Roof shingles are roof coverings that are flat and rectangular shaped arranged over the roof area in overlapping manner. The materials are laid in rows from the bottom to the edge way up into the top of the roof.
There are many materials used in roofing shingles, like wood which was traditionally used, ceramic, slate and aggregate or asphalt shingle.
When talking about materials like shake and tile sometimes associated to roofing shingles, shake is made up of wood while tiles are made of a ceramic material which is hard and brittle. There are different types of shingles available and each one providing with it own advantages, as follows.
Roofing Shingles in Grey Color...
(This Picture is contributed by "Mukul")
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are the more commonly used material for shingles because it fairly easy to install and much more inexpensive than other shingle materials. There are two types of shingles, the organic shingles and the fiberglass shingles. For organic shingles, they are mostly made out of waste paper soaked in asphalt to make it water proof. Then adhesive asphalt is coated, and after this application, ceramic granules are embedded. This type of roofing shingle is more popular in the U.S. because of its relatively easy installation and low cost. It is also lighter and resistant to wind and other external factors that may tamper the roof shingle.
Asphalt Shingles are More Popular...
Note: - Due to increase stake of fire, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles have become more common than paper-based shingle
Fiberglass shingles
Fiberglass shingle is a type of asphalt shingle; it comes with a new concept in roofing industry. These shingles made out of fiberglass mats that provide a substitute of mats. These shingles comes with lots of it own importance. These shingles are very light in weight and it is fire resistance. Fiberglass shingles available in market with the warranties provided by the manufacturers like storms, snow, ice and foot passage. The most important is it is very easy to install. For the installation of these shingles there is no need for professional advice.
Fiberglass Shingles Looking More Beautiful...
Although the fiberglass shingles comes with lots of warranties and features but also have a few typical problems. One of the major problems is thermal splitting. The installer should follow the instructions carefully, in relation to nailing and placement to increase the stability of fiberglass shingles.
Metal shingles
Metal shingles usually come from aluminum, lead, copper, zinc and tin. This type of roofing shingles have many advantages, aside from being durable, it is resistant to hail, fire and wind. Usually, commercial buildings use metal shingles. Aluminum is one kind of metal shingle that has a long life-span but the only disadvantage it has is it is much more expensive than other types of shingle materials.
Metal Roofing Shingles.
(This Picture is contributed by "Jaspal Kapoor")
Wood shingles/ Cedar Shingles
This kind of roofing shingles are usually made out of cedar or redwood. Traditionally, in the 17th and 18th century, the method of making wooden shingles involved hand splitting heartwood or the inner section of the log into log section or bolts. These bolts are further split into wedges. Wood shingles were extensively used by the Dutch, English, Germans, Scandinavians and North Americans in the early settlements. In these countries, different shape, size, exposure and length of shingles have been developed. Wood roofing shingles have a handsome appearance. When chemically treated with preservatives, it can last long and can be inflammable.
Cedar Roofing Shingles...
(This Picture is contributed by "Satish")
Slate shingles
Although expensive but it is one of most popular shingles due to its refined and stylish roofing material. Slate roofing shingles are available in kinds of textures, colors, features and styles. This makes the slate roofing to be most sophisticated. They also provide better safety against insects, fire and water rejection. If the nailing and placement will be in correct manner and natural slate, it give the more durability to these slate roofing. Make sure that your house roof can hold out the weight of slates, as the slate is too heavy.
Slate Shingles used for both Roofing and for Wall.
Solar shingles
Solar shingles provide the power back-up without using large panel on the roofs. Solar shingles are look and install similar to other shingles. These roofing shingles let your roof protection from weather as it overlaps the weather effect. Solar shingles can absorb the huge amount of heat. Solar shingles are the good source of solar electric power. There are a number of varieties of solar shingle available in the market and they are in dark purplish, blue color. Solar shingles can also use as a backup source of electricity.
Solar Shingles in Light Blue Color..
Concrete shingles
Originally, concrete shingles contain asbestos for fireproofing of the roof material, but were later removed when asbestos was found to have effects on the health of the building occupants. Today, concrete roofing shingles are more widely used because of its lesser cost in maintenance and its resistance to extreme weather, fire and shattering.
Concrete Shingles giving an elegant look to exterior..
Rubber shingles
These are the newest type of material to be used in roofing. It is equally reliable with the usual roofing shingles and also simulates the natural look off traditional roof shingles. It is easy to install, less expensive, resistant to fire, protects the roof from extreme elements and is environmentally beneficial since they are remodeled from used tires.
Rubber Roofing Shingle...
For roofing shingles, we have many different materials to choose from. They have remained popular because of their many advantages, both on the functional and aesthetic benefits. Continuous development for improving the techniques and methods of manufacturing roofing shingles is being done, giving way to more cost-effective roofing materials.
Some more pictures of Roofing Shingles:
Wall Cladding with Shingles
A Lovely Exterior with Roofing Shingles...