DESCRIPTION: Asphalt, a petroleum by-product, is an inexpensive roofing material made from asphalt saturated fiberglass or paper mat with tiny stone-like colored chips embedded in the surface. These chips serve two purposes: to protect the petroleum based mat from UV rays, and to give the shingle its color and dimension. Available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and price ranges from inexpensive strips to premium laminates.

ADVANTAGES:

• inexpensive
• commonly available
• large selection of colors, types, manufacturers
• ability to walk on (but this may affect warranty)
• suitable for most residential applications from mobile homes to premium housing

DISADVANTAGES:

• deterioration begins early in product life-cycle as product sheds its protective granules
• susceptible to blow off in high winds
• scars easily when hot
• susceptible to mildew and moss
• environmentally unfriendly