Asphalt Shingle Roofs
An asphalt shingle is a fiberglass mat soaked in asphalt and covered with ceramic-coated granules, and the granules protect the asphalt from the sun. Without a surface of mineral granules, the asphalt beneath would dry and crack in a short time, so a handful of grit in a downspout tells a story.
Flat shingles of this style are economical but wear out sooner than thicker kinds, and a little care goes a long way. Most new roofs on houses today use architectural shingles, which look richer and resist wind better, so there is something for most houses. The top of the range offers the richest textures and the greatest thickness, and the added weight is a benefit in wind.
