What are Roofing Shingles?

Roofing shingles are flat or curved tiles that interlock and overlap in a way that channels water off a pitched roof. Shingles are made from materials that vary in cost, weight, durability, color, and architectural style. In roofing a house with tiles, one would want to consider their budget, climate, the roof's pitch, and how they would like the end result to compliment their home's design. The use of shingles is reserved for roofs with sloping sides that are steep enough to shed water into a gutter system by gravity alone. There are other roofing materials, such as metal flashing or sheets of PVC, that would be appropriate for flat or shallow roofs. Most problems with a new roof, like leaking, can be traced to improper installation, not flawed materials. Make sure you hire professional roofers to help you choose the appropriate tile. Then monitor their proper installation of special rafters, flashing, and the shingles themselves. Problems often arise around fireplace chimneys or othe ... more