Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles first were produced around 1901 and came into general use about 1910.  Around 1915, machinery was developed for roller-die cutting of granular roll roofing materials into irregular shapes on a continuous production line.  These new products were more fire resistant than wood shingles; offered more colors, shapes and patterns; and were less expensive.  Single unit shingles often were 12 inches by 16 inches (300 mm by 410 mm).  Early strip shingles were 10 inches to 13 1/2 inches (250 to 340 mm) by 36 inches (910 mm).

An asphalt shingle generally is composed of asphalt, fillers, a reinforcing mat and a granule surfacing.  They are available in a variety of colors, shapes and thicknesses.  Asphalt shingle roof systems typically are applied over wood decks, such as structural wood panels, wood boards or planks, and are attached to decks with nails.  An underlayment, positioned between asphalt shingles and a roof deck, is part of an asphalt shingle roof system.