checked before choosing the heaviest types.
