Overview
Shingles are roof covers consisting of individual overlapping elements which are basically of flat rectangular shapes laid in courses from the bottom edge in a successive overlapping structure toward the top of the roof. Shingles can be made of various materials such as wood, slate, flagstone, fiber cement, metal, plastic and composite material such as asphalt shingles i.e. basically of materials available locally. Roof shingles are the most important aspect of any construction as they are highly visible that decides the roof pitch and construction method.
- Asphalt Shingles: These are the most common roofing product used as these can be easily installed, durable, versatile and the most affordable one. These kinds of shingles are protected by natural oils, these oils soften when it rains thus improving durability by reducing from shrinkage. They perform well in extreme temperatures and areas where wind, water and ice are prevalent. Asphalt shingles are easily repaired if damaged.
Major categories of asphalt shingles are:- Strip Asphalt Roofing Shingles
- Dimensional Asphalt Roofing Shingles
- Premium Asphalt Roofing Shingles
- Wood Shingles: Wood shingles are mostly of two types known shingles and shakes based on the different of how they are manufactured. These are not commonly used one as they can contribute to fires. Red cedar, cypress, pine and redwood trees are the most common trees used to build these shingles. They are used mainly in areas that experience high winds or hails. Wood based shingles are exceptional properties, including defect free straight grain, dimensional stability, low weight (low density), impenetrability to fluids and probably most important decay resistance, derived from natural substances found within the wood.
- Stone Shingles: Stone shingles also known as slate shingles has the best feature of longevity which provide a great look on different home styles. These have scored a higher rating for its fire resistance. One of the shingles which can be adopted as part of GO GREEN THOUGHTS. They are relatively expensive to install but has a durability between 80 to 400 years as the material used does not deteriorate. Stone shingles can be cut in a variety of decorative patterns and are available in several colours. Some stone shingles are fastened in place but some simply are held by gravity so the roof pitch cannot be too steep or the stones will slide off the roof. Sandstone has also been used to make shingles.
- Fiber Cement Shingles: Fiber cement shingles are used to cover the exterior of a building which requires extra precautions and disposal methods. Fiber cement shingles looks like a wood however is a composite material made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers as a replacement for asbestos – based building products. These are straight pieces that normally are heavier than wood siding. Although flexible it needs to be handled with care otherwise it might get damaged.
- Metal Shingles: Metal shingles are made from metal piece which is extremely fire resistance, so are used in fire prone areas and very durable in cold regions. These shingles are in the form of corrugated galvanized steel and still find applications today in parts of the developing world. This is 100% recyclable and is safe due to its inflammable or incombustible properties thus lowering the risk of a fire. Metal shingles can be used for both residential and commercial buildings. Metals such as galvanized steel, copper and aluminium are the major components of these shingles.
- Plastic Shingles: Plastic shingles are the most lightweight shingles which is infrangible but comustible and most importantly cheapest one to be installed. These shingles are incredibly durable meeting requirements such high breakage resistance. Easy to cut odd shapes without the silicosis hazards of sawing concrete or stone tiles. These lightweight roof tiles are tested and available for new or re-roofing on all types of roofs.
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