About Roof Shingles

In addition to the practical functions that roof shingles provide, the look of shingles can add to a home's appeal. Since shingles have been around for a long time, a large variety of shingles has been developed, each type with its own positives and negatives.

Identification

Shingles are typically overlapping rectangles, most commonly made of asphalt. Shingles are usually placed on a slanting surface, with the bottom part of the higher shingle overlapping the top part of the lower shingle.

Function

Shingles on the roof of a house prevent various elements (such as light, rain, snow, sleet and cold air) from entering the house. Shingles are constructed in a slanting manner to encourage debris, rain and other weather elements to roll down the sides of the house.

History

Originally, shingles were made of wood. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these shingles were split from logs and quartered into wedges. In the industrial era, wood-cutting machinery made shingles affordable and uniform.

Types

Roof shingles come in a great number of varieties, each offering various benefits. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive, easy to repair and fire-resistant. Wood shingles are also easy to repair and natural-looking. The most durable shingles are metal shingles. More attractive shingles are made of tile. There are also environmentally friendly shingles that filter rain water.

Warning

Each type of shingle has its drawbacks. Some roof shingles can be quite expensive. Many others are environmentally unfriendly. Natural shingles have a tendency to rot. Metal shingles require periodic painting. Tile and slate shingles are very heavy. Environmentally friendly roofs are very expensive.